Veteran Prince Edward Island horse owner Don Smith of Pownal was recently presented with the 2009 Glen Kennedy Memorial award by the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association

. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contribution to the Maritime standardbred industry.

Smith was presented with the award Saturday night at the annual awards banquet of the ASBA held at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre as part of a three-day racing symposium.

Don has been involved in the sport for some 50 years as an owner and breeder. With his brother, Ian, he campaigned the two-time Gold Cup and Saucer winner Sauls Pride in addition to breeding several Maritime champions at Dunachton Farms including three-time Atlantic Canada Horse of the Year Dunachton Gale. Smith also bred Dunachton Dandy, the first sub-2:00 performer in the Prince Edward Island colt stakes.

Other major award winners included Todd Trites, who led Maritime drivers in dash wins last year and was recipient of the Frank G. Daniels Memorial.

Deep Finesse, who received the Atlantic Canada Horse of the Year award for 2009. Phil Pinkney of Truro, NS, who owned and campaigned the two-year-old colt, was on hand to receive the award. It was the fourth time in five years that Pinkney has campaigned the region’s top performer. He campaigned Dunachton Gale on the other three occasions.

(Atlantic Post Calls)