By Jordan Gerrans
It was the quiet word following his induction into the Queensland Harness Racing Hall of Fame that spoke volumes about the influence of the great Vic Frost.
The 82-year-old legend of the harness game was rewarded for his decades of service on Sunday night at the 2022 Queensland Harness Awards in Brisbane.
And, following his official induction on stage in front of the harness-loving people in attendance, Frost was quickly whisked away to complete some media commitments outside.
Just minutes before, top Queensland driver Matt Elkins helped introduce Frost to the podium, detailing the guidance and advice that the veteran participant had provided him across his fledgling career.
Also, waiting quietly outside the venue for Frost to finish his interviews and have his pictures taken was fellow top Sunshine State reinsman Trent Dawson.
Dawson had exited the main room where the guests were to ensure he could be one of the first to speak to Frost and also thank him for all his help and opportunities he gave him over the years.
It was just a quiet word between Dawson and Frost, but it was obvious just how impactful the gesture was for the evergreen harness man.
Frost has won a Miracle Mile and Inter Dominion during his harness tenure, but his greatest legacy might be his mentorship of other participants.
Some of the great drivers in Australia at the moment learned their craft under Frost, with Elkins the next generation coming through the ranks aiming to also reach those heights.
“In particular when Vic stepped down from race driving, he really helped mould and shape the careers of several outstanding young drivers, Luke McCarthy comes to mind, Shane Graham as well and Matty Elkins,” respected harness voice Chris Barsby said.
“Elkins had a personal best season last season and he was another one who had been under the tutelage of Vic and getting opportunities to drive his horses.”
Elkins was on stage to help induct Frost into the Hall of Fame – alongside presenter Brittany Graham – and he was chuffed to have the 26-year-old by his side as he was inducted.
“Matt is a great driver and has been our driver for quite a while now, driving a lot of winners for us,” Frost said.
“After a race, he is great with his feedback on how our horses have performed.
“We always take it on board and try and correct that.
“Then, he has a better chance of getting a winner for us next time.
“That is what it is all about, communicating with your driver and listening to them.”
Champion pacer Henry Luca was also inducted into the Queensland Harness Racing Hall of Fame on Sunday night alongside Frost.
Frost has prepared over 1,000 winners since data was collated, with half of those registered during his time racing on Queensland tracks.
The multiple Group 1 winner took home a raft of titles including the 1970 Miracle Mile, Australian Derby, Australian and Queensland Pacing Championships, as well as the 1992 Inter Dominion on superstar Westburn Grant.