The Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association held its annual awards banquet at the Calumet Club in Augusta on Saturday, January 22, with over 200 people attending
the event.
Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Sheridan Smith Distinguished Service Award to Sharon Terry, the owner of Scarborough Downs. The Sheridan Smith Award has been presented to many of Maine’s most prominent harness racing figures such as the Walter Hight, Freeman Parker, Donald Richards and the late Ival Bud Cianchette.
Scholarships were given to six college students to assist them with their studies. The winners were Emily Fournier, who attends The University of Southern Maine; Jenna Wing and Elizabeth Richardson who both study at the University of New England; Karen Letteney who attends The University of Maine; Dylan Plissey who studies at The University of Maine-Presque Isle and Jeff Ramsdell who attends Plymouth State College. The live auction which concluded the banquet raised nearly $3,000 for the MHHA Scholarship Fund.
Among the horses honored for an outstanding 2010 racing season were:
Horse of the Year- Shady Sabrina
Outstanding Pacer - Rodeo Du Ruisseau
Outstanding Trotter - Current Chip
Claimer of the Year - Mighty Thunder
Outstanding Dash Winner - Vasvixen N
Horses which won 10 or more races in 2010 were also presented and award. Those were: Shagon Again, Current Chip, Shabash, Yeah Baby N, Mighty Thunder, Pembroke Nick, Eagle Together, American Village, Barbra Ann, Cranmeadow Express, Formulaone A, Share A Smile, Rodeo Du Ruisseau, Warrior Jake, Willin Dylan, No Jokin and Simply Made.
The Senior Citizen awards for horses who retired in 2010 were given to Par One, Jaccka Seelster N, Mister Gender, Mystical Sign, Prince Rama A, Tonros Prince A, Lukes Frank, Party Star and Bid Hanover.
Awards were also presented to the following individuals:
Outstanding Driver Award - Shawn Gray
Outstanding Trainer Award - Randy Bickmore
Rising Star Award - Steven Nason
Several drivers attained personal career milestones in 2010. They were Steve Mahar (5,000 wins), Heath Campbell (3,500 wins), Shawn Gray (2,000 wins), John Nason (2,000 wins) and Ron Cushing (1500 wins).
(MHHA)