Members of Truro’s harness racing community were out in full force this past Saturday night (March 19), as the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association held its annual awards banquet at the Best Western Plus Glengarry.
A full house was in attendance as last year’s top performers were recognized for their achievements during the 2015 racing season.
The THHOA was very excited to have Brad McCallum and Kyle Burton emcee the evening. The duo have hosted the live race-day broadcast throughout 2015 and helped make the awards dinner a fun evening.
The evening started with special presentations from the connections of local horses who did well beyond Atlantic Canada. They included Stephen Tufts (co-owner of Goodwill Hanover), Bruce McGean (co-owner of Physicallyinclined), Doug Polley (co-owner of Rockin In Heaven), and Bruce Kennedy (co-owner of Wakizashi Hanover). With combined earnings of over $2 million between the four horses, Truro was well represented on the grand circuit in 2015.
Paul Langille picked up the top dash winning driver award after posting his biggest season totals in the bike during 2015. It was Langille’s first title win.
On the training side, George Rennison took home top honours for 2015. His stable was strong from opening day in May until the very end in December.
Photos from the event can be viewed by clicking here.
Other awards and their winners are listed below.
Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt (Sponsored by Brewster’s Bar and Grill)
• PH Blackjack
Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly (Sponsored by Don Smith Furnishings)
• Howmacfiesty
Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt (Sponsored by KDP Standardbreds)
• BNGs Express
Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly (Sponsored by Pye Chevrolet)
• Thebigbamtheory
Claiming Horse (Sponsored by Ross Toole Memorial)
• Fluid Motion
Claiming Mare (Sponsored by Pro Design Cresting)
• Gwenning Gwen
Aged Horse (Sponsored by Ron Roode Masonry)
• Dontstandinmyway
Aged Mare (Sponsored by The Truro Horsemens Club)
• Barona Lilac
Most Improved (Sponsored by Red Bull)
• Lifeinthecountry
Trotter of the Year (Sponsored by High Maintenance Hair and Esthetics)
• Soft Parade
2015 NS STAKES WINNERS
Two-Year-Old Filly
• Paradise Paradox
Two-Year-Old Colt
• Preceptor
Three-Year-Old Filly
• TheBigbamtheory
Three-Year-Old Colt
• Pictonian Edge
Two-Year-Old Trotter
• West River Andrea
ATLANTIC SIRE STAKES WINNERS
Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly
• Howmacscanasta
Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly
• Dustylane MsVickie
Top Dash-Winning Driver Over 50 but Under 100 Award (Sponsored by Truro Raceway)
• Carl Isenor
Top Dash-Winning Driver Over 100 Award (Sponsored by Truro Raceway)
• Paul Langille
Top Dash-Winning Trainer Over 50 but Under 100 Award (Sponsored by Truro Raceway)
• Dawn Ellis Abbot
Top Dash-Winning Trainer Over 100 Award (Sponsored by Truro Raceway)
• George Rennison
Senior Horseperson Award (Sponsored by Charlottetown Vet Clinic)
• Emmons MacKay
Horsewoman of the Year (Sponsored by Jim’s Barber Shop)
• Dawn Ellis-Abbott
Grooms of the Year Award (Sponsored by Sandy Shearer Tim Horton’s Halifax)
• Mandy Ellis
• Brett Johnson
The Jamieson 3-D Award (Dedication, Determination, Desire) (Sponsored by Jamieson Memorial)
• Gordie McCabe
Jim Chambers Sportsmanship Driver Award
• Al MacNeil
Jim Chambers Sportsmanship Trainer Award
• Pam Moore
High Percentage Driver Award (Sponsored in Memory of Neldie Haley)
• Darren Crowe
Owner of the Year Award (Sponsored by Standardbred Canada)
• Andrea Rennison, Ryder Rennison, Cathy Benedict
Award of Merit
• Robyn Crowe
Rising Star Award (Sponsored by The Gillis Stable)
• Ryder Rennison
(THHOA)