The Minnesota Harness Racing Inc. annual banquet was held Saturday, February 6, at Running Aces Harness Park with an election of officers, discussions on the bright future of standardbred racing in the Gopher State, and presentations of year-end awards.

President Ron Banks and secretary-treasurer Greg Budach presided over the business meeting, with all current Board of Directors members receiving a vote of confidence by being re-elected.

Former state senator Dick Day, now head of the state's 'Racino Now' movement, offered encouraging words about the possibility of slot machines being added to the 50-table card room at Running Aces in the not-too-distant future.

Guest speaker Gene Oldford, the president of Harness Horsemen International, offered his insight on industry trends to the 100 or so in attendance. Running Aces general manager Bob Farinella and director of racing Gregg Keidel also addressed the group, expressing optimism about the upcoming 2010 summer meet -- featuring the third significant hike in purses in as many years of operation. The average purse for the 51-night schedule could reach $5,000 with approximately $2 million available for distribution.

Dandy Di, a four-year-old pacing mare by R Cs Sammy, was named MHRI Horse of the Year. She earned $45,152 in 2009 with five wins, five places and 10 show finishes in 29 seasonal starts for the Bob and Ryan Lems Stable. The same South Dakota father and son team trained Whirling Sam, the aged male Pacer of the Year. Nancy Jenson's Certain Winner won the award for best Minnesota aged trotter.

The two-year-old winners were Kyle and Merlin VanOtterloo's Little Tootsie (pacing filly); Nancy Jenson and Denise Foth's Dougs Legacy (pacing colt); and Craig Banks and Ernest Koltis' DJ Speedy Fox (trotter). The three-year-old honourees were the VanOtterloo Stable's Blazing Fury (pacing filly); Lems Stable's Do The Kankan (pacing colt); and Brady Jenson's Hotter Than Ever (trotter).

MHRI also awards the top annual point leaders at the Minnesota county fairs. The pacing trophy went to Greg and Michelle Budach's One Wild Apple, while Hotter Than Ever was tops among trotters.

Minnesota Driver of the Year laurels went to Rick Magee who dominated the dash standings at both Running Aces and the fairs.

(Running Aces)