Michael Carter, president of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), has selected Janet Terhune as the recipient of a 2026 President’s Award.
Currently the executive director of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, Terhune is being recognized for a lifetime of dedication to the sport’s data accessibility and the preservation of its rich history.
Terhune’s impact on the industry spans decades. During her 26-year tenure at the United States Trotting Association (USTA), she played a central role in the development of information services and Pathway, the USTA’s online data service. Through continuous collaboration with industry leaders and USTA software developers, the expanded availability of accurate records fundamentally transformed the harness racing community’s interaction with racing and breeding information. Terhune’s expertise and leadership led to her appointment as registrar in 2008.
In 2012, Terhune transitioned to the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, where she has been instrumental in promoting the museum’s mission. Under her guidance, the museum has expanded the collections storage capacity with the opening of the Fleming Barn and has launched landmark exhibits, including the Greyhound Gallery and the Hambletonian 100, ensuring that the sport’s most iconic moments remain accessible to future generations.
Most recently, Terhune spearheaded the 2024 renovation of the Communicators Corner. This project introduced a state-of-the-art digital display designed to honour those elected to the Communicators Hall of Fame.
"It was the most collaborative and expansive exhibit update in 2024," said Terhune. "In association with a committed group of members from USHWA, the Museum designed and implemented a new look and digital framework to celebrate these accomplishments. This effort is likely to lead the way for additional digital installations that will renew and refresh the Museum’s overall presentation.
"New projects on the horizon are to digitize anything that can be digitized, including magazines, microfiche, race programs and photographs. Stabilizing the sport’s history in electronic form is crucial to the information’s accessibility in the future."
Beyond her professional roles, Terhune has been a steadfast advocate for USHWA. A longtime member and director, she currently serves as the secretary and director for the Monticello-Goshen chapter.
"Janet's passion for the sport of harness racing is immeasurable," said Carter. "Her lifetime of service has aided harness racing in expanding into the future while preserving the importance of its history."
Terhune will be formally recognized at the 2026 Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, which honours the best of harness racing, both human and equine. The banquet will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.
(USHWA)