Standardbred Canada is delighted to announce the winners of five $1,000 bursaries for the 2011 Atlantic Bursary

program.

The following successful applicants will each receive a $1,000 bursary towards their post secondary education for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Amy McDonald, whose family has been involved in the industry since the 1940’s, is a licensed groom, proud owner and co-trains with her father, Kevin McDonald. She is entering her first year in the Pre-Education program at Memorial University, studying to be a special education teacher.

Kyle Burton, driving force behind the Standardbred Canada Youth Council and track photographer at Truro Raceway, has been involved with harness racing his whole life. He is a columnist with Atlantic Post Calls, a blogger for standardbredcanada.ca, an Atlantic Breeders Crown committee member, and a vital partner in promoting the Truro Raceway Strategic Action Plan. Kyle is entering his first year at Nova Scotia Community College, studying Marketing and Business Administration.

Dale Spence, a second year veterinary science student at the University of New Brunswick, has been a regular around the barns since he was a kid. He was a regular groom for Gilles Barrieau before he earned his trainer’s license and just recently recorded his first win as a driver.

Ashley Gamester grew up helping her grandfather around his stables and, after showing horses for a few years, decided to direct her passion towards harness racing. She is an active trainer of numerous horses, including Howdidchado, who captured an A division title in the Atlantic Sires Stakes, the biggest win of her young career. She was Horsewoman of the Year at Summerside Raceway and is now working for Mitch Tierney as an assistant trainer. Ashley is studying Dental Assisting at Holland College.

Kyle Mason has been shadowing his father, full-time driver and trainer, Steve Mason, his entire life. Over the years, his hard work and passion for harness racing has grown and Kyle is now a licensed owner, breeder, and ‘A’ trainer and works for Ultimate Acres, a horse farm in Greater Lakeburn, NB. Kyle is entering his first year at Mount Allison University, studying geography and international relations.

The bursaries were awarded based on participation in the industry, academics and financial need. Applicants were also required to submit a type written essay addressing how they would market harness racing to youth or how they would use social media to generate awareness for harness racing.

This program is supported and funded by various organizations from the Atlantic Provinces and Standardbred Canada. Partners from the Atlantic Provinces include the Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association, Horse Racing New Brunswick, the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association, and the 'Stretch Drive Fund,' a fund created by the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commissions Race Officials.

Standardbred Canada and all of the partners from the Atlantic provinces would like to extend their thanks to all of the students who submitted applications for bursaries.