Florida Chapter USHWA

06/08/2024

Congratulations to our 2024 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship winners!

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10/06/2024

Pompano Beach, FL --- Steve Wolf, president of the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Racing Writers Association (USHWA), has

04/12/2023

Shawn Wiles named USHWAn of the Year!

HARRISBURG, PA – Shawn Wiles, the Executive Director of Racing and Facilities at Monticello Raceway, has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), the sport’s leading harness racing media organization, by being voted USHWA’s Member of the Year in a polling of past winners of the award.

In 1972 Wiles started working as a caretaker on the backstretch of the very track at which he holds among the highest positions today, working his way through the horsemen’s ranks until becoming the first American to be a second trainer for the Continental Stable, one of the earliest operations to “invade” North America and be a powerful force, especially in the trotting ranks, starting in the 1980s.

A graduate of the Ohio State University ATI program, Wiles went from the backstretch to the Monticello frontstretch in 1994, and climbed up the management ladder as quickly as he ascended working as a horseman, resulting in the supervisory position he holds today.

A member of USHWA for 35 years and approaching his 20th year as a member of the Board Of Directors, Wiles served as President of the Association during 2018-2020, and today continues in an extremely important role as Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee.

The work of Wiles and this committee in partnering with the sport’s top horsemen and organizations allows USHWA to continue to present its leading lights on as electric a stage as possible, culminating annually with the Dan Patch Awards Banquet in the honoring of the Standardbred sport’s stars, both equine and human. And Wiles doesn’t just “sit in the management box” – in addition to his sponsorship selling, on Banquet night you can find him setting up the trophy table display, selling raffle tickets, or doing any number of other jobs.

"This kind of constant, pervasive work is what made Shawn attractive to the voters," said Debbie Little, immediate past USHWAn of the Year.

Shawn Wiles will be honored at USHWA’s Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, set for Sunday evening, February 25, 2024, at Rosen Centre on International Drive in Orlando FL. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the Dan Patch weekend, contact Mr. Wiles at [email protected] or USHWA President Barry Lefkowitz at [email protected].

A room reservation link appears on the USHWA website www.usharnesswriters.com; those wishing to advertise in the USHWA Dan Patch Souvenir Journal should contact Kim Rinker at [email protected]. Information on purchasing Banquet dinner tickets will appear on the USHWA website as procedure becomes finalized.

From the USHWA

24/11/2023

Our condolences to the Emerson family. We are so grateful to have had Jean as a part of our organization and a Hall of Famer.

Pompano Beach, FL (Steve Wolf, Florida Chapter of USHWA)
— Hall of Famer Jean Emerson (nee Boomer), 93, who had been involved in almost all aspects of harness racing for nearly a half-century, died Nov. 18, 2023, at Seal Rock Healthcare Facility in S**o, Maine.
In addition to breeding, training and racing Standardbreds, she was also the founder of the very successful harness racing publication Northeast Harness News.
Born on May 9, 1930, in Lubec, Maine, Mrs. Emerson actually knew very little about Standardbreds until she reached adulthood. Her exposure to the sport came when, as a junior in high school, her father took her to the Blue Hill Fair. Always a lover of horses, her interest grew after she married Chet Emerson and they moved to southern Maine.
In addition to becoming actively involved in the sport, she was also raising three daughters and working as a teacher, having earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine. She retired from teaching in 1980.
The Emersons began racing their horses in the late 1960s, and by 1970 they were owners of a breeding farm in S**o. Their homebreds raced throughout the New England circuit including Bangor, Lewiston, Rockingham, Suffolk, Foxboro, Scarborough and the fairs. In 1985 they started racing at Pompano Park in Florida and continued to do so every winter.
In 1973, having become aware of horsemen’s problems, Mrs. Emerson became a charter member of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. She served as its secretary for the first five years during which time she worked with others on a position paper to be presented to the Maine legislature establishing the funding for what would become a successful state breeding and stakes racing program.
In order to make horsemen more aware of possible solutions to their problems, Mrs. Emerson began publishing a monthly MSBOA newsletter. Because mailing the newsletter became expensive for the association, she decided to start a newspaper with advertising to cover costs.
Thus, came into being the Northeast Harness News, which for approximately the next 15 years would keep New England horsemen and their families up to date about issues important to their livelihoods.
Working with limited funds and a small volunteer staff, Mrs. Emerson created a publication that was well-read, insightful and entertaining. It was circulated not only in the Northeast but also in almost every other harness racing state.
She functioned as editor, publisher, staff reporter, photographer, advertising manager, layout artist and bookkeeper. Each winter the Emersons would drive to Florida and stop along the way to distribute copies of the paper at tracks and training centers.
She decided to cease publication only when she realized that computers and the Internet were becoming the most efficient way for horsemen to obtain current and relevant news.
A member of the United States Harness Writers Association’s New England chapter from 1980-1995, Mrs. Emerson transferred to the Florida chapter for which she served as secretary, vice president and president. She had taken a leading role in planning and promoting the chapter’s annual awards dinner, the funds from which enabled the chapter to provide scholarships to college students interested in harness racing journalism.
Mrs. Emerson was also instrumental in the establishment of the Florida USHWA chapter’s Aime Choquette Sunshine Fund, which in times of need provides relief for Florida horsemen.
The Emersons’ 60-year marriage ended in December 2010 when Chet passed away after a long battle with bone cancer.
She continued to be active in the sport, attending qualifying races, keeping abreast of new stock, encouraging and congratulating new drivers, and discussing all aspects of horsemen’s issues and politics, be it racing and slots in Maine or the horsemen’s contract at the Isle Pompano Park.
She promoted the Florida Chapter’s awards dinner by selling tickets and ads in the backstretch at Pompano Park and at other training centers in the state.
A member of the New England Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Mrs. Emerson was also honored by the Florida Chapter of USHWA with its Allen J. Finkelson Award (2004) for positive promotion of the sport, and its Delvin Miller Award (2008) for good will and integrity. Mrs. Emerson was also inducted into the Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fame’s Communicators’ Corner in 2010.
The Florida Chapter of USHWA best summarized her devotion to Standardbreds with its statement, “Jean Emerson continued to promote the sport of harness racing to everyone she met as she had always celebrated the industry that had defined her life.”
Mrs. Emerson is survived by her daughters, Janet A., Nancy L. Sullivan, and Linda M.; sister, Priscilla; and grandsons, Robert B., Jared M. Chapin, and Jamie N. Chapin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester W.; parents, Earle L. Boomer and Edna R. Milligan; and brother, Jay Boomer.

