by Wendy Ireland, executive director, MHHA

Augusta, ME — On Saturday (Feb. 18), the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association held their annual winter meeting and banquet at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland, Maine.

Prior to the awards festivities, the Board of Directors of the MSBOA held their winter meeting. John Loiko, II, Douglass Hutchins, DVM, and Michael Graham were re-elected to fill three year positions on the board. With President Michael Andrew stepping down from the board, a new slate of officers were voted in for 2012: President-James Kelley; Vice-President-Frances Hanley; Secretary-Diann Perkins; and Treasurer-Lisa Watson.

Michael Newman photo

Wallace Watson received the 2011 MSBOA Trainer of the Year award from President Michael Andrew.

The 2-year-old season champions in 2011 were awarded to CC’s Dream, 2-year-old colt trotter by Musclini, owned and trained by Ronald Alexander; Pembroke Picture, 2-year-old filly trotter by CR Power Glide, owned by William Varney and trained by Valerie Grondin; Magically, 2-year-old filly pacer by Ring Of Life, owned by the Ben, Bill and Will Stable and trained by Eric Bickmore; and Denver Cyclone, 2-year-old colt pacer by Western Cyclone, owned by Alfred Ross and trained by Wallace Watson.

The 3-year-old season champions in 2011 were Cyber Cast, 3-year-old colt trotter by Current Cast, owned by Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight and trained by Donald Richards; Iza Bella, 3-year-old filly trotter by Boy Band, owned by Michael Andrew and trained by Ivan Davies; Barbara Ann, 3-year-old filly pacer by Going To The Beach, owned by KDK Standardbreds and trained by Kevin Switzer; and The Nor’Easterbeast, 3-year-old colt pacer by Western Cyclone, owned by the East Pond Stable and trained by David Crochere.

The leading sire of 2- and 3-year-old trotters in 2011 went to Musclini. Some of Musclini’s top performers last year included CC’s Dream, A Vicious Woman, Katahdin Raymond and Katahdin Gossip. Musclini is owned by James and Betsey Kelley and stands stud in Millinocket, Maine.

The leading sire of 2- and 3-year-old pacers in 2011 was awarded to Western Cyclone. Western Cyclone’s top performers at the track in 2011 included Denver Cyclone, Call Me The Breeze, The Nor’Easterbeast and CBF Fancy. Western Cyclone is owned by Alfred Ross and will stand stud in 2012 at KDM Farm in Monmouth, Maine.

The 2011 Owner of the Year for trotters was given to Thomas Dillon of Anson, Maine and Walter Hight of Skowhegan, Maine. Thomas Dillon earned the title of 2011 Breeder of the Year with earnings of more than $180,000.

The 2011 Owner and Breeder of the Year for pacers were awarded to William Varney of Bangor, Maine, with earnings of more than $168,000.

The MSBOA Trainer of the Year was presented to Wallace Watson of Cumberland, Maine; the Driver of the Year was presented to Heath Campbell; and the top trainer award by points was given to Valerie Grondin.

Three awards of appreciation were presented during the awards gala on Saturday evening. The President’s Award was given to longtime owner and breeder John Kelley of Oakland, Maine, and Director of Racing at the Windsor Fair, William McFarland. A Special Commitment Award was given to Lynn-Marie Plouffe, who owns the Dupuis Farm in Saco, Maine. These special awards were given based on the individuals’ continued support and exemplary service to the Maine Standardbred Breeders stakes program.