Emma Pritchard

The Clarence Valley Independent is delighted to be a major sponsor of the Clarence Valley Sports Awards.

Each month, we look forward to shining a light on some of our most talented sports stars across the region as we celebrate and share their achievements with you.

Grafton trainer John Shelton has recently been announced as the Senior Sportsperson for the Month of August.

A prominent member of the racing community for many years and one of the most prolific trainers in Northern NSW, Shelton has prepared some of the best gallopers to set their hooves on local racetracks, including 2000 Ramornie Handicap winner Mother’s Gift and 2018 Kosciuszko winner Belfyer.

Shelton was recently named 2022 Trainer of the Carnival following the conclusion of the 2022 XXXX July Winter Racing Carnival, where he produced two smart winners in Awesome Miss and War Lady.

During the 2021/22 NSW Country Racing Season, Shelton trained 19 winners from 145 starts and recorded close to $400000 in prizemoney.

He has recently enjoyed early success in the 2022/23 NSW Country Racing Season after his smart mare Tara Jasmine won the Country Music Raceday 10 September No Metro Wins Handicap over at Eagle Farm on August 27, when ridden by Tegan Harrison, who also grew up in the Clarence Valley.