by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — The tables turned on Robert Lieberman on Tuesday (election day) at Plainridge Racecourse.

To the wonderment of Lieberman, he was summoned to the winner’s circle after the running of the sixth race, leaving his post briefly as assistant paddock judge, to formally accept the chapter’s most cherished honor, induction into the New England Harness Writers Hall of Fame.

Lieberman was unable to attend the chapter’s 32nd awards program on Oct. 16 because of sickness.

The award presentation was made by chapter President John Ginnetti, Jr. and Plainridge Race Secretary Paul Verrette.

The Norwood, Mass. resident is completing his first year as a Plainridge official. He was driven to the winner’s circle by none other than his boss, Frank Dubreuil, paddock judge with more than 25 years experience.

Liebereman’s interest in harness racing goes back some 40 years when he co-owned a Standardbred. The former liquor salesman is an avid golfer with a three handicap, has some 55 amateur drives to his credit, writes for several websites, was named Iron Man by the writers in 2006, is a director of the United States Harness Writers Association, and serves as secretary-treasurer of the New England chapter.

Besides Lieberman, the 2010 chapter Hall of Famers are William Parker, Jr., Don Marean, Fred Nichols, Ed Bither and Nicholas W.S. Leighton. Bither and Leighton were elected postumously.