by John Manzi, for Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA

Middletown, NY — The Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA held its 57th annual awards banquet for the third consecutive year in Middletown, N.Y., at The Fountains on Sands Road on Sunday (Nov. 22).

Honored were the outstanding efforts — both human and equine — at Monticello Raceway and Historic Track this year as well as prominent individuals for their contributions to the industry.

The Excelsior Award was presented to Betty Holt, the executive director of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State.

The Excelsior Award was presented to the knowledgeable and hardworking Betty Holt, the executive director of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State. Among her duties is traveling the state and visiting the pari-mutuel tracks and non-betting ovals twice a year in addition to running and attending various seminars and meetings in which her office participates.

The recipient of the prestigious Phil Pines Award was the award winning writer Barbara Bedell, whose daily column in the Times Herald Record is read and enjoyed by readers from all walks of life. With harness racing a staple in the Hudson Valley, Barbara is a great promoter of good deeds by the people in the sport that evolved in and around Goshen, N.Y., as far back as 1837.

Few people in harness racing are as pleasant to be around and/or as talented as Eddie Hart who grew up near Goshen. His superb horsemanship and his easy going demeanor made it easy for the local scribes to present him with the John Gilmour Good Guy Award. Although Eddie has had many local standouts, he was catapulted into the national spotlight with the success of his top pupil Roll With Joe.

Janet Terhune, the director of the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, was the 32nd recipient of the Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award for her tireless efforts and her expertise in promoting the sport at Historic Track as well as the Harness Racing Museum.

Monticello/Goshen USHWA photos

Hannah Miller was named the Chapter’s Amateur Driver of the Year and was presented her award by John Manzi.

Hannah Miller was named the Chapter’s Amateur Driver of the Year and she’s just the second woman to win such an honor. Hannah has been the scourge of the amateur races this year and she has recorded 32 winners this year alone and has a .447 UDR. And she ‘dances every dance’ as a member of many amateur driving organizations.

Young Shawn Simons, 24, the son of talented horseman Mike Simons, was presented with the chapter’s Rising Star Award. Just last week he received his full “A” license. As a provisional driver, Shawn had driven 19 winners and his future in the sulky seems secure.

An Award of Appreciation was presented to Monticello Raceway’s longtime announcer Howard Oil, who has been behind the Mighty M microphone since 1984. His love of harness racing and flawless race calls have endeared him to racing fans.

Brenda Messenger, Dr. Scott Woogen and Phil Shapiro’s KJ Erich was named the 2-year-old pacer of the year while P & J Stables’ Outsidecourt garnered the 2-year-old trotter of the year award.

The 3-year-old pacer of the year honors went to Robert, James and John Dill’s filly Moccasin Blue Chip, while Bob McNerney’s Hollywood’s That Way was the choice for 3-year-old trotter of the year.

The older trotting horse of the year award went to Bill and Carol Fuhs and Lynette Buter’s Best Friend Always while Jim Doherty Jr.’s Linda Marie took home the older trotting mare of the year trophy.

Giddyallyougot walked away with the older pacing horse of the year award and Mike Schultz’s Powerful Love was the unanimous choice for older pacing mare of the year honors.

Since claiming races are a staple of Monticello Raceway’s racing programs, multiple awards were presented in the claiming categories.

Claiming pacer awards for horses and geldings went to Ed and James Hall’s Talldarknhandsome, Mike Schultz’s Amazing Quest, and Larry Stalbaum’s Where’s Waldo. Claiming pacer awards for fillies and mares were presented to Lou Vutianitis’ Rusty’s Treasure, Ed Hall’s Rusty’s Flying, Mike Schultz’s Caviart Savannah, and Larry Stalbaum’s I’m A Nice Girl.

Claiming trotter awards for horses and geldings went to Mike Simons’ Ashcroft, Dr. Sam Sbarra’s Baltimor AS, and Barbara Russo’s City Kid. Claiming trotter awards for fillies and mares were presented to Mike Schultz’s Grace N Charlie and Larry Stalbaum’s Ellen’s Streak.

Mike Schultz’s horses have won more than 100 races this year alone at the Mighty M and he easily walked away with the Owner of the Year Award.

Giddyallyougot was named Horse of the Year as a result of the 7-year old Cam’s Card Shark gelding winning 16 races in 33 starts and amassing more than $54,000 in purse money racing exclusively at the Mighty M. He is owned by C and F Associates, trained by Andrew Adamczyk and was driven by Bruce Aldrich Jr.

Hall of Fame publicist and past USHWA National president John Manzi served as the banquet emcee.