The Annual Awards Banquet of the Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association was held in Charlottetown last evening(Saturday, April 14).
The crowd of over 300 was thoroughly entertained, as guest speakers Erv and Hannah Miller touched on topics ranging from their early days in racing, sibling rivalries, memorable horses and races, and what they would still like to achieve in the industry.
Banquet emcee Vance Cameron (left) speaks with Erv Miller (middle) and Hannah Miller (right) (Photo courtesy Gail MacDonald)
After an incredible record setting year, it was no surprise that the powerful Marc Campbell Stable took home the lion’s share of the awards. Horses from his stable captured many divisional honours, and stable star Filly Forty Seven won the coveted Horse of the Year Award. Campbell, who himself took home all of the driver and trainer awards, was presented with the ‘Kentucky of Canada’ award in recognition of his truly exceptional season.
‘Team Campbell’ pictured with their trophies from the evening (Photo courtesy Gail MacDonald)
Mickey Gallant and Deanna Clow were extremely popular winners of the Horseperson and Horsewoman of the Year awards. Peter Buchanan was awarded the Active Horseman of the Year award, which recognized his many years of involvement and contribution as board member and president of the PEISHOA. Reg MacPherson of Stratford, PE was honoured with the Standardbred Canada Owner of the year award. The inaugural Arnold Weeks Memorial award, which was established to honour those who truly display great kindness and generosity to fellow horsemen, was awarded to Ronnie and Dianne Gass.
Dr. Colleen Dickie, Mickey Gallant (PEISHOA Horseperson of the Year) and the Gallant Family (Photo courtesy Gail MacDonald)
The rest of the awards were as follows:
Two-Year-Old Colt Trot
• Windmeredontuworry
Two-Year-Old Filly Trot
• Oceanview Eunomia
Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt
• Half Cut
Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly
• Scarlet Desire
Three-Year-Old Colt Trot
• Pappy Go Go
Three-Year-Old Filly Trot
• Dusty Lane Min
Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt
• Island Energetic
Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly
• Filly Forty Seven
Aged Trotting Horse
• Freddie
Aged Pacing Horse
• Eagle Jolt
Aged Pacing Mare
• Ramblinglily
Fan Favourite
• Zanzibar
Trotter of the Year
• Pappy Go Go
Pacer of the Year
• Filly Forty Seven
Horse of the Year
• Filly Forty Seven
Rising Stars Awards
• Jacob Sweet
• Jamieson Sweet
• Gracie Clark
Female Groom
• Tammy Collings
Male Groom
• Sam Bulger
Mr. Trot Challenge
• Marc Campbell
Rookie Driver
• Kyle Gillis
Leading Percentage Driver
• Marc Campbell
Leading Percentage Trainer
• Marc Campbell
Leading Dash Winning Driver
• Marc Campbell
Leading Dash Winning Trainer
• Marc Campbell
Appreciation Awards
• Anne Charlotte Kelly
• James Perrot
Owner of the Year
• Reg MacPherson
Arnold Weeks Memorial
• Ronnie Gass
• Dianne Gass
Active Horseman of the Year
• Peter Buchanan
Horsewoman of the Year
• Deanna Clow
Horseperson of the Year
• Mickey Gallant
Kentucky of Canada
• Marc Campbell
(With files from the PEISHOA)