It’s that time of year again. Many will line up at the yearling sales in the coming months, to try their best to select next year’s stars.
Currently, this year’s stars have campaigned and raced hard throughout much of the summer. Championship finals are just around the corner in almost every jurisdiction in Canada and the United States, so it is only fitting I write to you about the O’Brien Awards.
I know this is a touchy subject for many, given the current economic status of the industry across our great country, nonetheless, I would like to take the opportunity to bring the membership up to speed on the decision to move the 2013 O’Briens.
The board was initially approached by our eastern directors lead by Kent Oakes and Brett Revington (now the current chair for the O’Brien committee) with the idea to move the 25th anniversary of our national awards. 2014 will mark a year-long celebration by the Province of Prince Edward Island to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the talks leading to the Confederation of Canada. As such, PEI will be hosting many significant and memorable events to mark this special occasion. The Province of PEI offered Standardbred Canada a grant to help bring the awards named in honor of legendary PEI horsemen Joe O’Brien to PEI on its 25th anniversary. The grant will enable SC, for the first time in many years, to be able to budget a break-even event for our national awards. Given the economics we live in, a bonus consideration to say the least.
There were some concerns about travel to the island in February, but the folks from PEI have a strong working relationship with their local airport and are able to offer special flights to accommodate the event.
As with any national event coming to the East Coast, it will be very well received and supported. The local committee working in conjunction with SC’s committee will not disappoint. It promises to be a showcase that will honor the best of the best for 2013. It is important for us all not to lose sight that tomorrow is a new day. When the sun comes up, it will reflect the brightest from the stars of 2013 and, as always, it’s important to recognize them.