Howell, MI – The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association is excited to announce the 2022-3 Hall of Fame inductees James Michael Mayes, Pam Loomis, D.V.M., Frank Marotta, Jr, D.V.M. and Elpidio Bernardi, Jr.

James Michael Mayes, a resident of Leslie, Michigan and who attended Michigan State University for Agricultural Science, set up a training center in Leslie that became one of the first farms in Michigan to offer a horse swimming pool used for conditioning and rehab. Jim had success training and owning standardbreds over the years including China Dragon and EverEddie, both of which put him on the harness racing map. Jim created a foundation of future horsemen, teaching the up and coming generations work ethic and discipline. As a trainer, Jim has posted 2,479 starts and earnings over $2.3 million.

Dr. Pam Loomis, D.V.M. is a sole practitioner equine veterinarian who works on race horses in Michigan and beyond. She is a wealth of knowledge and her compassion is without comparison. Pam has partnered with longtime trainer Terry Deters, generating some stable favorites like Blissfull Kiss, who is now a successful broodmare; Easily Amused, who is Pam’s favorite; and Sugar Buzz who is the future stable star. Pam and her husband Dave have two sons Pierson and Stewart that reside in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI.

Dr. Frank Marotta, Jr., D.V.M. is also a graduate of Michigan State University, class of 1979 for veterinary medicine. He is currently a sole practitioner on race horses in Michigan and beyond. He was raised on a horse farm which developed his passion to become a vet. He played baseball and football and has now turned his attention to golf. He is loved by many and offers a gift to gab. He is married to his wife Teresa and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Elpidio Bernardi, Jr., nicknamed Junior, was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico. He came to the United States seeking a career and good life. He married his sweetheart Lucy and together they raised three daughters while raising and racing their horses. Elpidio was an executive at Ford Motors, inventing new technology for the automobile industry. He started his racing career in 1980 and has now accumulated 4,625 starts with 460 wins, 550 seconds and 579 thirds and purse earnings of nearly $2.5 million.

The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association will celebrate the achievements of standardbred horsemen, women and horses during the 2022 racing season and honor the Michigan Harness Racing Hall of Fame inductees during Saturday’s 2023 annual banquet and awards ceremony at Crystal Gardens in Howell, Michigan starting with the MHHA board meeting at 5pm and awards ceremonies to begin at 7 p.m.