by Wendy Ireland, executive director, Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association

Portland, ME — Despite an impending snowstorm, an excellent crowd gathered on Saturday (Feb. 15) in Portland, Maine, for the annual meeting and banquet of the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association.

Prior to the awards festivities, the Board of Directors of the MSBOA held their winter meeting. Jim Kelley, Lisa Watson, Cyndie Bowie and Robert Tourangeau were elected to fill three year positions on the board. The board voted to keep the same slate of officers for 2014: President-James Kelley; Vice-President-Francis Hanley; Secretary-Diann Perkins; and Treasurer-Lisa Watson.

The guest speaker for the evening’s festivities was Al Ross, who is a co-owner of Royalty For Life along with Chip Campbell and Paul Fontaine. Due to the inclement weather, the other connections for the 2013 Hambletonian winner were unable to make the trip north. Al Ross told the crowd the story behind Royalty For Life’s success as a 3-year-old.

The 2-year-old season’s champions in 2013 were awarded to CCC, 2-year-old colt trotter by Musclini owned by Dr. Dennis and Deborah Foss; Kate At The Gate, 2-year-old filly trotter by Current Cast owned by the East Pond Stable; Princess Wave, 2-year-old filly pacer by Armbro Wave owned by Tony Dearborn; and Maynard B, 2-year-old colt pacer by Neutralize owned by Florence O’Keefe.

The 3-year-old season’s champions in 2013 were: Obrigado, 3-year-old colt trotter by Boy Band owned by Michael Andrew; Song Of Virtue, 3-year-old filly trotter by Boy Band owned by Michael Andrew; Darlington Stripe, 3-year-old filly pacer by Fast Company owned by Stephen Lacasse; and Master Of Puppets, 3-year-old colt pacer by Ashlee’s Big Guy owned by Christine Catabia.

The leading sire of 2-year-old trotters in 2013 went to Current Cast. Some of Current Cast’s top performers last year included Kate At The Gate, Star Studded Cast and Maine Cast. Current Cast is owned by Thomas Dillon and stands stud at KDM Farm.

The leading sire of 3-year-old trotters in 2013 was awarded to Boy Band. Boy Band’s top performers at the track in 2013 included Obrigado, Song Of Virtue, Wakefield Fire and Race Me Liberty. Boy Band is owned by Michael Andrew and stands stud at Dupuis Farm.

The leading sire of 2- and 3-year-old pacers in 2013 was awarded to Neutralize. Some of his top performers include Maynard B, David The Saint, Neutral Data and Johnny Fast Cash. Neutralize is owned by Richard Hartley and stands stud at KDM Farm.

The 2013 Owner of the Year and Breeder of the Year for trotters was given to Michael Andrew of Three Crow Farm in Gorham, Maine, with earnings of more than $270,000. The 2013 Owner of the Year for pacers was awarded to Florence O’Keefe of OOB, Maine, with earnings of more than $144,000. The 2013 Breeder of the Year for pacers was awarded to Richard Hartley of NorthStar Standardbreds.

The MSBOA Trainer of the Year was presented to Kim Ireland, the Driver of the Year was presented to Heath Campbell and the top trainer award by points was given to Wally Watson.

Three awards of appreciation were presented during the awards gala on Saturday evening. Two Special Service Awards were presented to Jean Emerson and Carlton Chamberlin. A special commitment award was given to the Cushing Family of Farmington, Maine. This generational Maine family has continuously demonstrated the highest levels of integrity, enduring success and outstanding contributions to the Maine harness racing industry. Richard Hartley, longtime owner and breeder, was presented with the President’s Award for his many years of service and contributions to the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association and his dedication to the Maine Sire Stakes program.