Michael E. Desjardins of East Brunswick, New Jersey and Emily Grace Murphy of Lambertville, New Jersey, the 2011 Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) scholarship winners, were honoured

in winner’s circle ceremonies after the sixth race on Friday, July 29 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Desjardins received the top prize of $5,000 while Murphy received $2,500.

Plaques were presented by Dr. Chris Samaha of the Backstretch Community Assistance Program (BCAP) and SBOANJ directors Dennis Lane and Ed Razzetti.

Desjardins is a junior attending Quinnipiac University, pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism. The East Brunswick High School graduate is on the Quinnipiac Dean’s List. He is the son of longtime trainer-driver Michael and Donna Desjardins.

Murphy, a graduate of South Hunterdon Regional High School, will be attending Canisius College in Buffalo, New York in the fall where she plans to major in animal behaviour, ecology and conservation. Her mother, Patti Murphy, is the farm manager for the New Jersey division of Hanover Shoe Farms and her father, Joe, oversees the stallions.

(SBOANJ)