Manitoba's finest talents in the harness racing world were honoured at the annual Manitoba Standardbred Racing Industry Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 9, marking the culmination of the successful 2023 season.
Hosted at the Canad Inns Destination Centre in Portage la Prairie, the event was jointly presented by the Manitoba Standardbred Sires and Breeders Association (MSSBA) and Manitoba Harness Horsemen Inc. (MHHI).
A standout of the evening was Braxtons Boy, recognised not only as the top Manitoba-bred horse but also for his exceptional performance as a three-year-old in 2023. Trained by the duo Richard and Janet Rey, this homebred talent triumphed in five out of 11 races in Manitoba, notably clinching the Golden Boy Stakes final. Braxtons Boy, sired by Whosurboy and out of the mare Nitrous Force, was a shining star, with his dam also being honoured as the Broodmare of the Year.
The prestigious title of Horseperson of the Year was awarded to the accomplished trainer Trevor Williams, while the skilled Blake Piwniuk secured the top driving honours for the second consecutive year. Among the recurring champions were filly AK Nite Lady and sire Andreoli Hanover.
The list of award recipients is as follows:
MSRI Manitoba Two-Year-Old Filly
Trust Me Alot
MSRI Manitoba Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding
Lookinlikeamillion
MSRI Manitoba Three-Year-Old Filly
AK Nite Lady
MRSI Manitoba Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding
Braxtons Boy
MRSI Manitoba Aged Mare
Skys Little Spunk
MRSI Manitoba Aged Horse/Gelding
Two Shoes
Top Manitoba-Bred
Braxtons Boy
MSRI Broodmare of the Year
Nitrous Force
MSRI Sire of the Year
Andreoli Hanover
MSRI Aged Mare of the Year
I Will Do It
MSRI Aged Horse of the Year
Tuff As Buff
MSRI Claimer of the Year
Tuff As Buff
MSRI Rookie of the Year
Aaron Mason
MSRI See Me Go Award of Sportsmanship
Stefan Rey
MSRI Top Driver - UDRS
Blake Piwniuk
MSRI Top Driver - Wins
Blake Piwniuk
MSRI Top Trainer - UTRS
Trevor Williams
MRSI Top Trainer - Wins
Trevor Williams
MSRI Caretakers of the Year
Maxine Fillion
Patricia Norman
MSRI Lifetime Breeders Achievement Award
Dave Mooney
Standardbred Canada Owner of the Year
Alice Gilbert
MHHI Owner of the Year
Aurel Vodon
MSRI Ron Waples Award
Cliff Cullen
MHHI Horseperson of the Year
Trevor Williams
The evening's celebrations were a true testament to the talent and dedication within Manitoba's harness racing community.