He was the voice of the Sydney harness racing scene for many years and former racecaller Kevin Thompson was recognised for his contribution to the industry when receiving the Don Clough OAM Appreciation Award.

Thompson was surprised when handed the honour at the Arthur J Gallagher Industry Awards Night in Sydney on Saturday evening.

“I’m absolutely shocked, I thought I was just coming here to present an Award not to receive one,” Thompson said.

“It really is an honour to get this Award.

“I’ve been in harness racing ever since I left school and I wanted to be a racecaller all my life.

“When you have a job that you love, it’s not a job it’s a hobby.”

Previous winners of the Don Clough OAM Appreciation Award include:

2009                            Lynette Phillpott

2010                            John Coffey

2011                            Wally Mann

2012                            Les Camarda

2013                            Richard Earnshaw

2014                            Ross Gigg (posthumously)

2015                            John Tapp

Amanda Rando