Four years ago the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA named an
award in honor of the late Hall of Famer and former chapter president, Phil
Pines. Since then there have been some worthy recipients and this
year’s beneficiary, Derick Giwner, is no exception.
Giwner is a man for all seasons
as far as harness racing is concerned. He was a writer and editor of Sports Eye and over the years, despite
takeovers and name changes at the company, Derick managed to work his way up
the ladder to his current position as the Editor of DRF Harness for the Daily
Racing Form.
Giwner began his love affair with
harness racing in the early 1990’s while taking trips to Yonkers Raceway to see
the great trotters of the era like Scenic Regal and Dr Trotta.
He continued on to earn his BBA
in Marketing before getting his feet wet in the harness racing industry as
an editor at Sports Eye, a daily harness news publication and
printing company, in 1996.
Initially starting as a chart
caller, program editor and handicapper, Derick used his free time to explore
other facets of the sport. In 1998, Giwner competed in the first ever
Sports Eye Battle of Monticello, a harness race in jog carts amongst employees.
After winning the race with Rasta Hanover with a four wide move on the final
turn, he was hooked and immediately started pursuing a license to driver in
“real” races.
Since getting his Provisional
license in 1999 Derick has driven in over 80 races as an Amateur Driver. During
that time he has also been involved as an owner with horses such as Call Me
Cam, Kentucky Flyer, Christy Rae and Twin B Sassy, among some of his
favorites.
On the other side of the fence
and high above the action, Derick spent time in the announcers booth calling
the action. After learning the ropes at Yonkers Raceway from veterans Bob Meyer
and John Hernan, Derick went on to call races at Goshen Historic Track,
Monticello Raceway, Bangor Raceway, and even made a guest appearance calling a
race at the Meadowlands in 2012.
As the head of harness content
for the DRF, Derick writes a weekly blog and daily features. He is also
the lead handicapper for the Meadowlands and manages all social media
(Twitter/Facebook) for the DRF Harness brand. He can often be found covering
big events, from the Little Brown Jug to the
Hambletonian, or simply watching live qualifying action. As his sometimes
neglected wife Stephanie, and kids Jenna and Emily will attest, harness racing
consumes his life.
Derick also wrote a chapter
covering half-mile track racing (specifically Yonkers Raceway) in Dave Brower’s
book, Harnessing Winners: The Complete Guide to Handicapping Harness Races
and he’s always looking to promote harness racing.
Writing and handicapping aside, Derick also dabbles in
photography and can often be seen shooting pictures at racetracks across the
country.
On Sunday evening, November 17 Giwner will receive his award
when the scribes hold their 55th Annual Awards Banquet at The
Fountains on Sands Road in Middletown, NY.
For reservations, congratulatory ads, or for further
information, please contact chapter president, Chris Tully at Tullytrot@yahoo.com
