Indiana’s champions of 2018 were honored Saturday, Jan. 26 at the annual Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) banquet. The event, tagged as “25 Years Of Racing Glory,” was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.
Jack Kieninger thanks everyone for the ISA President’s Award, one of three honors bestowed upon him during the annual awards banquet. (Photo by Tammy Knox)
In addition to all of the equine stars, several individuals were honored, including outgoing ISA President Jack Kieninger. Kieninger was presented with the ISA President’s Award as well as inducted into the Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame. In a surprise to everyone in attendance, Mike Smith, executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, presented Kieninger with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award on behalf of Governor Eric Holcomb.
Linda Dever and Pam Cross were presented with the ISA Special Recognition Award for their work on the county fair circuit each season in Indiana. Richard Keaton made the presentation. (Photo by Tammy Knox)
Other individuals honored during the night included Smith with the ISA Pinnacle Award, Linda Dever and Pam Cross with the ISA Special Recognition Award, Justice Kieninger and Ryan Raber with the John Tanner Memorial Youth of the Year Award, and 13 recipients of ISA Scholarships. 2018 Scholarship recipients included Aleah Barrett, Hunter Bates, Hallie Beougher, Anna Boyer, Jordan Carsey, Tyler Goodman, Eric Graber, Jade Kieninger, Lexi Miller, Jakob Morgan, Rachel Morgan, Allicia Wilfong, and Courtney Wrenn.
Pari-mutuel driver of the year was Trace Tetrick while Jeff Cullipher received the award for Pari-Mutuel Trainer of the Year. Don Each was awarded the Fair Circuit Driver & Trainer of the Year.
In addition to Kieninger, Senator Luke Kenley was inducted into the Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame as well as Foxy Maneuver.
For a complete list of award recipients, check out the March 2019 issue of the Indiana Standardbred Magazine.