The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (MPHRC) announced on Monday, Nov. 24 the appointment of Roger DesRoches as a Commissioner for Prince Edward Island. 

DesRoches's three-year term, effective Oct. 28, 2025, marks the beginning of what may include up to nine years of total service under the Commission’s term limits.

DesRoches brings more than 32 years of experience as a respected racing official, with a distinguished career that began in 1985 at Exhibition Park in Saint John, N.B. He later moved to Prince Edward Island in 1989, where he served as a Senior Judge, becoming a familiar and highly regarded presence at racetracks across the region. Across his career, DesRoches worked at every racetrack in the Maritimes, bringing unmatched regional perspective, fairness and a deep commitment to the integrity of the sport.

Prior to joining the officiating ranks, DesRoches was active as an owner, trainer and driver, giving him firsthand insight into the day-to-day realities of the horsepeople he would go on to serve. He retired as a racing official in 2022, but has remained closely connected to the harness racing community. Known for his compassion, sound judgment and steady presence, DesRoches has earned widespread respect from participants and officials alike.

DesRoches resides in Charlottetown with his wife.

Glen Rankin, Chair of the MPHRC, welcomed the appointment, stating: “We are very pleased to welcome Roger DesRoches to the Commission. His decades of experience, credibility and thoughtful approach to officiating have made him a respected figure in Maritime harness racing. His insight and judgment will strengthen our work as we continue to modernize, uphold integrity and support the long-term health of the industry.”

DesRoches joins the Commission during a period of growth and modernization, as it carries out its responsibilities for regulatory oversight and integrity across the region’s racing jurisdictions.

(MPHRC)