The Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association (PEIHRIA) and Red Shores have announced that applications are now open for the Kent Oakes Memorial Bursary, honouring the late Kent Oakes and his lasting contributions to the harness racing industry on Prince Edward Island.
The bursary is awarded annually to a successful applicant to assist with expenses associated with their post-secondary education. Applicants can only receive the bursary once. The $15,000 bursary may be awarded to one individual or split between multiple individuals at the discretion of the selection committee. The deadline for applications is Aug. 31, 2026 at 12 p.m. (ADT).
Kent Oakes began working in harness racing on his family farm in North Wiltshire, P.E.I., and spent time as a teenager grooming horses in his uncle’s New York stable. After University, he embarked on a distinguished 35-year career with the P.E.I. Provincial Government in the departments of Agriculture and Finance. During that time, he worked with the P.E.I. Lotteries Commission, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, and both Red Shores locations. He played a key role in shaping policy for the industry, including serving as the government representative on the planning and construction committee for the redevelopment of the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Beyond his professional work, Oakes was deeply committed to volunteering. He served on numerous industry boards including the PEIHRIA, Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale, P.E.I. Standardbred Breeders Association, P.E.I. Matinee Track Development Program and Standardbred Canada.
Oakes was a strong advocate for youth and education. He was instrumental in developing and sustaining the P.E.I. Matinee Program to help young drivers become pari-mutually licensed and always believed in supporting education for youth connected to the industry.
Oakes passed away in the summer of 2024. In February 2025, he was posthumously awarded the Cam Fella Award, and in August 2025, was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The strength of P.E.I.’s harness racing industry and beyond can be directly attributed to his dedication.
Eligibility and Application
To apply, candidates must:
1. Be a resident of Prince Edward Island.
2. Be enrolled in a post-secondary diploma, degree or trade program for the fall of 2026 and/or winter 2027 (proof of enrollment required).
3. Be in any year of enrollment (first year through completion).
4. Applicants who have previously received this bursary are not eligible to apply again.
5. Disclose any other bursaries, grants or scholarships received in the application year.
6. Provide a short description of their involvement in the harness racing industry. Extra consideration will be given to individuals active as volunteers, or as Standardbred Canada licensed grooms, trainers or drivers.
7. Provide a letter of endorsement from an individual involved in harness racing (not family members).
8. Write a one-page or longer, double-spaced essay addressing the following:
- How can harness racing on Prince Edward Island encourage youth involvement, development and retention?
- How will your post-secondary education apply to your future involvement in harness racing?
Submission
Send a cover letter and the application to [email protected] or complete the online application form by the deadline of Aug. 31 at 12 p.m. (ADT).
(PEIHRIA)