A lifetime of dedication and service to the breeding industry has been acknowledged with the Pangrazio family from Rochester being honored with Harness Breeders Victoria’s prestigious Ian Daff Memorial Award. Growing up in Heathcote, brothers Michael and Dennis ventured into the world of harness racing by purchasing Junior Raider for a modest sum in the early 1960s. This initial foray sparked a deep passion for the sport, leading them to acquire a champion filly named Sheffield Thor in 1975, who went on to achieve remarkable success on the racetrack.
Sheffield Thor, a chestnut filly, became the cornerstone of Cottonwood Farms, a breeding operation established by the brothers in the early 1980s. Her offspring, including Earl Of Sheffield, Mindarie Priddy, and Waranga Drive, excelled in harness racing, earning significant accolades and prize money. The brothers’ move to Rochester in 1986 marked the beginning of separate breeding programs, with Michael and Dennis each achieving notable success in their endeavors.
Michael, along with his wife Fay under the banner of Staffordshire Park, bred several standout horses, such as Pascinelle, Tennotrump, and Brunelleschi. Meanwhile, Dennis produced impressive pacers like Our Luciano and Fields Of Honour, demonstrating the family’s enduring legacy in the sport. Neville, Michael’s son, and his wife Louise have also made significant contributions to the breeding industry, breeding horses like Broke As Usual and Needabacardi that have excelled on the racetrack.
The Pangrazio family’s commitment to breeding excellence spans generations, with Neville and Louise now breeding up to 15 mares annually and showcasing their stock at prestigious yearling sales. Reflecting on their journey, Neville remarked on the family’s enduring passion for breeding quality racehorses, with notable successes like Tennotrump standing out as cherished achievements.
The Ian Daff Memorial Award ceremony at Melton saw Jazzy Melea, bred by the late Barry Dunn, emerge victorious, highlighting the ongoing legacy of talented breeders in the industry. Mystery Fred, a promising trotter, and Isolation, a successful progeny of Misty Miller, further underscore the depth of talent and dedication within the breeding community.
The Pangrazio family’s recognition with the Ian Daff Memorial Award not only celebrates their outstanding contributions to the breeding industry but also serves as a testament to the enduring passion and dedication that underpins the world of harness racing. Through their unwavering commitment to excellence and a tradition of breeding exceptional racehorses, the Pangrazio family has left an indelible mark on the sport, embodying the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines harness racing.
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