by the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of USHWA

Monticello, NY — “The response has been overwhelming,” noted banquet chair and National Vice President Shawn Wiles.

It promises to be a packed house when the Monticello–Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association holds its 58th annual awards banquet at the Fountains at Wallkill Golf Club, 40 Sands Rd., Middletown, NY on Sunday (Dec. 4).

Chapter secretary Janet Terhune agreed.

“Tickets have been selling extremely well, due in large part to the exemplary slate of honorees, headed by lifetime achievement award winner Bob Boni.”

In addition to Boni, the Monticello-Goshen chapter will also honor Keith Hamilton (Excelsior Award); Kenneth Jacobs (John Gilmour Good Guy Award); Dave Little (Phil Pines Award); Roger Dowd (Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award); Robert Krivelin (Amateur Driver); Justin Huckabone (Rising Star); and Denise DeSimone (Award of Appreciation).

Local horsemen and women are also feted as 20 equine athletes from Monticello Raceway are being recognized for divisional honors, which has also helped “put fannies in seats” as our mentor John Manzi has been known to exclaim.

The Monticello Raceway 2016 Horse of the Year is Scott Woogen’s Warrawee Preferred 1:55,1:56.4h-’16 ($122,033). Trained by Gary Messenger, the 5-year-old trotter has 13 wins in 40 starts and nearly $50,000 on the season.

In addition to the horse awards, Adam Friedland has been named Owner of the Year and Jessie Ray is being honored for Caretaker of the Year.

A few tickets are still available for the fun-filled event which begins at 5:30 p.m. with a full-hour open bar. At 6:45 p.m. seating begins for a full course dinner and awards presentations.

The chapter always has several tables piled high with door prizes, with the intent that “no one leaves empty handed.” This year is no exception.

Tickets for the gala event are just $65 each and can be reserved by contacting Shawn Wiles at 845.794.4100, ext. 458, or e-mail swiles@empireresorts.com or Chris Tully at 845.807.7538 or e-mail tullytrot@yahoo.com.