Canadian harness racing celebrated at 25th O'Brien Awards

About 500 people converged on the Convention Centre in Charlottetown Saturday night to honour the best in Canadian harness racing.

The 25th annual O'Brien Awards drew owners, trainers and drivers from all across the country.

Sylvain Filion was named the 2013 driver of the year.

Being in the winner's circle is nothing new for Filion. This is the second year in a row he's won the coveted award.

"You know what the first year was great but the second year is sweeter," he said.

The Ontario native was one of many grasping an O'Brien trophy by the end of the night.

The trophies are one of the highest honours those in the harness racing industry can receive.

Another winner Saturday night was Richard Moreau who won Canada's best trainer of 2013.

"I was happy. I was a bit relieved too because I've been here before and finally I win it," he said.

Horse of the year went to Bee a Magician. It wasn't magic but hard work that won 21-year-old Travis Cullen the Future Star Award.

"I started training when I was 16 and turned into a driver slowly and it turned out to work out I guess," he said.

Kelly Hoerdt took home the O'Brien Award for horsemanship.

Four Islanders were nominated but only one person from P.E.I. went home with an award.

Dr. Ian Moore, was the big hometown winner. He trains Arthur Blue Chip a horse that won for its category.

The awards' namesake, Joe O'Brien,grew up in Alberton, P.E.I., and was a legendary harness driver.