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The Government of Prince Edward Island has produced a video in advance of Saturday's 25th O'Brien Awards coming to the namesake's home province.
Featuring Joe's nephew Mike O'Brien, Minister of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs Wes Sheridan and award-winning photographer Ann MacNeill, the video touches on Joe's start in harness racing, the importance of hosting the awards in PEI and the magnitude of the awards themselves.
The O'Brien Awards are the recognition of Canadian harness racing excellence. They are named in honour of the late Joe O'Brien, a native of Alberton, P.E.I. who was one of the world's premier harness racing competitors. For the first time in 25 years, the Awards will be hosted on Prince Edward Island on February 8, 2014.
Kudos to Standardbred Canada
Kudos to Standardbred Canada for choosing P.E.I. for the site of the O'Brien Awards this year! Ontario seems to have been the dominator for too long in this industry, and I think we are being forced into a radical change for a reason. Even though most of us are really hurting right now in both our wallets and our pride, and despite the adverse conditions, the province of P.E.I have managed to maintain the spirit of horseracing as a true sport. The people of this island have a uniqueness all their own and are a shining example to all of us in the industry.