Lifetime of dedication rewarded as Medhurst claims Nevada Smoke Honour

One of South Australia’s most respected owners and breeders, Peter Medhurst, has been recognised for a lifetime of dedication to harness racing, receiving the Nevada Smoke Special Achievement Award at the 2025 Horse of the Year Awards.

The Nevada Smoke Award honours outstanding service and contribution to the South Australian harness racing industry, making Medhurst a fitting recipient after decades of commitment to breeding and racing excellence. It capped a memorable evening for the veteran horseman, with his talented filly Centrefold Star also claiming the title of 2YO Filly of the Year.

Now in his 80s, Medhurst has turned what began as a passion for breeding into a highly successful and respected operation. After selling his farming interests in 2007, he established a purpose-built breeding and training property at Glencoe, complete with stables, a work track, and paddocks that house his mares, foals and developing stock.

Alongside his late wife Lesley, Medhurst enjoyed one of their proudest moments when Royal Speech delivered victory in the Mount Gambier Gold Cup in 2022 — a race they had long targeted. The pair repeated the feat in 2024, further cementing their place in local racing history.

Central to Medhurst’s success has been the development of a powerful broodmare band, much of it tracing back to his first standardbred purchase. His journey in harness racing began in 1989 when he bought a yearling filly, Roses In Paris, by Kentucky out of Scarlet Sunrise. She went on to win nine races, including at Moonee Valley and Globe Derby, but it was at stud where she truly left an indelible mark.

Roses In Paris produced 13 foals, 12 of them winners, and has become the cornerstone of the Medhurst breeding empire. Twice crowned South Australian Broodmare of the Year, her influence has continued through subsequent generations, including her daughter Surfing Queen, who also achieved broodmare honours.

Among the standout performers from this remarkable family are Catch A Bouquet, Thorninmyside, King Grin, Mister Seelster, Paris To Berlin and Pete’s Elect, the latter enjoying success in the United States with a career-best mile rate of 1:51.6. Surfing Queen has further strengthened the lineage, producing consistent winners such as Surface To Air, Forty Seven Flash, Flaming Hero and Three Queens.

“When I started breeding, I spoke with noted breeding expert the late Bob McArdle, and he was extremely helpful,” Medhurst said. “I’ve always tried to match pedigrees and go to the best stallions available.

“I also breed from most mares every second year — it helps keep numbers manageable and ensures the mares aren’t overtaxed.”

Such is Medhurst’s pride in the family that he has commissioned a special photo featuring Roses In Paris alongside a list of all her winners — a visual reminder of a legacy built through patience, planning and passion.

A long-time supporter of the Adelaide Yearling Sale, Medhurst has scaled back his broodmare band slightly in recent years, but his impact on the industry remains significant.

There is little doubt that Peter Medhurst has carefully built one of South Australia’s most successful breeding and racing operations, and in doing so, has made a lasting contribution to the sport. The Nevada Smoke Special Achievement Award stands as fitting recognition of both his and Lesley’s enduring influence on the harness racing industry.

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink