Canadian harness racing celebrated the absolute best performers of the 2014 season at tonight’s O’Brien Awards and five of the winners were Ontario-sired performers.
John Bax, who was the leading trainer in the 2014 Ontario Sires Stakes in terms of money won, collected two O’Brien trophies on behalf of his talented trotting fillies Stubborn Belle and Riveting Rosie. Bax’s Parkhill Stud Farm co-owns both distaffers with partners.
Chris Christoforou, who was the top money winning driver in the 2014 OSS, captured his fourth O’Brien trophy as the nation’s top driver. His previous wins came in 1999, 2002 and 2003. He enjoyed a great night on Super Final night at Mohawk in October when he won two of the finals with Reverend Hanover and Dont Rush. He also had a second with Ole Jack Magic.
The Ontario-sired horses who were recognized at the prestigious event are as follows:
Two-Year-Old Filly Trotter
Stubborn Belle (Taurus Dream) Owned by Al Libfeld, Pickering & Parkhill Stud Farm, Peterborough, Ontario
Three-Year-Old Filly Trotter
Riveting Rosie (Muscle Mass) Owned by Parkhill Stud Farm, Peterborough, Don Allensen, Wyoming, J And T Stable Newmarket & John Hayes, Sharon, Ontario
Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer
Lady Shadow (Shadow Play) Owned by Lindsey and Connie Rankin, Lexington, MI
Three-Year-Old Colt Trotter
Harper Blue Chip (Majestic Son) Owned by Landmark 6 Racing Stable, Kingston, David MacDonald, Cornwall, David Reid, Glenburnie & George Judson, Athens, Ontario
Pacing Horse
Modern Legend (Modern Art) Owned by Dave Drew Associates Inc., St. Catharines, Ontario