by Tim Bojarski, for USHWA

Akron, NY — It’s been about a month since voting opened for the 2010 USHWA-USTA Railbird Recognition Awards and quite a few names have been thrown into the mix. But with only 30 days to go (voting closes on Dec. 31 at midnight) the leaders of both categories have been decisive.

The fans have put trainer Bruce Saunders in the lead for Horseperson of the Year with 20 percent of the voting. Saunders, who so capably handled the unbelievable year of racing that Rock N Roll Heaven has had, is himself having the year of his career with over $4 million in purse earnings.

Other horsemen who have been nominated (but not a complete list) include Chuck Sylvester, George Brennan, Jeff Nisonger, Jimmy Takter, Frank Antonacci, Ron Burke, Casie Coleman, Dewayne Minor, Lou Pena, John Campbell, Daniel Dube, Tom Fanning and Tim Tetrick.

And not surprisingly, Rock N Roll Heaven’s world record breaking Little Brown Jug has been strongly supported as Racing Moment of the Year by the voting public, garnering 38 percent of all votes cast. Although many other memorable races have been nominated, this one is far and away the most popular to this point.

Other racing moments nominated (but not a complete list) includes the Breeders Crown night at Pocono Downs, Hypnotic Blue Chip’s 1.47.2 world record on Hambo Day, the “Border Battle” at Barton, Vt., Muscle Massive’s Hambletonian, the Darke County Fair and Lucky Chucky’s Canadian Trotting Classic final.

Make no mistake about it; there is still time to let your opinions be heard and it’s up to you to nominate and support your favorites. Plus remember, all voters will be automatically entered into a drawing for two free tickets to the 2011 USHWA Dan Patch Awards Dinner at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 and the honor of making the award presentations yourself!

A recent poll on the USTA website indicated that 82 percent of all respondents felt that the public should have the ability to cast a vote for year-end divisional honors like fans of other sports who can vote for their all-star teams. This is your chance to do just that and select your favorite horseperson and racing moment and become part of the action yourself.

So vote today by clicking on this link.