The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association (MHHA) celebrated the achievements of Standardbred horsemen, horsewomen and horses during the 2022 racing season and honoured the Michigan Harness Racing Hall of Fame inductees during Saturday’s (Jan. 21) annual banquet and awards ceremony at Crystal Gardens in Howell, Michigan.
Among those celebrated during the action-packed banquet, the 2022 Michigan Breeders Futurity and Michigan State Champion horses were given awards for their respective divisions.
Appreciation awards were given to Northville Downs’ track announcer Ken Terpenning for all he’s accomplished in his first year on the job, including his efforts to increase Michigan racing’s presence in the media and on social media; Julie DeMull, Michigan colt stakes clerk and multi-jurisdiction clerk who has dedicated her services for nearly 30 years; Sue DeGraw, Michigan fair judge, for her tireless work providing her stewardship to the fair racing program in the state while influencing others to pursue positions as racing officials; and Robin Bellor, Michigan fair judge, for her decades of commitment to the Michigan racing scene.
Emanuel Mullett, was honoured as the Breeder of the Year as breeder of Michigan’s State Champion three-year-old filly trotter Tell Me Your Dream (Winkys Pine), who had five victories in 2022 in 14 starts while earning $91,044 for trainer Timothy Roach.
Carlee Evans and Katie Toska were named as Caretakers of the Year. These two young ladies dedicate all of their time to the care and training of their own Standardbreds, as well as those of their families and other trainers when needed.
Kathy Todd was named Owner of the Year as she owned two of Michigan’s State Champion Standardbreds Codys Deal, who equalled a track record at Northville Downs in 2022, and Arizona Griz, who earned more than $110,000 in purse earnings in 2022.
Ron Merritt from Michigan was presented with the Dan Rathka Memorial Award that represents the Michigan Horseman of the Year. Merritt personifies loyalty, dedication and kindness. He is the first person to offer a helping hand to others. Whether he knows an answer or not, he will usually figure it out to help those in need. From race bike wheels for the drivers to horse trailer repairs for the trainers, he is your guy. He is the first to say “Hello” and check on how you have been. His positive attitude influences everyone around him.
Merritt has been involved in the harness racing industry approximately 30 years, starting with Todd & Lynette Buter. His first horse was High Velocity N and the horse that holds his heart currently is Bearly Behavin. Bearly Behavin lived up to her name as she was not the most loveable horse. It turned out to be a good thing she was loved so much by her owner. Merritt's most successful horse is RB who is currently racing at Yonkers with Todd and Lynette Buter. Ron has partnered with horseman Kim Pluta for over 10 years and they have built a solid friendship. Ron’s family includes six grandkids that all love him. The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association is honoured to induct Ron Merritt as Horsemen of the Year for 2022 by presenting him with the Dan Rathka Memorial Award.
Other award winners were as follows:
- Service Awards to: Jim Szabo, Jerry Mihelich, Beth Randall, and Ed Embach
- Rising Star Award: Winter Asher-Stalbaum
- Trainer of the Year: Gerald Malady
- Driver of the Year: Marc St. Louis, Jr.
- Aged Trotter of the Year: Enchanted Mission
- Aged Pacer of the Year: Lying in Cash
- Headliners of the Year: Lying in Cash and Catch Me Conrad
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: Gene Miller, Richard Niccum and Judy Roegner
- Hall of Fame Persons inductees: James Michael Mayes, Pam Loomis, DVM, Frank Marotta, Jr., DVM, and Elpidio Bernardi, Jr.
- Hall of Fame Horse inductees: Night Pro and Manhardt
(With files from the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association)