The best in Newfoundland's harness racing community were honoured on Saturday night at the Newfoundland Harness & Labrador Harness Horse Owners Association Awards
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Repeating as Horse of the Year was P H Tornado. The seven-year-old son of Grinfromeartoear-Ocean Splash only made four starts in 2011, but he was untouchable for trainer-driver Scott MacRoberts, winning by more than five lengths in each start (other margins of victory were eight, 10-and-three-quarters and 18 lengths). Clifford Garland of Carbonear, Nfld. owns.
Here is a complete list of the winners from Saturday’s banquet:
Top two-year-old filly - Toosexyforwords
Top three-year-old filly - Camco Patricia
Top three-year-old - Coral Sea
Most improved horse - Muzzysenglishbaby
Fastest winning time - P H Tornado
Trotter of the Year - Abs Yankee Rail
Trainer with most money - Scott Forward
Top UDRS trainer - Walt Deering Sr.
Most improved driver - Walt Deering Jr.
Rookie of the Year - Bill Taylor
Driver with most money - Shane Forward
Amateur Driver of the Year - Oral Jestican
Amateur female driver - Cheryl Ryall
Top UDRS driver - Shane Forward
Gordon Ash Award (dedication to harness racing) - Keith Gowan
Best newcomer - US Charmeleon
SC Owner of the Year - Back River Stables
Most Gentlemen Driver - Paul McDonald
Dave MacRoberts Memorial - Peter Dooling
Mare of the Year - Our Ryall Flush
Horse of year - PH Tornado
Trainer of the Year - Scott Forward
Driver of the Year - Shane Forward
Trish Dooling captured Saturday's presentations through the lens of her camera, and she put together the following video tribute of the award winners:
The night also honoured horseman Gordie Fleming, who passed away last year.
(Photo: Back River Stables' Terry & Evan Williams, and presenting the award is the NHHOA President Keith Gowan (centre). Photo credit: Trish Dooling)