by Gerry Connors, secretary, The United States Harness Writers Association

Dover, DE — The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) will hold its 61st annual Night of Champions awards/dinner gala at Dover Downs Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.

“Dover Downs has become an outstanding ‘destination’ for many organizations for meetings and special events,” says USHWA president Judy Davis-Wilson. “With a beautiful banquet facility and an award-winning catering staff, the four-star Dover Downs Hotel will have doubled its number of available rooms and parking, making it a great place for the 2008 USHWA awards dinner.”

Dover Downs has been recognized by Casino Player magazine as its “Racino of the Year Award” winner in each of the last four years. The Dover Downs Hotel has been rated as Four Star by Keystone AAA and others. The enlarged hotel will boast 500 luxurious rooms with a spacious lobby, 6000 SF spa with 11 spa suites, and several dining rooms including the famed Michele’s Gourmet Restaurant for elegant cuisine. Dover Downs harness racing is located adjacent to the hotel and slots casino, only a few steps away.

Annually the U.S. Harness Writers Association honors the outstanding performers of the Standardbred season. Following balloting by USHWA members, the sport’s top honors are presented at its awards dinner. They include the prestigious Dan Patch awards including the E. Roland Harriman Horse of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Trotter of the Year awards. In addition, the Dan Patch Award for each 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and older division winning male and female trotters and pacers will be presented.

Other distinguished honors presented at the event include the Proximity Award; Norman Woolworth Owner of the Year; the Rising Star; Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year; the Driver of the Year; W.R. Haughton Good Guy; Leeanne Pooler Unsung Hero; the Lew Bararsch Memorial Breakthrough; the Pacing and the Trotting Broodmare of the Year; and the President’s awards.

In addition, the 2008 inductees to the Hall of Fame and Communicators Corner will be introduced, and the John Hervey awards for Newspaper, Magazine, Broadcast, and Photography categories will be presented.

The biggest night in harness racing begins with a cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m. followed by an elegant dinner prepared by the award-winning Dover Downs culinary staff. Entertainment will follow the presentation of awards.

Those planning to attend the USHWA Night of Champions and wishing to stay overnight can make reservations now. Call (302) 674-4600 and specify that you will attend the USHWA dinner and wish accommodations. The hotel rates for the USHWA gala are $180 for Saturday and the special Horseman’s rate of $99 on Sunday.