The Manitoba Standardbred Racing Industry (MSRI) handed out its annual awards for the 2020 season and one of the most prestigious awards is the Ron Waples Award, presented to the individual that goes above and beyond the call of duty to better the harness racing industry in Manitoba. This year it was awarded to MSRI racing charter, 19-year-old Trisha Mason of Killarney, Man.

Mason — who, as the charter, must record the distance separating the horses at the quarter, half, three-quarters, the stretch, and the finish of a race — was humbled by the honour. “I was really honoured to have my name alongside so many people who make racing happen every year in Manitoba,” said Trisha. “My dad won in 2008 so it was cool to share an award with him and with all the other people who have won it over the years.”

When asked if it compares to any other accolades she had received, Trisha simply replied, “I really don’t think so; this is a huge honour.”

Aaron and Trisha Mason with pacer Sin Machqueen

Trisha comes from a harness racing family. Her parents, Darryl and Sherri Mason have owned and trained horses for decades. Trisha’s sister, Paula is also a trainer while her brother Aaron is preparing to apply for his trainers’ license. Trisha was a caretaker before she found her perfect fit as a race charter. At the age of 12, she was given the chance to try charting races as the position became vacant, and Darryl quickly turned to see if his daughter was up to the task.

“I started [charting] in 2014 at the end of the summer because the last charter quit. Dad sat me down in front of the T.V., put on The Meadowlands and he had me chart a race and it wasn’t so bad. I ended up charting the races on the Manitoba Circuit the next weekend and I haven’t stopped since.”

Trisha is eagerly awaiting to apply to Veterinary school but hopes she can still be involved with Manitoba harness racing as much as she can be. “I would love to keep doing this. Even if I can’t come back to charting in a few years because of school, I’d love to come down and visit. Maybe once I become a vet, I could do the vet work at the track or maybe I’ll keep charting, who knows?”

As a key member of the Manitoba harness racing team, Mason thinks it is important to keep promoting the product and the industry. “A lot of younger people just don’t know, so I think that advertising on social media and putting a lot more ads out there will help. Simulcast will help bring viewers from different backgrounds too.” Miami Fair is sharing similar issues to many tracks across Canada, including how to grow the fan base.
“Once you get into it, you love it,” stated Mason. “It’s the getting-people-into-it that’s tough. I can’t imagine my life without it. I know it’s not something everyone finds interesting but if they gave it a chance, I think they would really like it.”

Trisha is excited about Manitoba harness racing’s future expansion plans into Winnipeg. “I think it will be a good opportunity. I think having a permanent track will be great. I personally like the fair atmosphere as well, so I think combining the two will be a good experience.”

She’s equally excited about the race dates slated for Saskatchewan's Marquis Downs this fall. Mason wasn't sure if her services were required for the meet at Marquis but she would jump at the opportunity if presented. “If there is nobody else out there, they (MSRI) would love to take me. I’m excited about going somewhere new, to bring harness racing back to Saskatchewan and to get a new audience opened up to it.”

Although Trisha’s work is all behind the scenes, the rest of the Mason family will be front and centre this Saturday (July 10). Darryl is scheduled to drive five horses, including Inside Joke in Leg #1 of the Golden Boy. The three-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Darryl’s other daughter, Paula Mason. Miami Fair’s post time is 3:00 p.m. CDT / 4:00 p.m. EDT.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Trey Colbeck)