February 18, 2005

EMMA JOHANSSON CARETAKER OF YEAR

Emma Johansson, the first groom ever to care for two HTA champions in the same season, has been named Caretaker of the Year, the annual honor awarded jointly by Harness Tracks of America and Hanover Shoe Farms.

Ms. Johansson, a native of Colombia but raised in Sweden, not only groomed the first Triple Crown of Trotting winner in 32 years, Windsong’s Legacy, but also cared for Housethatruthbuilt, HTA’s champion 3-year-old trotting filly of 2004, both racing in the remarkable trotting stable of trainer Trond Smedshammer.

The Caretaker of the Year award is symbolic of the key role played by all grooms, the unsung heroes of the sport, in the success of their charges. It was first suggested in 1982 by the late Delvin Miller, winner of HTA’s Messenger Award that year, in his acceptance "State of the Sport" speech delivered by all Messenger winners, when he noted that harness racing did nothing to honor these stars of the backstretch. HTA responded that year by naming Odell Short, caretaker of Fan Hanover, which the previous year had become the first and only female pacer to win the Little Brown Jug.

In nominating Ms. Johansson, Ted Gewertz, co-owner of both Windsong’s Legacy and Housethatruthbuilt, wrote, "While I am certain that each of the nominees has displayed the same hard work, dedication, care, attention and affection for the horse or horses in his or her care that Emma has exhibited, Emma’s credentials and achievements in 2004 go far beyond those admirable qualities. Neither of her two champions was in the forefront for divisional honors at the beginning of the racing season. The fact that both horses were able to remain sound and healthy for the entire season and achieve their remarkable results was due in substantial part to Emma’s efforts…..But her credentials do not end with the success of her charges. As a result of the success of her horses and the accompanying publicity, Emma has been placed in the public spotlight. Not only has she acquitted herself well in that role, but her cheerful demeanor and visible emotions and conduct have resulted in highly visible favorable publicity for both harness racing in general and the role of the caretaker in particular."

Ms. Johansson will receive an oil painting of herself and her two champions by renowned Pennsylvania artist James Ponter, and the blue and gold jacket awarded to all nominees by Hanover Shoe Farms.