FARMINGTON — The Farmington Horsemen’s Association held its annual banquet on Feb. 6 with around 70 attending.
The event included a social, supper, meeting, awards and auction.
Special guests were Wendy Ireland, Ocean Front Properties; Barbara Dresser, Racing Commission; Katie Damon, Promotional Board; Diane Perkins, Maine Breeder’s Association; and Don Marean of Augusta. Each of them had a chance to speak.
Awards were presented for the best 2-year-old, Browley Brook Herman, and best 3-year-old, Current Quote, both horses owned by Nelson DiPompo and Mike Graham, who presented the award to Linton and Tina Quirrion for over 50 years in racing, 354 wins and going strong.
The fastest pacer, Miss Analise, going 1.53, is owned by Bruce Inch, and the fastest trotter, Neverdie, 1.54.3, is owned by Mike Graham, Steve Wilson and Mike Cushing. The owners presented the award to Bob Cushing, who, for the past 40 years, has made sure the organization had a balanced checkbook, the equipment was fixed and was ready for the track.
The last award for most money earned was Twin B Spy, $34,000, and most wins, 11, Warrawee Nonsuch, both owned by Michele, Ryan and Joe Nelson. They presented the special award to Clifford Chase, who spends long days at the track, works hard, never quits, and steps up every day, even when it is not easy to do so at the age of 85.
Mike Cushing congratulated Joe Nelson on being the Trainer of the Year at the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Banquet in Augusta. He joins Bill Turner and Linton Quirrion, past trainers of the year from the Farmington track.
Gloria Cushing presented scholarships to Sarah Neal, Alisa Hamilin and Lauren Hebert. The horsemen raise the money by donations and by holding 50/50s at the races during Farmington Fair.
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