The finest talents and remarkable contributions within the Upper Hunter equine industry were recognised tonight, as the winners of the 2025 Warburton Estate Agents Scone Horse Festival VIP Awards were announced.
As special guests and horse enthusiasts filled the Pavillion of Arrowfield Stud for the festival’s VIP Opening Night, the three winners were announced, each representing excellence in their respective categories: Horse of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, and VIP of the Year. The winners were chosen by an expert panel of judges comprising festival life members Mike Pritchard, Jim Callinan, Bill Howey and newly anointed Life member Christine Smith. Congratulations to our winners and finalists whose notable efforts were celebrated tonight, and thank you to everyone who nominated them – we had our biggest number of nominations in 2025!
VIP 2025 – Tom Ollerton
A true Scone racing icon, Tom Ollerton has been a proud part of the Scone racing community his entire life. His career kicked off in the early 1960s as a jockey, which included a standout double win at the 1963 Scone Cup. Over the years, he rode for some of the region’s most respected trainers, like Frank Roughan, Eric Fleet, Scott and Jack Johnston and Dawn Kelly. From delivering bread by horse and cart for Boniface Bakery, to working at Bhima Stud and the railway Goods Shed, to shoeing racehorses as a skilled farrier, Tom’s deep-rooted connection to horses and to Scone is undeniable.
Tom later made his mark as a trainer, operating from Kingdon Street, Tyrone Stud, and eventually his own property on the New England Highway. He still trains a small team, rides his own trackwork, and helps fellow trainers with horse transport across the Hunter and beyond. With early winners like Secret Tom, Noble Blue, Pay on Demand and Kamala Lass, Tom built a reputation on dedication, grit and mateship. His legacy now continues through his children Rodney and Sandra—both successful trainers—and son Malcolm, who works with Chris Lees in Newcastle. Respected, hardworking, and endlessly generous, Tom Ollerton embodies the heart of Scone racing. For his lifelong service, community spirit and unshakeable passion for racing, we’re proud to honour him as our 2025 VIP of the Year.
Young Achiever 2025 – Ava Peel
Ava is a remarkable young horsewoman whose talent, humility, and dedication have set her apart. Known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and natural connection with horses, Ava has achieved phenomenal success in the show ring with horses she has developed herself—guided by her equally dedicated mum. In 2024, Ava achieved remarkable success at top events including the Sydney Royal, Canberra Royal, and ASH Youth Nationals. With her trusted horses, Boon Hill Boston and Gatton UQ Andrew, she secured multiple supreme titles, championships, and youth awards—often outperforming experienced adult riders. Her titles include Champion Youth Rider, Supreme Ridden ASH, and Most Versatile ASH Ridden by a Youth at Sydney Royal. Still just a junior, Ava’s hard work, passion and sportsmanship make her a shining example of the future of Australian horsemanship. We’re proud to honour Ava as our 2025 VIP Young Achiever of the Year.
Horse of the Year 2025 – Lord Larry
Lord Larry is a true champion of the arena, and this past year has been nothing short of exceptional. From dominating local competitions in Tamworth, Dubbo and Armidale, to representing on the international stage at the Sydney CDI, Brisbane CDI, and Willinga Park International – Lord Larry has proven himself as one of
Australia’s most consistent and impressive dressage athletes. Ridden and owned by accomplished FEI level coach and rider Robyne Smith of Gwandalan Stables, Lord Larry placed in the top ten at the Victorian Championships in Werribee and took home Reserve Champion honours at both the Sydney and Brisbane CDI events. His 6th place in the prestigious Prix St Georges at Willinga Park further cemented his national standing. Adding to his long list of accolades, Lord Larry was awarded a Silver Performance Medal in 2024 to accompany his Gold Medal from 2023, and has been named Upper Hunter Dressage Horse of the Year on multiple occasions. A true dressage athlete with heart, elegance, and power—Lord Larry is a proud ambassador of Upper Hunter equestrian excellence. Congratulations, Lord Larry and Robyne Smith!
