Courtney Polan, who works in the Norm Parker Stable based at the Meadows, has been named the recipient of the 2019 Caretaker of the Year Award sponsored by Fair Island Farm in conjunction with the United States Harness Writers Association.
Polan, 27, has worked for Parker since October 2014. She joined the stable after a two-year stint working for Tim Pinske.
"This is amazing," said Polan, a Pennsylvania native who turned to harness racing after graduating with a degree in biology from Thiel College in Greenville, Pa.
Polan, who owns a retired Standardbred and Quarter Horse, currently takes care of eight horses in the Parker Stable, including the 2019 Meadows Horse of the Year Wild Wild Western.
Wild Wild Western is owned in part by Jacobs Creek Racing's Jeff Weaver, who nominated Polan for the Fair Island Caretaker of the Year Award.
"I have observed just how special Courtney is at developing a unique relationship with all of her charges," wrote Weaver. "Each horse garners her attention as though she was all theirs. Each receives full care, unique and individual attention and even when called for, discipline."
Polan said one word in the dictionary describes her strength as a caretaker: Caring.
"I care. I care a lot," said Polan. "My biggest thing is that sometimes I care too much. I just love all of them. I don't have human kids yet, so they are my kids."
All caretakers in North America were eligible for the award, with nomination letters submitted detailing the skills and special qualities of the nominee.
A seven-member panel -- all of whom were former caretakers themselves -- selected Polan as the winner.
As winner of the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year Award, Polan will receive a cash prize of $500, transportation, hotel accommodations and two tickets to USHWA's annual Dan Patch Awards banquet on Sunday, February 23, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., where she will be presented a trophy.
Polan, along with all the USHWA 2019 award winners, will be recognized during the Dan Patch Awards banquet. Information on accommodations at Rosen Shingle Creek and dinner tickets can be found at ushwa.net.
(USHWA)