The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda is under new leadership after Candyce Martins succeeded Samantha Hayward as president during the association’s annual meeting.

During her one-year term at the helm, Martins, 24, hopes to increase participation in the sport, particularly at youth level as the club looks to the future.

“⁠One of my main goals, both short and long term, is to increase participation in harness racing, particularly among juniors,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“We’re looking at having at least two new rookie drivers join us this coming season, which is very encouraging.

“Long term, I’d like to continue building on that by creating more opportunities for young people to get involved, learn about the horses and experience the sport first-hand.”

Martins did not harbour any intention of becoming president but had a change of heart after viewing it as a means of giving back to a sport she is deeply passionate about.

“The presidency wasn’t something I had set out to take on, but ultimately I wanted to see the club continue to grow and move in a positive direction,” she said.

“Harness racing has been a big part of my life and I felt this was an opportunity to give back to the sport and help build a stronger future for it.”

Although she has taken on the added responsibility, Martins has no intention of putting her own racing career on hold.

“Harness racing has been a big part of my life for many years, and I definitely intend to continue racing,” she declared.

The opportunity to serve as president came about after Hayward resigned just prior to end of last season to spend more time training her own racing ponies.

“I resigned officially so that I can concentrate more on my two ponies, especially for the younger one to get him back up to speed because he started later,” she said.

“He didn’t start as a two-year-old and I wanted to get him started and try to catch him up with the ponies his own age.

“It was a very tough call, and I wrestled with it for quite a while.”

Aaron Sims and Kirista Rabain are the other new faces on the DHPC executive committee. Sims will serve as vice-president and Rabain as secretary.

Jonelle Welch, Paul Martins, Tahzii Flood, Jashaun Young, David Burrows and Melanie Dill are the surviving members of the previous administration.

The 2026-27 harness racing season kicks off with a Fun Day at Bermuda Equestrian Centre on September 27, with the first races to be held under the lights on October 2.

“I’m looking forward to a positive season and hopefully seeing continued growth in participation,” Martins said.

“We already have our Fun Day planned for September 27, with more details to be announced soon.

“I’d also encourage anyone interested in harness racing or wanting to learn more about the sport to reach out. We’re always happy to welcome new people and juniors to the club.”