Ray Schnittker, trainer of multiple stakes winner Deweycheatumnhowe, has been voted the winner of USHWA's Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year and W.R. Haughton Good Guy Award.
Schnittker opened his campaign with 'Dewey' on June 5 at the Meadowlands Racetrack and steered the star trotter to high-end stakes victories in the Stanley Dancer, Hambletonian, Canadian Trotting Classic, Bluegrass and Kentucky Futurity.
Schnittker was a deserving winner of The Good Guy Award, given to a person who shows the media savvy and cooperation of the late, great Hall of Famer Haughton. Schnittker did yeoman’s work with Deweycheatumnhowe and the media during probably the most stressful week of his career – before the Hambletonian – and refused no opportunity to accommodate the folks from NBC and other journalistic enterprises.
The horse was kept in front of the public the entire year, and Schnittker was also gracious with his time, even while the last chapter of the year’s book did not end successfully.
Schnittker will receive his awards at the Night of Stars awards banquet on Wednesday, February 4, at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
(With files from USHWA)
Congratulations, there is no
Congratulations, there is no trainer in North America more deserving. Without doubt, Ray Schnittker is a good guy. Not knowing him personally, I have relied on his post race interviews and comments to the media, which even in times when his colt had 'bad' days were a great example of sportsmanship and humble behaviour (no cocky attitude from this guy). It is unfortunate that all those who are in pressure situations cannot behave in a similar and gracious manner. Well done Mr. Schnittker, I for one hope others will emulate your approach.