Sunday, November 15, 2009 by Bob Lieberman

Medway, MA -- At Restaurant 45 in Medway, Mass., the S.O.M. held their Annual Meeting and Awards event, on Sunday night, November 15, to a packed room of members and invited guests.   The evening’s affair went off without a hitch as guest speakers were very well received discussing subjects that are near and dear to their hearts.

SOM President Ed Nowak thanked everyone for attending citing the days when it was almost impossible to gather a quorum.  Nowak, who made a presentation before the State Legislature last month on behalf of the breeders with regard to proposed racino legislation, looked back at the year past but eagerly looked forward to an exciting time in both in harness racing and breeding in Massachusetts.  Ed also thanked Nancy Hanny for her dedicated service to S.O.M., he stated “Her term as director has expired and she has chosen not to run for re-election, we should remember Nancy guided the organization through some turbulent years and I thank her on behalf of our board for all she has done.”  After a vote by the members for two director seats, Nowak was re-elected and Raymond “Chip” Campbell was newly elected, each will serve three year terms.

2010 SOM Directors from left Paul Vacca, Raymond "Chip" Campbell, Frank Dubreuil, Nancy Longobardi, James Hardy, Bonnie Rush and Ed Nowak

After dinner the Guest Speaker was Dr. Doug Hutchins of Lyman Maine, a veterinarian for almost forty years with unprecedented knowledge of his industry and the standardbred breeding industry. Dr Hutchins used the example of his favorite stallion, Yankee Glide, as a prime example of talents in the breeding shed. He left the members with the understanding of how the positive effect of legalized gambling in the form of slots has been to the state of Maine, its horsemen and breeders. By putting together a combined push for racinos, together the horsemen and breeders realized how effective a positive effort could bring about a successful end result. The racino atmosphere has proven to be a money maker for all, at this point in time. The members were very impressed with his report and the effort for detail; his points were very well taken. 

        State Representative Richard Ross                        Dr. Doug Hutchins

The evening’s Honored Guest was State Representative Richard Ross, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives out of the Ninth Norfolk District. He is a member of the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee that are overseeing the hearings on expanded gaming in the state.  Representative Ross is hopeful for a decision in mid January, 2010, regarding slots at the states racetracks, to help the industry and bring new forms of revenue to aid the financial pitfall that the state has found itself in.  Ross thinks expanded gaming at Plainridge Racecourse, which is in his district, is strategically located at Route 1, 95 & 495 to provide immediate benefits to the commonwealth.  The Representative concluded with discussion on the simulcast bill and breeding bill which he said he was confident would soon be extended into next year.

The Seasons Awards were then presented;


Paul Vacca presents award for RC Authority            Kathy & Jamie Blash with Tom Mello

Divisional Champions

Two Year Old Filly Trot
FIRST TAIL U SEE

Two Year Old Colt Trot
PIONEER VALLEY

Two Year Old Filly Pace
NATIVE BOMBSHELL

Two Year Old Colt Pace
FAST GUY

Three Year Old Filly Trot
RC CURIOSITY

Three Year Old Colt Trot
RC AUTHORITY

Three Year Old Filly Pace
AL'S BABY GIRL

Three Year Old Colt Pace
HEYITSONLYMONEY

************************************************************

2009 Sire Stake Wrap Up

************************************************************

2009 Yearlings

************************************************************

2009 Two Year Olds


************************************************************

2009 Three Year Olds


************************************************************

The Standardardbed Owners of Massachusetts, Inc. is the representative organization of Standardbred Breeders authorized by the Massachusetts State Racing Commission to administer the Masschusetts breeding program and Sire Stakes. The mission of the S.O.M. is to unite and represent the interests of Massachusetts Standardbred Breeders.
On this site you will find all information pertaining to stallion - broodmare - yearling registration, membership, eligibilty, rules & regulations, payments, fees, payment forms and announcements.
If you have any questions or comments, send to info@sominc.net


S.O.M. MISSION STATEMENT

 The purpose of the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts Inc. is to promote the business of Standardbred horse breeding and racing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in order to improve the Standardbred race horse and to foster and actively participate in such programs as will insure to the benefit of the members. To this end, the Standardbed Owners of Massachusetts, Inc.  shall encourage the funding and the holding of restricted stakes racing as provided in existing and proposed Massachusetts Legislation. Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts Inc. shall at all times, strive to promote the breeding of quality Massachusetts Standardbred racehorses and to improve the breed. It shall further endeavor to promote the holding of restricted non stakes races for Massachusetts bred Standardbred horses.