As an industry we recently gathered to celebrate and recognize our best with the presentation of the O’Brien Awards in Charlottetown. Congratulations to all of the O’Brien Award winners and nominees, and I trust you enjoyed your time on Prince Edward Island. Thanks to our SC Board and staff, and the support of the P.E.I. 2014 Fund, we were able to stage the 25th anniversary event in the home of Joe O’Brien. We took tremendous pride as Islanders to recognize Mr. O’Brien’s legacy, and be part of this very special weekend.

It was during that weekend that I was honored to have been elected as Chair of Standardbred Canada. I appreciate the support of my fellow Directors, and look forward to working with them and our SC staff during the next year.

To this position I bring a lifelong involvement and passion for harness racing, in both a personal and professional capacity. Like many Prince Edward Island families, my ancestors used horses on the farm for work and transportation. With regard to standardbreds, in the early 1960’s my father, Charlie, purchased his first race horse, which he subsequently stood as a stallion in the inaugural years of our Atlantic Sires Stakes program. Horses have always been part of our family’s life, either in racing, as fans, or as small scale breeders.

I was very fortunate in my teens to be able to spend my summer vacations working with my Uncle George, who had a racing stable in Monticello, New York. He had left P.E.I. at a young age to work with the horses, and eventually became a trainer with the Buddy and George Gilmour Stables, before striking out on his own. I am very proud that our family involvement continues, with my son Nicholas an active trainer/driver while finishing his university degree.

In my professional career, I have worked with the Province of Prince Edward Island for over twenty-five years, primarily being responsible for the harness racing file. During this time I have been able to work on a number of committees and organizations, including the Atlantic Harness Racing Development Council, Atlantic Breeders Crown Host Committee, Council of Atlantic Premiers Task Force on Harness Racing, P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association, Atlantic Classic Sale, Harness Racing P.E.I., P.E.I. Matinee Tracks Association, P.E.I. Lotteries Commission, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, and as Provincial Government Representative on the Planning and Construction committee for the redevelopment of the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Over my career I have also been asked to serve on an interim basis as Director of Racing at the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, as well as Racing Manager at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park, and Red Shores Summerside Raceway.

During my three years on the Board, and particularly in the last year on the Executive, I have become very familiar with the challenges we face as a Canadian industry. I can assure you that your Board recognizes these issues, and will continue to work on your behalf .