Another successful year in Saskatchewan harness racing was celebrated in fine fashion at the Italian Club in Regina at a sold-out dinner this past Saturday night.
It was announced at the annual general meeting earlier in the day that live wagering had increased for the third consecutive year with a 43% increase in Yorkton and another 10% rise on the wager in Saskatoon.
SSHA president Glenn Le Drew also announced that significant progress has been made at the new West Meadows Raceway in Regina. The main barn is up with the stalls under construction and the half mile track is complete -- the exact same dimensions as the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Ohio.
As most are aware, the Ohio Fairgrounds is the home of the Little Brown Jug, which is thought by many to be the fastest half mile track in the world. West Meadows Raceway has applied for six race days to be raced in between the Yorkton and Saskatoon meets in the summer of 2009. It will be the only racetrack open for training all year long and its expected that the new track will open its doors to horsemen for training in late November.
Horsemen looking for stalls should reserve in advance and contact Glenn Le Drew at 306-737-0667 or Jane Grainger 306-539-6123.
Awards were handed out later in the evening and the winners are listed below.
SSHA Claimer of the Year
• Manwiththebigcigar
• owned by Pat Schultz, Lori Le Drew and Shawn Worthen
SSHA Horse of the Year
• Kalahari Riff
• owned by Kevin Siever
Standardbred Canada Owner of the Year
• Joe Soloninko (22 Wins)
Top Trainer of the Year
• Shawn Worthen
(166 - 55 - 30 - 24 -- UTR .480)
Top Driver of the Year
• Glenn Le Drew
(143 - 47 - 23 - 23 -- UDR .472)
Top Saskatchewan Owned & Bred Horse of the Year
• Kalahari Riff
Fastest Mile of the Meet
• Shadow Promises 1:56.1
(track record - Marquis Downs)
•owned by Carole & Gary Dunbar
SSBOA Breeder of the Year
• Annette Ooms
(SSHA)