by Debbie Little

Yonkers, NY — It was a big night in the Big Apple as the New York City chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association celebrated its 50th anniversary awards banquet on Sunday, April 27, at Yonkers Raceway.

The chapter honored human and equine stars of the sport who competed during the half century as well as in 2007.

Timothy Rooney (center) is presented with a plaque by fellow USTA District 8-A directors (left to right) John Grasso, Joe Faraldo, Pat Quaglietta, and Bob Galterio after being honored as NYC-USHWA’s Man of the Half Century.

USTA Director Timothy J. Rooney, the president of Yonkers Raceway who has been the architect of the track’s return to prominence, received the chapter’s Man of the Half Century Award as well as 2007 Man of the Year.

Carmine Abbatiello, who dominated the half-mile ovals at Yonkers and Roosevelt during the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the Driver of the Half Century and the “Gold Dust Twins,” Stanley Dancer and Billy Haughton, were recognized as Trainers of the Half Century.

Known as the “King of the New York Sire Stakes,” Wally Hennessey was recognized as the NYSS Driver of the Half Century. Stephane Bouchard, who has captured seven of the last eight driving titles at Yonkers, was recognized as the 2007 Driver of the Year and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow was the 2007 Clyde Hirt Good Guy Award recipient.