Oakes posthumously named Cam Fella Award winner

MISSISSAUGA, ONT, January 2, 2025 — Standardbred Canada is pleased to declare that the late former Standardbred Canada Chair, longtime Director and prominent harness racing industry participant Kent Oakes has been posthumously chosen as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Cam Fella Award.

The Cam Fella Award, named in tribute to the legendary Standardbred horse Cam Fella, is presented to individuals who exhibit exceptional and recent contributions to the Canadian harness racing sector. This honour reflects Oakes’ profound impact on Standardbred horse racing and unwavering commitment to the sport’s values and traditions.

Kent Oakes of North Wiltshire, P.E.I., dedicated his entire career and livelihood to harnessing the racing industry. As an employee of the Province of Prince Edward Island, Oakes partnered with the provincial, regional and national harness racing industries for more than 30 years, cementing his legacy in the P.E.I. harness racing industry. Over that time, Oakes served on the Board of the Atlantic Harness Racing Development Council, Atlantic Breeders Crown Host Committee, Council of Atlantic Premiers Task Force on Harness Racing, P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association, Atlantic Classic Sale, Harness Racing P.E.I., P.E.I. Matinee Tracks Association, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Nominating and Election Committees.

Oakes also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission while acting on an interim basis as the Director of Racing at the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission and Racing Manager at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park and Red Shores Summerside Raceway. Oakes was also the provincial government representative on the Planning and Construction Committee, responsible for redeveloping Charlottetown Driving Park.

Beyond his official engagements, Oakes was a successful breeder in the Maritimes and had bred a number of stakes-winning horses with his brother Wayne, most notably 2004 Governor’s Plate winner Igoddago.

Kent Oakes passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 64.

The Cam Fella Award will be presented during the 36th O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ont.

From Standardbred Canada