The Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association (PEIHRIA) and Red Shores have announced the Kent Oakes Memorial Bursary, honouring the late Kent Oakes and his lasting contributions to the harness racing industry on Prince Edward Island.

The bursary will be awarded annually to a successful applicant to assist with expenses associated with post-secondary education. Applicants can only receive the bursary once. The $15,000 bursary may be awarded to one individual or split between multiple individuals at the discretion of the selection committee. Deadline for applications is Nov. 14, 2025, at 12 p.m. (AST).

Kent Oakes began working in harness racing on the family farm in North Wiltshire, P.E.I., and spent time as a teenager grooming horses in his uncle’s New York stable. After University he embarked on a distinguished 35-year career with the P.E.I. Provincial Government in the departments of Agriculture and Finance.

During that time, he worked with the P.E.I. Lotteries Commission, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, and both Red Shores locations. He played a key role in shaping policy for the industry, including serving as the government representative on the planning and construction committee for the redevelopment of the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Beyond his professional work, Oakes was deeply committed to volunteering. He served on numerous industry boards including the PEIHRIA, the Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale, the P.E.I. Standardbred Breeders Association, the P.E.I. Matinee Track Development Program and Standardbred Canada.

Oakes was a strong advocate for youth and education. He was instrumental in developing and sustaining the P.E.I. Matinee Program to help young drivers become licensed and always believed in supporting education for youth connected to the industry.

Oakes passed away in the summer of 2024. In February 2025, he was posthumously awarded the Cam Fella Award, and in August 2025, was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The strength of P.E.I.’s harness racing industry and beyond can be directly attributed to his dedication.

Eligibility and Application

To apply, candidates must:

1. Be a resident of Prince Edward Island.
2. Be enrolled in a post-secondary diploma, degree, or trade program for the fall of 2025 and/or winter 2026 (proof of enrollment required).
3. Be in any year of enrollment (first year through completion).
4. Applicants who have previously received this bursary are not eligible to apply again.
5. Disclose any other bursaries, grants, or scholarships received in the application year.
6. Provide a short description of their involvement in the harness racing industry. Extra consideration will be given to individuals active as volunteers, or as Standardbred Canada licensed grooms, trainers, or drivers.
7. Provide a letter of endorsement from an individual involved in harness racing (not family members).
8. Write a one-page or longer, double-spaced essay addressing the following:
   • How can harness racing on Prince Edward Island encourage youth involvement, development, and retention?
   • How will your post secondary education apply to your future involvement in harness racing?

The submission deadline is Nov. 14, 2025, with the application form available here. Send applications to: [email protected].

(PEIHRIA)