The Harness Writers presented
its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Thomson, the squire of Winbak
Farms which has bred three Horses of the Year and two Hambletonian winners in
the last decade. Joe also is a trustee of the Harness Racing Museum;
co-owner of the Red Mile, honoree at the Little Brown Jug Hall of Fame and
recently elected president of the Pennsylvania Standardbred Breeders
Association.
The Chapter honored Mark Ford
with their Laurel Award. Ford is one of the leading conditioners of all time
has recently passed the 3000-win plateau which makes him one of the
winningest trainers of all-time. Ford’s top pupil, Gallo Blue Chip, was the
2000 Horse of the Year and a winner of over $4.2 million. Mark is also
the operator of the Ford Training Center , a multi-million dollar state of the
art facility in Middletown, NY
Also honored was Chris
Wittstruck, who became the fourth recipient of the Phil Pines Award. Wittstruck is a
two-time John Hervey Award winner and a recipient of the USTA Presidents Award.
A lawyer by trade Wittstruck’s Racing and the law column keeps horsemen up to
speed in the new rules that regulate our industry.
The Chapter was very proud to
present its Excelsior Award to the Historic Track Board of Directors. The Board
consists of a group of 19 local professionals from all walks of life who
are all volunteers and responsible for carrying on all business at the famed
double-oval.
Linda Myers was the unanimous
choice for the 29th annual Amy Bull Krist Award for her dedicated
service at Historic Track. She has long been secretary to the Board and most
recently she stepped up and was a major force behind the success of this years
matinee and Grand Circuit racing programs.
This year’s Amateur Driver of
the Year Award went unquestionably to Alan Schwartz, who doubles as president
of the Monticello Harness Horses’ Association. Now approaching 500 career
wins as an amateur driver Schwartz is among the elite amateur drivers and he is
a major force behind Monticello Raceway’s All-Amateur Racing Days.
An Award of Appreciation was
given to Maureen Flynn, the longtime director of pari-mutuels and
simulcasting at the Mighty M. One of the pre-eminent simulcast minds in the
country much of the Mighty M’s success can be attributed to Maureen’s
ability to adapt to the ever-changing simulcasting landscape.”
Greg Annaloro was the
recipient of the Comback of the Year Award and John Oney, a groom in the Frank
Yanoti Stable, received the Caretaker of the Year Award.
The Rising Star Award went to
20-year-old Cory Stratton who is following in his brother Jordan’s footsteps
and who has blossomed into a sought after catch driver now
with over 75 wins at the current meet..
Horse of the Year honors went
to the Baron Racing Stable’s Court Jester who won 10 races of which ,
five consecutive were timed in 1:54.3 or better. The pacer is trained by
Peter Pellegrino and reently took a record of 1:50.3 at Pocono Downs.
Gaelic And Garlic was the 3
year old trotter of the year while Jammin Sammie was named 3 year old pacer of
the year.
Playa Tulum was named trotter
of the year and Court Jester also garnered the older pacer of the
year award.
Claiming pacer awards
went to Southwind Irvin, Art Glass, Imposter A, Don’t Make Me
Laugh, DVC Gifted Indeed, Farewell Sky, Arts Day, Fuguzzi and Community
Spirit.. Claiming trotter awards were garnered by Strongbow, Famous Dude, Four
Star F, Strength’s Victory, Chrome Finish, R George and Mac Atack Mac.
More than 200 guests
attended the banquet and track publicist John Manzi served as the
master of ceremonies.
