Victorian-trained trotters have dominated the first quarter of the Australasian season - and the numbers tell the story.

Mary Helen Pearce, the owner of Eldarin Park stud, which for many years has been one of Victoria’s most prominent breeding establishments, has decided to retire from commercial breeding.

Ewa Justice is the next generation of a wonderful harness racing family and quickly making a name for herself.

Justice, 21, is the daughter of top horseman John Justice, of Shakamaker and Safe And Sound fame, Her uncle is another Hall of Famer, Lance Justice, who trained the likes of Smoken Up and Sokyola.

Go back a generation and Ewa’s grandmother, Josie, who was a driving force behind her decision to pursue race driving, was a trainer of note and prepared her last winner in January, 2022 at the age of 90. She passed away months later.

The old saying “talk is cheap” isn’t exactly true when it comes to the biggest harness races.

In fact, the pre-race could have a tangible effect on the outcome of the two huge Group 1s at Alexandra Park tonight.

Sometimes it’s not the Grand Circuit races or the great predictable events that we remember as our favourite moments throughout the year, but instead it can be the unique, personal and heartwarming outcomes that stick with us for years.

Here are my top five moments of 2023, starting off with one that demonstrates my love for the trotting breed.

The “old marvel” tag is often used loosely in racing circles, thrown out quickly to describe an ageing horse who has been a loyal servant to his or her connections over a prolonged period of time.

But for Victorian harness racing fast class veteran Bulletproof Boy, it’s truly a compliment that hits the mark.