by Marv Bachrad, for DSOA

Dover, DE — Some 300 horsemen, legislators, including the newly elected governor of Delaware John Carney, and friends of harness racing turned out for the 19th annual Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) Awards Dinner at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover Friday (Jan. 13).
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DSOA 2016 award winners:
The 5th annual James T. Case Jr. DSOA Horizon Award (to a horseman making outstanding progress during year) was presented to Russell Foster, one of the sport’s rising stars.

Special Appreciation Award: Delaware Senate Minority Leader, senator Gary F. Simpson

Special Recognition Award: George Teague Jr. Inc. and Teague Racing Partnership LLC’s Wiggle It Jiggleit (The Peoples’ Horse), trained by Clyde Francis, driven by Montrell Teague and caretaker Mike Taylor.

Special Recognition Award: Roaring To Go, owner Frank Chick, trainer Kevin Lare

2016 DSOA Horses Honored:
Dover Downs
Horse of the Meet: Leah and Darrell Lewis’ Northern Rocknroll, trained by Darrell Lewis
Trotter of the Meet: Michael Casalino Jr.’s Tough Mac, trained by Dylan Davis
Claimer of the Meet: Thomas Lazzaro’s Rocknroll Jewell, trained by Dylan Davis

Harrington Raceway
Horse of the Meet: JoAnn Looney-King’s Purrfect Bags, trained by Jim King Jr.
Trotter of the Meet: James Moore III’s Royal Becca J, trained by Jack Parker Jr.
Claimer of the Meet: Elizabeth Brittingham’s Sir Jonathan Z Tam, trained by Don Brittingham
2-Year-Olds: Trotters, (filly) Luv Is Blind (colt) Master Clave; Pacers – Henry The Dragon (colt); (filly) Logan’s Girl
3-Year-Olds: Trotters, (filly) Epic Smash (colt) Seafood Scrappy; Pacers – (filly) Apple Bottom Jeans (colt) Next Success

Broodmares of the Year: Quick Question Pacing Mare; Giant Smash Trotting Mare

A highly successful silent auction of harness memorabilia to benefit Horse Lovers United under the supervision of its founder, Lorraine Truitt, was supported for the care for horses whose racing careers had ended.

Again this year, there were six James T. Case Jr. $1,000 scholarships awarded.