Nominations are now being accepted for the 2003
"Caretaker of the Year" Award. The award, sponsored annually
since 1982 by Harness Tracks of America and now jointly by HTA and
Hanover Shoe Farms, recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport, the
caretakers who maintain the health and welfare of the sport’s
horses.
All that is needed to nominate a groom for the
22nd annual "Caretaker of the Year" award is a letter from an
individual or group to Harness Tracks of America detailing the
skills and special qualities of the caretaker. The winning caretaker
receives an oil painting of himself or herself with the horse of
their choice. All individuals nominated for the award receive a
certificate of excellence and the first 50 grooms nominated also
receive an embroidered jacket as a groom of the year nominee.
The "Caretaker of the Year" Award was founded in
1982 after Delvin Miller, addressing attendees at the annual HTA
meeting as its Messenger award winner for that year, noted the sport
gave no recognition to its grooms, its unsung stars. The 2002
"Caretaker of the Year" was Ricky Kopiec of Chicago, Illinois.
Ricky’s nominator, horsewoman Kimberly Rinker, wrote that although
Kopiec "is small in stature, he is a giant in the responsibilities
he carries on his shoulders on a daily basis."
The deadline for nominations is December 31,
2003. All entries detailing why candidates are deserving of the
honor as caretaker of the year should be mailed to Harness Tracks of
America, 4640 East Sunrise, Suite 200, Tucson, AZ, 85718.
Nominations also may be submitted by fax (520-529-3235) or by e-mail
(info@harnesstracks.com). Letters must contain the name, address,
telephone number and jacket size for the nominated groom, along with
the name, address and telephone number of the nominator. All grooms
nominated will receive a certificate of excellence and the first 50
nominations will also receive an embroidered HTA/Hanover Shoe Farms
jacket. The winner will receive a painting with his or her favorite
horse.
