Some 300 horsemen, legislators, including the newly elected governor of Delaware John Carney, and friends of harness racing turned out for the 19th annual Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) Awards-Dinner at the Modern Maturity Center, in Dover, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017.

Preceded by the annual DSOA mid-day meeting, festivities began with an early evening cocktail hour. Again this year, Mistress of Ceremony Heather Moffett presented a colourful, fun-filled video of high spots of her weekly Post Parade programs seen during the year on Sundays and rebroadcast Mondays on WBOC TV. This year’s review of the highlights of the 2016 racing season featured top horses of the Dover Downs and the Harrington Raceway meets.

In addition to leading horsemen and friends in attendance at the banquet were many of Delaware’s top legislative executives. The list included Governor-elect John Carney, Lt. Governor-elect Bethan Hall-Long, Delaware State Senator Gary Simpson and State Legislative Representatives Gerald Brady, William Carson, Ronald Gray, Harvey Kenton, John Kowlaka, Bobby Outten, Trey Paradee, Charles Postles, Dave Wilson and Lyndon Yearick.

Among the attendees were Delaware Harness Racing Commission Executive Director Mark Davis; Judy Davis-Wilson, Executive Administrator Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund; Michael Scuse, Acting Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; and Commission Chair Beth Steele. Also present were USTA District 11 Directors, Dr. William Moffett (chairman), Russell MacKinnon and John Hensley, Harness Horse International president Tom Luchento and the DSOA board of directors – president Andy Markano, Brenda Bramble, 1st vice president, George Dennis, Frank Deliberti, treasurer, Frances West, secretary and Sal DiMario, executive director. DSOA directors include Victor Kirby, Russell MacKinnon, Dr. William Moffett, 2nd vice president, Presley Moore, treasurer, Frances West, secretary and George Teague Jr., Max Walton and Valerie Warnick, Sal DiMario, DSOA Executive Director and his office staff Denise Rothermel and Lisa Pearson along with Daniel Camac. Ralph Holloway and Presley Moore, all directors emeritus.

Also among the dignitaries were members of the media including Harry Farrow, former owner, publisher and writer of the Harrington Journal newspaper.

A highly successful silent auction of harness memorabilia to benefit Horse Lovers United under the supervision of its founder, Lorraine Truitt, was supported for the care for horses whose racing careers had ended. The not-for-profit organization provides a residence and care for retired horses.

Again this year, a handsome-coloured booklet containing all award-winning horses and owners was given to all attendees.

Following award presentations, Mike Hines and The Look provided musical entertainment.

2015-16 DSOA Award Winners:

The 5th annual James T. Case Jr. DSOA Horizon Award (to a horseman making outstanding progress during year) was presented to Russell Foster, one of the sport’s rising stars.

A DSOA Special Appreciation Award was presented to Delaware Senate Minority Leader, senator Gary F. Simpson.

The DSOA Special Recognition Award went to George Teague Jr. Inc. and Teague Racing Partnership LLC’s Wiggle It Jiggleit, trained by Clyde Francis, driven by Montrell Teague and caretaker Mike Tyson.

Another DSOA Special Recognition Award went to Frank Chick’s Roaring To Go, trained by Kevin Lare.

Again this year, there were six James T. Case Jr. $1,000 Scholarships awarded, in memory of the longtime DSOA President.

2016 DSOA Horses Honoured:

Dover Downs:
Horse of the Meet - Leah and Darrell Lewis’ Northern Rocknroll, trained by Darrell Lewis
Trotter of the Meet - Michael Casalino Jr.’s Tough Mac, trained by Dylan Davis
Claimer of the Meet - Thomas Lazzaro’s Rocknroll Jewell, trained by Dylan Davis

Harrington Raceway:
Horse of the Meet - JoAnn Looney-King’s Purrfect Bags, trained by Jim King Jr.
Trotter of the Meet – James Moore III’s Royal Becca J, trained by Jack Parker Jr.
Claimer of the Meet – Elizabeth Brittingham’s Sir Jonathan Z Tam, trained by Don Brittingham

Two-Year-Olds:
Trotters - Luv Is Blind (filly), Master Clave (colt)
Pacers - Logans Girl (filly), Henry The Dragon (colt)

Three-Year-Olds:
Trotters - Epic Smash (filly), Seafood Scrappy (colt)
Pacers - Apple Bottom Jeans (filly), Next Success (colt)

Broodmares of the Year: Quick Question (pacing mare), Giant Smash (trotting mare)

(With files from DSOA)