SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - More than 300 people flocked to the Credit Union Place on Saturday evening to recognize the talents needed to make harness racing successful on the Island.
Trainers, drivers, standardbreds and owners were honoured at the annual Prince County Horsemen’s Club awards banquet, which included a special guest appearance by John Campbell, a Hall of Fame harness racing driver.
“Attending my first gold Cup and Saucer last August was quite the experience and left a pretty big impression on me. I had always heard what a great event it was, Wally Hennessey and Scott Bell had been telling me for many years that you just have to come.
“But hearing about it and experiencing it are two different things. It’s one of the best events in harness racing. The passion for harness racing and horses that the majority of people on the Island have is something that I really took notice of…It certainly makes the Island a special and unique place,” said Campbell while addressing the audience at the sold-out event.
He continued, “P.E.I. has produced many world-class trainers and drivers, as well as owners that have raced horses at the highest level…We’re putting on a show for the public, and it must be presented in the best possible fashion.”
Those in attendance at the event have dipped their toes into every aspect of the standardbred industry, and they came from across the province to show their dedication and support for the racing tradition that dates back to the 1880s on the Island.
Marc Campbell, nicknamed the “King” of Island harness racing, scooped up three awards that included Top Driver, Top Trainer, and Horseman of the Year.
“I’ve been involved in harness racing my whole life and I was proud to get the awards last night with my family in attendance. My whole family is involved in harness racing, it’s a family affair, and being recognized for all the hard work at the event makes me want to push even more for next year,” he said.
Campbell acknowledged that he was surprised when he was presented with the Horseman of the Year award. “I wasn’t expecting that award and it was the final one of the night, so it was a great feeling.”
Harness racing is gearing up for the new season.
“We have a bunch of young horses getting ready, around 23-24, and I have a feeling that it will be a great season,” Campbell concluded.
