by Bob Lieberman

The New England Harness Horsemen held their 2011 Awards Banquet at the V.F.W. Post in Medway, MA Saturday night in front of a packed house.

Bob Lieberman photo

Trotter of the Year: Board of Director Bob Bogigian, Trainer Don Guidetter Jr., Owner Linda Kenney, Pres. Mike Perpall and Owner Bob Kenney.

A special APPRECIATION AWARD was presented to C.O.O. Gary Piontkowski, for his efforts to continue to keep harness racing alive at the Plainridge Racecourse and his continued support of the horsemen at the track. Without his efforts, there would be no harness racing in Massachusetts. G.M. Steve O`Toole was there to accept the award on Mr. Piontkowski`s behalf.

President Mike Perpall along with Board of Director Bob Bogigian handed out the silverware to the winning recipients.

The New England Amateur Harness Drivers Association was also on hand to distribute their silverware to their top three finishers.

Horse of the Year: CHAMP`S FOLLY

28 starts 5 wins $25,550 1:54.2

Owner: Michael Feinberg Trainer: James Hardy

Freshman Pacer of the Year: IDEAL SMILE

15 starts 5 wins $25,032 1:56

Owner: Michael Perpall Trainer: Michael Perpall

Sophomore Pacer of the Year: CBF FANCY

19 starts 7 wins $83,396 1:56.1

Owner: Glenn Harris Trainer: Ralph Andersen

Mare of the Year: PARTY AT JOYCES

29 starts 6 wins $18,798 1:54.1

Owners: Linda & Matthew Kakaley Trainer: Linda Kakaley

Claimer of the Year: PEMBROKE DELUXE

21 starts 5 wins $15,144 1:54.3

Owners: Barry Caruso & James Hardy Trainer: James Hardy

Claimer of the Year: Tie HI SPEED DELIVERY

28 starts 12 wins $15,805 1:55.1

$3000. & Under Owner: John Hogan Trainer: John Hogan

Claimer of the Year: Tie PAYDAZE A COMIN

24 starts 12 wins $14,675 1:55.2

$3000. & Under Owners: Nancy Longobardi & Paul Tracey Trainer: Nancy Longobardi

Comeback of the Year: JENNA`S WORLD

25 starts 5 wins $10,651 1:54.4

Owner: Graham Lewis Trainer: Graham Lewis

Trotter of the Year: MONTANA STEEL

36 starts 7 wins $33,342 1:58.2

Owners: Robert & Linda Kenney Trainer: Don Guidette Jr.

Claiming Trotter of the Year: FAMOUS IMAGE

31 starts 9 wins $20,914 1:58.2

The New England Amateur Harness Drivers received their awards at the affair. The top point getter and winner for 2011 was John Sears, followed by Jolene Andrews and in third place was Bill Abdelnour.