The 2013 PEIHRIA, PEISHOA and Matinee Tracks Awards Banquet, held Wednesday night at Red Shores Charlottetown, was an unqualified success with close to 130 in attendance and good driving weather for those who came from either end of the Island.
Special guests of the evening were cabinet ministers Rob Henderson, Ron McKinley and Wes Sheridan.
The Honourable Wes Sheridan gave a short address to the crowd reiterating his government's encouragement and support to the horse industry and praising the health of the grass roots that helps attract new people, especially young people, to that industry.
Kent Oakes gave a short video presentation about the upcoming and historic February 7 O'Brien Awards weekend, mentioning that even if people aren't able to attend the O'Brien's, between the extra race card, the Friday night Kitchen Party, the Fan Forum or even just the general Standardbred Canada meetings, there was something for everyone.
The Challenge Series Matinee Track awards celebrated the winners and top points earners in the annual summer series at all five island matinee tracks. The list of winners follows:
‘A’ Division Champion, winner of his division of the Finals at Summerside
• Aubins Pet, owned by MacKenzie Arsenault
‘C’ Division Champion, winner of his division of the Finals at Summerside
• Canvasback Bud, owned by Alan Craig
2013 Matinee Champion, winner of the Championship Final at Summerside
• Island Tiara, owned by Melvin Gamester
Driver of the Year
• Paul Conway
Driver of the Year, Under 18
• Austin Sorrie
Rookie of the Year
• Kevin Bower
Top Female Driver
• Wendy MacRae
Groom of the Year
• Zachary Conway
Owner of the Year (for top points horse)
• Alan Craig
(PEI Matinee Development Project)