Outstanding 2013 campaign earns Bee A Magician horse-of-the-year honours

CHARLOTTETOWN - Bee A Magician was the big winner Saturday night at the O'Brien Awards.

The daughter of Hall of Fame sire Kadabra was perfect in 2013, winning all 17 of her races for earnings exceeding $1.57 million. That made her the unanimous selection as top three-year-old trotting filly as well as Canada's horse of the year.

The O'Brien Awards are presented annually to honour the best performers in Canadian harness racing. This year's event was held at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel and PEI Convention Centre.

Sylvain Filion was named Canada's top driver for the second straight season. The resident of Milton, Ont., amassed more than $6 million in earnings and for the second consecutive year topped the Ontario Sires Stakes drivers' standings.

Filion also drove Boomboom Ballykeel to a 10-1 upset victory in the $683,000 Metro Pace at Mohawk Racetrack.

Richard Moreau of Puslinch, Ont., is the top trainer after his stable claimed 279 wins and over $3.6 million in purse earnings. He also recorded the biggest victory of his career with Boomboom Ballykeel in the Metro Pace.

Kelly Hoerdt of Beaumont, Alta., captured the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship. He trained 82 winners and recorded another 66 victories as a driver.

Seelster Farms of Lucan, Ont., claimed top breeder honours. In 2013, Seelster-bred horses recorded 248 wins and $2.1 million in earnings.

Little Brown Jug winner Vegas Vacation was named Canada's three-year-old pacing colt of the year. The son of Bettors Delight posted a 10-4-1 record in 20 starts while banking $976,037 in earnings.

On Sept. 19, Vegas Vacation claimed the Little Brown Jug in straight heats — both timed in 1:50.