Columbus, MN — The annual Minnesota Harness Racing awards banquet is fast approaching and excitement is in the air as we get ready to crown the champion trotters and pacers from the 2019 season.

The big event is slated for Saturday (Feb. 22) with a full day of events beginning with check-in from 1-2 p.m. followed by the MHRI annual meeting and reports. Cocktail hour will begin at 4 p.m. followed by dinner. The divisional awards presentation will get underway at 6:15 p.m.

For the second year in a row, the MHRI banquet will take place at Vanelli’s by the Lake in Forest Lake, Minn., which is just a few miles and five minutes away from Running Aces.

This year, in addition to the customary reports on MHRI business, reports from the Minnesota Racing Commission, as well as principals from Running Aces and neighboring Wisconsin and Iowa harness racing, we will have the pleasure of welcoming USTA Chairman of the Board Ivan Axelrod as our guest speaker.

MHRI will honor divisional champions in 12 categories as the champions of 2019, and voting will take place among the banquet attendees as to the overall 2019 Minnesota Harness Horse of the Year. The floor will be opened up for nominees followed directly by balloting for the honor of 2019 MHRI Horse of the Year. In addition to the divisional champions, MHRI will also honor the runner-up in each category as well.

Also on tap will be the traditional MHRI banquet raffle and the live stallion auction to close out the evening.

For more information about the 2020 MHRI annual banquet and meeting, please contact MHRI executive secretary Patty Strand via email at patty.strand@mnharness.com.