New Zealand Rural Sports Awards

• Published date: 07 March 2024
• Publication title: Guardian, The

There are five categories this year, Rural Sportsman of the Year, Rural Sportswoman of the Year, Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award and the Lifetime Legacy Award

The awards are to take place in Palmerston North on Friday, during the weekend of the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.

Before that gala event takes place, you can get to know the finalists a little better below.

SPORTSWOMAN of the YEAR SAMANTHA OTTLEY

Harness Racing In 2023, Samantha Ottley made history in New Zealand’s harness racing scene.

In June last year, the Christchurch 32-year-old piloted Takemybreathaway to victory at Addington, marking her 678th career triumph and surpassing Nicky Chilcott as the country’s most successful female driver.

Later that year, she cemented her legacy by becoming the first New Zealand woman to reach 700 winners when Holly Highlander triumphed at Methven.

With notable victories like the group one win with Rocker Band at the 2016 Harness Jewels, Ottley excels on the track and serves as a role model off it, known for her work ethic and tactical acumen.

Week after week, she competes against the nation’s top drivers and horses, establishing herself as one of the best in the country.

Trainers seek her out for her ability to read races and optimise horse performance, and she generously mentors young drivers.

Ottley boasts an impressive record of 713 victories as of January 17, 2024.

She consistently ranks in the top 10 for wins each season and actively supports causes like Team Teal, raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer.

Ottley aspires to capture more group one victories and aims to reach the milestone of 1000 career wins to become the first woman to achieve this feat.

While Ottley’s life primarily revolves around horses, she cherishes spending time with friends and family outside of racing.

SACHA BOND

Shearing Piopio’s Sacha Bond, 30, has rewritten the record books in shearing sports, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.

On February 4, she set the world women’s eight-hour strong wool lamb record with an impressive tally of 601, followed by another milestone on December 19 with the world women’s nine-hour strong wool lamb record of 720.

These achievements showcase her exceptional skill and set new standards within the sport.

With over 40 competitions under her belt, Bond has consistently excelled in the shearing arena, overcoming challenges and claiming victories...