The Prince Edward Island Minister Responsible for Harness Racing, Honourable Mitch Murphy, today announced the appointment of Patrick (Paddy) Murphy of Stratford to the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission. The Commission is the regulatory body for harness racing within the region.
Mr. Murphy is a retired employee of the Prince Edward Island Teachers' Federation, and has been a long time harness racing fan. In his professional career, he was responsible for administration of the PEITF budget and finances, organization of the group insurance plan, drafting of regulations and legislation, and policy development and implementation.
"I am confident that with Paddy's interest in harness racing, combined with his strong experience in the interpretation and application of various regulations, will be a major asset to the important work of the Harness Racing Commission," said Minister Murphy.
As a regulatory body, the Commission is responsible for the governance and regulation of all harness racing activities within the Maritimes, and oversees live racing at eight tracks. Over one thousand people are licensed annually by the Commission as owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, officials and track employees.
The current Chair of the Commission is George Riley of Kensington. Other members are Michael Sullivan and Dan Dalling of New Brunswick, and Don MacLellan and Frank Balcolm of Nova Scotia. John Blakney is the Director of Racing.