Dover, DE – The Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) held its 29th annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 16 in Dover. The event recognized outstanding performers from Bally’s Dover and Harrington Raceway from the past season.
On this evening, the 2025 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund champions were also honored, along with other horsemen and women deserving recognition.
The awards were emceed by Heather Vitale, host of the local harness racing television show Post Time, and Matt Sparacino, Harrington Raceway assistant general manager and United States Trotting Association director.
There were over 300 in attendance, with many Delaware legislators coming out to celebrate the Standardbred industry’s stars on this evening including: Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Senator Eric Buckson, Senator Kyra Hoffner, Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, Senator Trey Paradee, Senator Dave Wilson, Representative Bill Carson, Representative Ron Gray, Representative Kerri Evelyn Harris, Representative Charles Postles, Representative Lyndon Yearick and Retired Senator Nancy Cook.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Governor’s Cabinet, including Secretary of Finance Michael Smith and Deputy of Finance Rebecca Goldsmith.
Coming to the banquet from the Delaware Harness Racing Commission were Chairman Beth Steele, Vice Chairman Jack Berbarian, and Administrator of the DE Standardbred Breeders Fund Mark Short.
The DSOA Directors are President Andy Markano, First Vice President George Dennis, Second Vice President George Teague Jr., Treasurer Frank Deliberti and Secretary Frances West. DSOA Directors include Rich Ashley, Wayne Givens, Tom Ireland, Jim King Jr., Carlo Poliseno, Jason Skinner and Ross Wolfenden. John Hensley is the executive director of the DSOA.
The following is a list of winners from the evening:
DELAWARE STANDARDBRED OWNERS ASSOCIATION WINNERS
Claimer of the Meet at Bally’s Dover – MOSCOW MITCH
Owner: Sartin Racing
Trainer: Chuck Crissman Jr.
Trotter of the Meet at Bally’s Dover – INDY BE QUICK
Owner: David Neilson
Trainer: Erin Neilson
Pacer of the Meet at Bally’s Dover – ITSROCKANDROLL A
Owner: Elizabeth & Bret Brittingham
Trainer: Don Brittingham
HARRINGTON RACEWAY AWARDS
Claimer of the Meet at Harrington Raceway – AMERICAN ARTIST
Owner/Trainer: Daniel Munson
Trotter of the Meet at Harrington Raceway – TYMAL TIGGS
Owner: Golden Gaits Uso
Trainer: Crissy Crissman-Bier
Pacer of the Meet at Harrington Raceway – INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW
Owner: James Magno & Joseph Fonte
Trainer: Les Givens
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – JL CRUZE
SPECIAL APPRECIATION AWARD – Dr. Jesse Reid
USHWA DE VALLEY CARETAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Susan Vannier
JAMES T. CASE JR. HORIZON AWARD – Troy Beyer
DSOA PRESIDENT’S AWARD – Mark Short
SERVICE AND DEDICATION AWARDS
Andrew Markano
Frances West
Denise Rothermel
DELAWARE STANDARDBRED BREEDERS FUND CHAMPIONS
2-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING TROTTER – THISKISSFORMARYELL
Breeder: James Magno & Joseph Fonte
Owner: Nanticoke Racing, James Magno & Joseph Fonte
Trainer: Les Givens
Driver: Jim Morand
2-YEAR-OLD FILLY TROTTER – TUIS STAR
Breeder: Edward Kimmel & Don Wiest
Owner: Don Wiest & David Wiest
Trainer: David Wiest
Driver: Corey Callahan
2-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING PACER – WATCH EM WIN
Breeder: Best Bet Stables
Owner: Burke Racing, Knox Services, Phil Collura & Weaver Bruscemi
Trainer: Ron Burke
Driver: Tim Tetrick
2-YEAR-OLD FILLY PACER – WARRENS CHARM
Breeder: Odds On Nourrir
Owner: Rodney Wyatt & Jason Skinner
Trainer: Jason Skinner
Driver: Art Stafford Jr.
3-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING TROTTER – YALE
Breeder/owner/trainer: Stacy Johnson-Stafford
Driver: Art Stafford Jr
3-YEAR-OLD FILLY TROTTER – KAT’S FANCY
Breeder/Owner: Jane Dunavant
Trainer: Carlo Poliseno
Driver: Cody Poliseno
3-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING PACER – PRIMO MASCHIO
Breeder: Let It Ride Stables & Bottom Line Racing
Owner: Forrest Bartlett
Trainer: Walter Callahan
Driver: Trae Porter
3-YEAR-OLD FILLY PACER – VALENTINA STATION
Breeder: Eric Good
Owner: Rodney Wyatt & Kevin Peck
Trainer & Driver: Eddie Dennis
TROTTING BROODMARE OF THE YEAR – TWIN B KISSES
Breeder: Twinbrook Limited
Owner: James Magno & Joseph Fonte
Dam of two 2025 DSBF Winners – Take It Easy & Thiskissformaryell
PACING BROODMARE OF THE YEAR
PRIMADONNA
Breeder: Let It Ride Stables Inc
Owner: Kim & Janice Hankins
Dam of two-time DSBF Champion – Primo Maschio