Tim Tetrick, Joe Offutt, Howard Taylor, and Julie Davis – a very diverse foursome united in the outstanding abilities they show on the Pennsylvania racing scene – have all been selected to receive awards at the second annual Celebration of Pennsylvania Harness Racing at Pocono Downs Saturday, December 6.
Tetrick will add Pennsylvania Driver of the Year honours to the long list of accolades and accomplishments he has racked up in the last two years. Tetrick was the leading driver at Pocono Downs, and he currently sits top of the pack at Chester Downs. All told, Tetrick will likely win over 400 races and about $7 million in the Keystone State alone in 2008.
About the only place Tetrick has not won a race is on the Pennsylvania Fair Circuit, where the red and gold of the Offutt Stable, trained by 'Papa' Joe Offutt, makes his large presence felt considerably. Offutt, voted Pennsylvania Trainer of the Year, trained two of the top point-winners for their respective divisions in Fair Sire Stakes, had several other competitive Sire Stakes horses, and also won on the Quaker State and Open levels with regularity.
Pennsylvania Owner of the Year Howard Taylor is a Philadelphia lawyer in the literal and good sense of the words, and he also has one of the most far-flung stables in all of North American harness racing, often going partners with his horseman clients. Taylor won at Pocono and the Meadows, but the victories may have been a little sweeter at his 'home track' in Chester, where his prize baby filly Ginger And Fred won a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes championship.
Veteran caretaker Julie Davis, who works for the Ray Paver stable, is called the "gold standard" of caretakers by Meadows chaplain Joe DiDonato. Paver says that she is completely dedicated to her horses, displays the ability to care for problem horses, "and in summary, her abilities are totally irreplaceable." Rich Gillock of the Meadows SOA has the last word: "She is a shining example for all other caretakers." This all adds up to Pennsylvania Caretaker of the Year honours.
These people will join others being honoured at the second annual Celebration of Pennsylvania Harness Racing December 6 at Pocono. Information about tickets and hotel accommodations are listed here. For further information, contact Jerry Connors of the Racing Commissions at 717-787-5539.
(PHRC)