Phil Langley presents Ed O’Connor with USTA
President’s Award in 2011
U.S. Trotting Association President Phil Langley has announced the following USTA President’s Awards for 2011, to be given for outstanding contributions to the sport of harness racing. They will be presented to:
VIP Stable and its managing director, Ed O’Connor, have, since 1999, moved many harness racing fans from the grandstand to the backstretch. VIP Stable, which began with one horse — Aberdasher — and four investors, has grown into a major force among racing partnerships. It has grown to the point where it operates on all the major harness racing circuits, and since Jan. 1, 2000 has won nearly $8 million in purses for its partners. The stable’s business plan and philosophy have been built on three principles: Excellence in the pursuit of winning, honesty in dealing with the stable’s partners and the trainers they employ, and a positive attitude bolstered by respect for those who are part of VIP Stable.
The award presentations will be made on Monday, March 14, at a luncheon during the U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio.