from the U.S. Harness Writers Association/Northfield Park

Akron, NY — Tuesday (Jan. 12) is the deadline for nominations for the 2015 Caretaker of the Year Award. The award, sponsored by Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in conjunction with the United States Harness Writers Association, recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport — the caretakers who maintain the health and welfare of the horses on a daily basis.

Any caretaker working for any stable in North America is eligible. All that is needed to nominate is a letter or e-mail from an individual or group detailing the skills and special qualities of the caretaker.

Initially titled Groom of the Year Award when first presented in 1982, the honor was instituted as a result of a speech given by Delvin Miller at the annual Harness Tracks of America meeting when Miller received HTA’s Stanley F. Bergstein Messenger Award. Previously sponsored annually by HTA and Hanover Shoe Farms, the tradition now continues.

The HRRNP Caretaker of the Year will receive a cash prize of $500, a trophy, and transportation costs to the USHWA Dan Patch Awards Banquet in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Sunday evening (March 6), where he or she will be recognized for the achievement. The winner also will enjoy a two-night stay at the host hotel for the USHWA activities, as well as two complimentary dinner tickets.

“We are proud to join with Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in resuming this prestigious honor,” said USHWA President Chris Tully. “We encourage owners, trainers and other stakeholders to support it by nominating the many worthy individuals who work in our great sport.”

Any caretaker working for any stable in North America is eligible. All that is needed to nominate is a letter or e-mail from an individual or group detailing the skills and special qualities of the caretaker.

The winner will be chosen by a seven-person selection committee comprised of USHWA members, all of whom are former caretakers: Tim Bojarski (chair), Tom Charters, Moira Fanning, Dean Hoffman, Rob Pennington, Kim Rinker and Shawn Wiles. All nomination letters and e-mails must be received and/or postmarked by Jan. 12 and sent to chair Bojarski at: Tim Bojarski, 7523 Maple Road, Akron, NY 14001, a159star@gmail.com.