The deadline for nominations for the 2021 Caretaker of the Year, sponsored by Art Zubrod and Leah Cheverie’s Fair Island Farm in conjunction with the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), is Thursday, Dec. 23.

The award recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport -- the caretakers who maintain the health and welfare of the horses on a daily basis.

Any caretaker working for any stable or farm in North America is eligible to be the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year. All that is needed to nominate is an email, 200 words minimum, from an individual or group detailing the skills and special qualities of the caretaker.

The Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year will receive a cash prize of $1,000 as well as transportation costs to the USHWA Dan Patch Awards banquet in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday night, Feb. 20, 2022, where he or she will be recognized and presented with a trophy. The winner will also enjoy a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, host hotel for the USHWA activities, as well as two complimentary dinner tickets. All nominated caretakers will receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishments.

The winner will be chosen by a seven-person selection committee comprised of USHWA members, all of whom are former caretakers: Tim Bojarski (chair), USHWA president Rinker, Tom Charters, Moira Fanning, Dean Hoffman, Rob Pennington and Shawn Wiles.

With the deadline just a day away, please send all nominations via email by Thursday, Dec. 23, to chairman Bojarski at [email protected].

(USHWA)