HRA - 2012 JP Stratton Award - Rob Merola

Rob Merola (SEW Eurodrive) - recipient of the JP Stratton Award.

The 2012 Annual General Meeting of Harness Racing Australia (HRA) unanimously ratified recommendations from the HRA Executive to present the JP Stratton Award for the first time since 2010.

The JP Stratton Award is the industry’s most prestigious and rarely presented merit award, and is awarded to people who have made significant achievement, leadership, distinction, eminence, repute, renown, foresight, initiative, innovation and creativity over a significant period of time.

In announcing Mr. Merola as the winner of this award, HRA Chairman, Mr. Geoff Want paid tribute to his service to the industry in all states. 

“Rob Merola, through his company SEW-Eurodrive, has been a consistent supporter of the harness racing industry across numerous levels for a long period of time,” Mr. Want commented.  

“The name of Rob Merola is etched into the annals of Harness Racing as a sponsor, owner, supporter, historian and administrator with a strong relationship spanning many, many years.   The SEW-Eurodrive brand is recognized across the nation via any number of races and carnivals throughout the racing calendar largely due to the passion that Rob has for our great sport. This support extends to all racing jurisdictions throughout the country,” he said.  

“This award is a well deserved acknowledgement by everyone in the industry for the exceptional contribution of Rob Merola.” Mr Want said.