by Gabe Wand, for the WHHA

Platteville, WI — Jay DeLong has been named the 2010 Wisconsin Horseperson of the Year.

Born into a harness racing family, DeLong has been active in the harness racing industry since he was barely able to walk. As son of Wisconsin Hall of Fame inductee, William “Bill” DeLong, Jay was taught from the ground up what it took to run a successful stable.

Starting his driving career in 1979 at the tender age of 16, Jay took to the reins like he’s been doing it his entire life. Just six short years later, he captured the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association’s driving title, making him the youngest Driver of the Year to date. He has continued to rack up wins and is closing in on milestone number 300.

As a trainer, Jay posted his first victory in 1991 and has evolved ever since. Competing mainly in Wisconsin and Illinois, he has developed a powerhouse stable, grossing more than $1.4 million in purses.

Delco Willobee has been Jay’s biggest campaigner as he is a 3-year-old champion who took a mark of 1:50.3 last season. Jay also bred and raised the colt.

A four-time father himself, Jay has been happy turning over the reins to his sons, John, Austin, Ben and soon to be of driving age, Eric. He has instilled just as much foundation into his son’s abilities as he has his young stock, which is going to make for a long line of successful colts.

Jay will be honored at the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association’s annual banquet on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Howard Johnson in Madison, Wis. Tickets are going fast for this honorable and fun filled event. If you are interested in attending the banquet and fund raising auction, please contact WHHA President Gabe Wand at gabewand@yahoo.com or call 608.574.5468.