The Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association (PEIHRIA) has announced the recipients of the inaugural PEI Matinee Racetrack Development Program Bursary, sponsored by Bill and Denise Andrew of Meridian Farms.

The bursary was created for individuals who have participated in the PEI Matinee Racetrack Development Program, graduated high school and will attending a post-secondary institution to further their studies.

Zac Noye and Jesse Sweet are the 2023 recipients and will each be awarded a $500 bursary to assist with their post-secondary education expenses. 

Zac Noye is the son of Jay and Mary Jean Noye of Clyde River, P.E.I., and has been involved in harness racing from an early age. As a child, he would travel the matinee circuit to help with his parents' horses as a groom and began his own driving career in 2022. He would go on to pick up his first win later that summer aboard Thats Mia Bad in the Matinee Championship Finals ‘B’ division. Zac was a regular driver on the matinee circuit during 2023 and has since acquired his pari-mutuel trainer’s license. He is enrolled in the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School this upcoming February to pursue a career as a farrier. 

Jesse Sweet is the daughter of Dana and Debbie Lynn Sweet of Bloomfield Station, P.E.I., and has also been involved in harness racing from a very early age. Jesse was introduced to harness racing by her grandfather and father. She began by helping her father jog and train their horses. After trying her hand at trackwork, she then decided that she would like to focus on grooming rather than training. She would help get their horses ready on race days, and when they didn’t have any horses racing, she would help her mother out in the track’s canteen. Jesse is enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at Holland College this upcoming January. 

The PEIHRIA would like to extend congratulations to the winners and thank all the students who submitted applications for the bursary. 

(PEIHRIA)