W H (Hec) Baker was regarded as one of the best Tasmanian reinsmen to sit in a sulky and in Hobart last night the former great was inducted into the Tasmanian Harness Racing Hall of Fame at a gala awards ceremony at Luxbet Park.
Baker's career covered four decades from 1945 to 1976 during which time he drove 516 winners and was the state's leading driver on two occasions in 1957/8 and 1965/66.
He handled the ribbons on a number of outstanding pacers none greater than champion Chamfers Star.
The pair combined to capture the 1964 Easter Cup and the 1965 Tasmanian Pacing Championship.
Baker won the Tasmanian Derby three times. He won aboard Raider Chimes 1956, Jimmy Maru (1960) and in 1970 he won with Atok.
Pipriki was successful in the Danbury Park Cup while Raizaire proved too good in the 1957 Show Cup.
Baker also enjoyed triple success in the The Metropolitan Cup with Tasara in 1958, in 1961 with Shannon Bay and again with Karaman in 1974.
There were also Dual successes in the Brighton Cup with Hideaway and Prince Chamfer and the Westbury Cup partnering Fantastic and Lulu O'Neill.
Baker is regarded as one of the doyens's of Tasmanian Harness Racing and is a deserving inductee to the Hall Of Fame.
Peter Staples