by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — A group of nearly 300, horsemen, legislators and friends of harness racing turned out for the 18th annual Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) Awards Dinner at Modern Maturity in Dover, Del. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015.

The annual DSOA meeting at mid-day preceded the awards-dinner and its early evening cocktail hour under the auspices of DSOA Executive Director Sal DiMario and his staff of Denise Rothermel and Lisa Pearson.

Again, this year, popular TV hostess Heather Vitale and annual visitor Bill Ellis served as co-emcees presenting videos of award winning horses plus colorful, fun-filled high spots of Ms. Vitale’s weekly “Post Time” programs on WBOC TV.

The highlights of the 2014 racing seasons featured top horses of the Dover Downs and the Harrington Raceway meets. A silent auction to benefit Horse Lovers United, Inc., a Not-for Profit organization which provides a residence and care for retired horses, was held in conjunction with the banquet.

In addition to leading horsemen and friends in attendance at the banquet were, as usual, many of Delaware’s top legislative executives. The list included Congressman John Carney; State Senators Bethany Hall-Long, Gary Simpson and Bryan Townsend along with State Legislative Representatives; Gerald Brady, Ron Gray, Kevin Hensley, Harvey Kenton (who presented the pre-meal blessing), Ruth Brigs-King, John Kowalko, Bobby Outten, Trey Paradee, Steve Smyk, Jeff Spiegelman, Dave Wilson and Lyndon Yearick.

in attendance were Delaware Harness Racing Commissioner Patricia Wagner and Executive Director Mark Davis. Also present were USTA District Directors, Chairman Dr. William Moffett, and directors, Jim Boese and Russell MacKinnon.

Introduced were the DSOA board of directors – President, Andy Markano, Brenda Bramble, 1st vice president, Barbara Bramble; 2nd vice president, Dr. William Moffett, treasurer, Frank Diliberti (excused absence), and secretary, Frannie West. Other directors include, George Dennis, Vic Kirby, Russell McKinnon, Presley Moore, George Teague, Max Walton, Valerie Warnick, and directors’ emeritus, Dan Camac and Ralph Holloway.

Also among the dignitaries were members of the media. The Media Award was presented to Andy West, managing editor of the Delaware State News, a former harness writer and today a strong supporter of harness racing.

DSOA 2014 award winners:

The 5th annual James T. Case Jr. DSOA Horizon Award (to a horseman making outstanding progress during year). This season’s winner was harness driver Jonathan Roberts, one of the sport’s rising stars. Roberts enjoyed his finest season in 2014 driving his most winners and money won by horses he drove during the year.

The DSOA Special Appreciation Award was presented to Andy West, Managing Editor Delaware State News for Outstanding Coverage of Harness Racing and Related Horsemen’s Issues.

2014 DSOA Special Appreciation Award presented to State Senator Bethany Hall-Long, “A True Friend to Delaware Harness Horsemen and Women.”

The James T. Case Jr. 1,000 Scholarship in memory of the longtime DSOA President was presented to Erica Brittingham, attending Del. Tech & U Community College majoring in Physical Education.

Again this year, the DSOA gave out a total of $6,000 in Scholarship awards.

A multi-colored program featuring DSOA honored horses was placed at each seat.

HORSE HONOREES:

2-Year-Olds:

Trotters – Political Foe (colt)); Penny Paratrooper (filly)

Pacers – Sonofa Sizzle (colt);Purrfect Bags & Totally Rusty [tie] (filly)

3—Year-Olds:

Trotters – I Like My Boss (colt) Overnight Hit (filly)

Pacers – Casino Bags Carlo (colt); Seboomook Fool Yah (filly)

DSOA Horses of the Meet:

Dover Downs

Horse of the Meet – Nova Artist, for the second season in-a-row

Trotter of the Meet – Awsome Valley, also winner last season

Claimer of the Meet – Mach Lady

Harrington Raceway

Horse of the Year – Just A Jolt

Trotter of the Year- I Like My Boss

Claimer of the Year – Sir Jonathan Z Tam