“You have to have the entire industry (on PEI) pulling from the same end of the rope and that’s where we’ve had our greatest success.”
The words of Prince Edward Island's Finance Minister Wes Sheridan ring true as his province gets set to host the 25th O’Brien Awards this weekend. Sheridan has a passion for harness racing that is imprinted on the entire island. He shares that passion in an interview with Trot Radio’s Norm Borg.
“Here on PEI harness racing is a natural. It’s been such a big part of our heritage and culture forever.”
Sheridan calls the partnership between PEI and Standardbred Canada, which brings the O’Brien Awards to the island this weekend, a "natural fit." He adds, “There isn’t a family on PEI that’s not touched by harness racing in some way. Even if it’s just the grandfather who grew the oats to supply the industry, everyone has an interest in the game because of the heritage and what it means to us.”
Sheridan points to the annual Old Home Week celebrations, culminating in the famed Gold Cup and Saucer, as proof of how harness racing is so deeply embedded in the culture of PEI. He also looks forward to the O’Brien Awards weekend and the excitement the event is generating. On the eve of the awards night, a Maritime-style 'kitchen party' will take place, and, according to Sheridan, over 1,000 tickets have been sold. In addition, Sheridan informs Trot Radio that the awards night itself will have in excess of 450 guests, an increase over past years.
To listen to the full interview between Borg and Sheridan, click the play button below.
Trot Radio - Episode 316 - Wes Sheridan
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
The opinions expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of Standardbred Canada.
Just when you feel nothing
Just when you feel nothing truthful can originate from a politician that tells the story that should be told! Along comes an elected Government that uses true diligence to study the economic impact from this industry and embraces our substantial input with an open mind! Enjoyed many trips to this beautiful island and yes I have been to old home week more than once. Our present government in Ontario should listen to their peers in PEI, to determine how a ruling party should operate,when dealing with an industry that supplies many jobs and economic investment. Hats off and congratulations for a job well done to Minister Sheridan and his caucus. Enjoy the O*Brien awards as I will on this website if not in person!