The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) announced on Thursday, Dec. 18 that Joseph “Jo Jo” Tosies has been named the 2025 Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year.
Tosies will receive the award, which is annually sponsored by Art Zubrod and Leah Cheverie’s Fair Island Farm in conjunction with USHWA, at the Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, which will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. In addition to transportation costs to Orlando, Tosies will also receive two complimentary dinner tickets, a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, as well as a cash prize of $2,500 USD.
Upon learning he was chosen as this year's recipient of this award, Tosies said, "I can't believe I won this award, it's so special and the highest honour any caretaker could possibly get. I'm so proud of my horses and to be honoured for doing what I love is beyond anything I could imagine."
After working for John McDermott for more than a decade, Tosies moved to the Ron Burke stable, where he now attends to the daily routines of horses that include Lexus Kody and Kobes Gigi.
From the nominations received by USHWA, the people who know him best describe how hardworking and dedicated Tosies is. On many of his “days off,” he is at the barn making sure his horses are alright. He does the "little things" that keep his horses in the right frame of mind and body so that they can achieve their best results. He is gentle in his communication and that translates to great results. And no one is happier than he is when they win, or lose, as he praises their efforts equally. Tosies shows compassion and great care and is always willing to lend a hand and share his experience and knowledge with other caretakers. He is a gentle giant of a man but with a quiet, calming demeanor that rubs off on the horses he takes care of.
This year, Tosies has dealt with personal health issues. A week before the Yonkers International Trot, he had to be hospitalized with a severe foot infection that required surgery. He was insisting that the surgery be delayed so he could go with his "Kody" to race. But the doctors were adamant that he needed to have the surgery immediately, which occurred the week of the event. After surgery, Tosies was able to be released a few days before the big event and he attended it with a walking boot. And with the help of some of his great fellow staff members, who pitched in to help, "Kody" got the job done by wiring the field. The winner’s circle photo shows Lexus Kody with his head buried in Tosies’ chest as if to say, "We could not have done this without each other."
Burke gave Tosies the ultimate praise after winning the Fan Duel at The Meadowlands by saying he was crucial to Lexus Kody's success.
With a lengthy and stellar resume and full support for him from all his connections, Tosies checked all the boxes for the eight-member USHWA panel, which selected him as the winner of the Fair Island Caretaker of the Year Award.
(USHWA)