A large crowd attended the Matinee Racetrack Awards Banquet at Red Shores Charlottetown on Wednesday, December 5.
The matinee participants had company with the banquet combining the year-end celebrations of the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association and the PEI Standardbred Horse Owners Association. Attendees were from all parts of the island and every aspect of the standardbred industry.
The Honourable Wes Sheridan addressed the gathering, repeating government support for the horse industry on PEI and underlining the need for all groups to present a strong, united voice to maintain the health of the sport and prevent the problems of other provinces.
The final results of the Matinee Challenge Series this summer saw Stuart Tremere once again winning the Driver of the Year trophy for top points.
Top points horse is Island Tiara, owned by Heather and Melvin Gamester of Breadalbane, and they received the Standardbred Canada Owner of the Year Award.
Under 21 category Driver of the Year is Ryan DesRoches, and the Rookie Driver of the Year is 14-year-old Molly Murphy of Augustine Cove.
Stanley MacMillan received the Horse of the Year award for EJs Fantasy's championship win in the Matinee Finals at Summerside.
Heather Gamester (Island Tiara) and Molly Murphy (N Xample Deal) took home the trophies for their division wins in the finals. Paul Conway of Bonshaw earned the Sportsman of the Year award.
2012 Matinee Stars were Cyrice Poirier and Alan Craig.
(PEI Matinee Development Project)