by Bob Lieberman
The New England Harness Horsemen held their 2011 Awards Banquet at the V.F.W. Post in Medway, MA Saturday night in front of a packed house.
Bob Lieberman photo
Trotter of the Year: Board of Director Bob Bogigian, Trainer Don Guidetter Jr., Owner Linda Kenney, Pres. Mike Perpall and Owner Bob Kenney.
A special APPRECIATION AWARD was presented to C.O.O. Gary Piontkowski, for his efforts to continue to keep harness racing alive at the Plainridge Racecourse and his continued support of the horsemen at the track. Without his efforts, there would be no harness racing in Massachusetts. G.M. Steve O`Toole was there to accept the award on Mr. Piontkowski`s behalf.
President Mike Perpall along with Board of Director Bob Bogigian handed out the silverware to the winning recipients.
The New England Amateur Harness Drivers Association was also on hand to distribute their silverware to their top three finishers.
Horse of the Year: CHAMP`S FOLLY
28 starts 5 wins $25,550 1:54.2
Owner: Michael Feinberg Trainer: James Hardy
Freshman Pacer of the Year: IDEAL SMILE
15 starts 5 wins $25,032 1:56
Owner: Michael Perpall Trainer: Michael Perpall
Sophomore Pacer of the Year: CBF FANCY
19 starts 7 wins $83,396 1:56.1
Owner: Glenn Harris Trainer: Ralph Andersen
Mare of the Year: PARTY AT JOYCES
29 starts 6 wins $18,798 1:54.1
Owners: Linda & Matthew Kakaley Trainer: Linda Kakaley
Claimer of the Year: PEMBROKE DELUXE
21 starts 5 wins $15,144 1:54.3
Owners: Barry Caruso & James Hardy Trainer: James Hardy
Claimer of the Year: Tie HI SPEED DELIVERY
28 starts 12 wins $15,805 1:55.1
$3000. & Under Owner: John Hogan Trainer: John Hogan
Claimer of the Year: Tie PAYDAZE A COMIN
24 starts 12 wins $14,675 1:55.2
$3000. & Under Owners: Nancy Longobardi & Paul Tracey Trainer: Nancy Longobardi
Comeback of the Year: JENNA`S WORLD
25 starts 5 wins $10,651 1:54.4
Owner: Graham Lewis Trainer: Graham Lewis
Trotter of the Year: MONTANA STEEL
36 starts 7 wins $33,342 1:58.2
Owners: Robert & Linda Kenney Trainer: Don Guidette Jr.
Claiming Trotter of the Year: FAMOUS IMAGE
31 starts 9 wins $20,914 1:58.2
The New England Amateur Harness Drivers received their awards at the affair. The top point getter and winner for 2011 was John Sears, followed by Jolene Andrews and in third place was Bill Abdelnour.