It was his more than 60 years of racing and breeding trotters that led to him being awarded the New Zealand Harness Racing Outstanding Contribution Award.
The 86-year-old described receiving the award as out of this world.
"I’m still, still getting over it. To be classed ... in the same era as Maurice Holmes and all the real top guys I’ve known — and they were champions — to win the same trophy is mind-boggling."
Born in Roxburgh in 1938, Mr Woodhouse said he rode ponies and was always keen on becoming a jockey.
The Woodhouse family found the first gold in Roxburgh, had the first farm and opened the first hotel, he said.
In 1950, the Roxburgh Trotting Club had just started and as a 12-year-old he carted water from his farm to the racecourse.
Mr Woodhouse went to the first tote meeting at Roxburgh, where he remembered trainer Ray Jones bringing three horses to race.
Mr Jones won with Lady Brigade and Mr Woodhouse was given the opportunity to drive Lady Brigade back to the farm.
By Ella Jenkins
