from WFD media relations

London, ON — The Raceway at Western Fair District has announced its 2016 award winners to be honored during the annual awards dinner on Saturday (Feb. 11) at the Carousel Room of The Raceway.

Irvine James, who captured a City of London Series final in May, and Nadia Can Go, who compiled an impressive nine-race win streak at London last spring, are the winners of the Older Pacing Horse and Older Pacing Mare honors, respectively.

Driver Alfie Carroll and trainer Vic Puddy captured their second consecutive Western Fair titles. Many of their wins came for owner Keith Cassell who is the 2016 top owner at the London oval.

The horse awards are based on the highest money winners with a minimum of six starts at The Raceway during the season while the claiming awards are based on the highest number of wins in claiming races at The Raceway during the year.

Award winners were announced in 13 categories with another four to be announced the night of the event — they include the Caretaker of the Year, Walltyme Outstanding Service Award, Ruth Herbert Horsewoman of the Year and the overall Horse of the Year.

To nominate someone for Caretaker of the Year, people are asked to e-mail the name of their nominee along with a written description of the nominee on/or before Jan. 27. Five finalists will be selected from the nominees and horse people will then have a chance to vote for their choice. The winner will be announced on Feb. 11.

Tickets for the awards night go on sale next week at The Raceway’s Race Office and are available for $40 per person or $45 at the door; a table of eight can be purchased for $280. The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, awards ceremony and D.J. and dance to follow.

For more information, or to nominate someone for Caretaker of the Year, e-mail Amy O’Toole at aotoole@westernfairdistrict.com.

Here is a complete list of the 2016 award winners:

Older Pacing Horse – Irvine James
Older Pacing Mare – Nadia Can Go
3-Year-Old Pacing Colt – Overthinkenit
3-Year-Old Pacing Filly – Uptown Woman
Older Trotting Horse – Raising Richard
Older Trotting Mare – Daylon Mermaid
3-Year-Old Trotting Colt – On The Ridge
3-Year-Old Trotting Filly – Shes All Muscle
Claiming Pacer – Mighty Mouse
Claiming Trotter – Jimoris Tigeress
Driver – Alfie Carroll
Trainer – Vic Puddy
Owner – Keith Cassell
Caretaker – TBA
Walltyme Outstanding Service – TBA
Ruth Herbert Horsewoman – TBA
Horse of the Year – TBA