Over 170 people attended the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association, Standardbred Horse Owners Association and Matinee Racetracks Awards Banquet on Wednesday, November 29 at Red Shores’ Charlottetown.

The provincial government was well represented, with attendance by Minister of Finance Allen Roach, Minister of Communities, Land & Development, Robert Mitchell, and Minister of Health and Wellness, Robert Henderson.

The matinee program is succeeding in creating opportunities and experience for young people, as evidenced by the youth of most of the award winners. It is gratifying to see so many young women becoming interested in the sport.

Some of the 2017 Matinee Racetracks award winners (L to R) Austin Sorrie, Paul Conway, Melvin Gamester, Jenae Wallace, Heather Gamester, Gillian Reeves, Grace Sorrie, Jessie Lynn Sweet, Cyrice Poirier (Photo courtesy Frankie L)

The list of award winners appears below.

‘A’ Division Champion
• Rising Fella
Owner: Allison Sweet
Driver: Jaycob Sweet

‘B’ Division Champion
• Caught Me Speeding
Owner: Tammy Collings
Driver: Austin Sorrie

2017 Matinee Champion
• Mia Lotta
Owner: Abel Arsenault and Philip DesRoche
Driver: Jenae Wallace

Rising Star Award
• Jesse Lynn Sweet

Rising Star Award
• Leah Craig

Rising Star Award
• Grace Sorrie

Rising Star Award
• Taylor Stewart

Greenhawk VIP Award
• Brady Sweet

Junior Rookie Award
• Jenae Wallace & Gillian Reeves (Tie)

Top Female Driver
• Heather Gamester

Driver of the Year
• Jaycob Sweet

Standardbred Canada Owner of the Year
• Melvin Gamester

Meridian Farms Sportsman of the Year
• Paul Conway

Byron Gamester Award
• Cyrice Poirier

Foiled Again Youth Award
• Austin Sorrie

(PEI Matinee Racing Program)