Well known New York-based trainer Mark Ford will be the guest speaker at the Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association awards banquet

, to be held Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Howard Johnston Dutch Inn in Cornwall.

Ford, the youngest trainer is history to reach $40 million in career earnings, is a past winner of the Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year Award presented by the United States Harness Writers’ Association. His stable has earned at least $3-million over the last nine years.

Ford trained two-time O'Brien Award winner Gallo Blue Chip, the richest pacer in the history of the sport with $4.29-million in earnings.

“Our banquet committee, under chair Betty Gregan, is delighted Mr. Ford has agreed to be our guest speaker," said PEISHOA President Tom Clark. "He has perennially been one of the leading trainers in North America, and we really look forward to hearing about his operation and his views on the industry today.”

Ford is currently a director with the USTA, as well as being involved with both the New Jersey and New York Horse Owners Associations.

Tickets are $30 per person, and are available from all PEISHOA directors, the Charlottetown Vet Clinic, Red Shores, or by contacting Clark at 902-892-6577.

The event will start at 6:30 p.m. with a reception, the meal and awards to follow at 7:00 p.m.

(With files from PEISHOA)