by Robert Lieberman

Medway, MA — The Harness Horsemen’s Association of New England held their 2014 awards banquet at the V.F.W. Post in Medway, Mass., on Saturday (Dec. 20) in front of a huge crowd that looked forward to the affair and also to the excitement that Plainridge Racecourse will be up and running for the 2015 season.

HHA of NE photo

James Hardy is presented the Pacer of the Year award for Dontmesswiththebest by Bob Bogigian.

General Manager Stephen O’Toole was present to make a few announcements about the upcoming season.

“Construction is proceeding right on schedule and racing is expected to begin on April 1, 2015 and the video slot parlor is scheduled to open on June 1, 2015 as planned.”

All the lucky recipients were in attendance to receive their awards. The winners are listed below:

Pacer of the Year: Dontmesswiththebest–owner Richard Poilucci–trainer James Hardy
Trotter of the Year: Coco Lindy–owners Lindy Farms and Robert Rudolph–trainer Frank Antonacci
“Enlisted ” Horse of the Year: Story Of My Life–owner Jeffrey Kaylor–trainer Joseph Therrien
Lifetime Achievement: Hurricane Emily–owners James Hardy and Tia Bennett–trainer James Hardy
Lifetime Achievement: Jopas Wish–owner Francis Witkowski–trainer Francis Witkowski
Horse of the Year (female): Iheartquestionnmark–owner J & E Stable–trainer Steve Nason
Horse of the Year (male): A Megabuck–owner Nancy Guidette–trainer Donald Guidette
Senior Citizen: Danger Sign–owner Brenda Provost–trainer Brenda Provost
Senior Citizen: Ronnie Revrac–owner Shaun Scott–trainer Shaun Scott
Claimer of the Year: Happy Surprise–owner Mark Eaton–trainer Mark Eaton
Appreciation Award: Peter Goldberg
Driver and Trainer of the Year: James Hardy