31/08/2023

Four receive 2023 USHWA-Florida Scholarships

Pompano Beach, FL – (August 31, 2023)— The Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced four candidates who will receive harness racing awards this year from the 2023 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship program.

The scholarship was established in memory of Hall of Famer Allen J. Finkelson, the former Vice President of Public Relations at Pompano Park and longtime Chairman of the Board of the national USHWA organization.

“Sarah Clein, Leah Sudhir, Ella Bleu Shockley and Samantha Mills will each receive scholarship funds from our USHWA Chapter,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “They are all outstanding students.”

Preference for these scholarship awards were given to a student(s) majoring in journalism, communications or equine related studies.

Applicants must be a resident of the state of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States. Criteria for selection include community service, academic achievement, and leadership.

The scholarship fund again received a donation from the Hicks family of Pompano Beach.

Sarah Clein of Wellington is a senior at UF majoring in journalism and advertising. She has earned a 3.84 GPA and is also seeking a master’s degree in entrepreneurship. She is a Wellington HS graduate and co-founded Bricks Busting Boredom. Sarah, the daughter of Kenneth and Deborah Clein, has also been a digital resourced intern.

Leah Sudhir of Sanford is a UCF sophomore (GPA 4.0) majoring in journalism. Leah, the daughter of Menon and Vikali Sudhir, is a Seminole High School graduate and has been a Presidents’ Honor Roll and National Association of Hispanic Journalists member and student reported for Nicholson Student Media. She has been an administrative assistant at Xineering LLC.

Ella Bleu Shockley of Lithlia is a freshman at UCF majoring in journalism. This Howard S. Blake HS (GPA 4.0) and Hillsborough Community College attendee has been National Honor Society President in 2022-23 and Secretary from 2021-22. She has been on the Principals’ Honor Roll, senior class vice president, District 9 Thespian intern and Osprey Observer summer intern.

Samantha Mills of Coconut Creek is a freshman at UF majoring in Public Relations and earned a 3.95 GPA at Pompano Beach HS. The daughter of Scott and Shannon Mills was named President of the National Honor Society, outstanding senior leader, and a member of the Speech and Debate Association, and Pompano HS Films and Tech Association.

For more information about the Florida Chapter of USHWA and the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship, visit www.ushwa-florida.com or go to their page at Florida Chapter USHWA.

From the Florida Chapter of USHWA

ushwa-florida in Pompano Beach is a community association dedicated to building a better community through neighborhood programs and civic engagement.

07/08/2023

If you missed the live show, there is a repeat tonight at 9:00 pm!

Watch the incredible victories in the 98th Hambletonian and Oaks all over again. Exclusive features & interviews with Nancy Takter, Tetrick Racing ,Scott Zeronand revisit the famous deadheat of '89 with driver Ron Waples

15/07/2023

What a great story about our Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fame by Robert Smith! We hope to have a new home in the future at Davie Horse Center.

In the latest Rewind Robert Smith recalls the opening of a rather special place intended to pay tribute to harness racing history in the great State of Florida

05/07/2023

GOSHEN, NY – The Hall of Fame Screening Committee of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), after meeting with

13/05/2023

USHWA YOUTH MEMBERSHIP OPEN FOR 2023

USHWA is the US Harness Writers Association, the world’s oldest organization for harness racing communicators. At their 2018 annual meetings in Orlando, FL, USHWA directors approved the introduction of a Youth Membership category. This non-voting category was designed for aspiring harness racing media members, 21 years of age and younger.

Five years later, former USHWA Youth members have become active members of the organization and are working in the harness racing industry.

Today (May 12), USHWA Youth Membership opens to new applicants for 2023/24.

USHWA Youth Membership founder Melissa Keith and longtime supporter/sponsor of the USHWA Youth Tim Konkle (Midwest Harness Report) welcome applications from, or on behalf of, harness racing participants 21 years of age or younger.

Young people with an interest in pursuing harness racing journalism, race calling, racetrack photography, broadcasting, etc. can contact Keith (Canada) or Konkle (US) about this opportunity before June 12. Their $20 (US) annual dues will be generously sponsored by Konkle.

USHWA Youth Membership has helped open doors and make connections across the industry in tangible ways. Current USHWA Youth member Grady Hachey (Canada chapter) joined the Truro Raceway, NS broadcast team as regular racing analyst this season. On Twitter, he recommended becoming an USHWA Youth member:

“I would not have gotten my new job at Truro if it weren’t for USHWA,” Keith said. “Joining USHWA gave me the ability to get my name out there and meet new people in the harness racing media. I highly recommend becoming a member!”

Contact: Tim Konkle ([email protected]) or Melissa Keith ([email protected]) to apply or learn more.

From the USHWA

27/02/2023

When the voters in the State of New York approved a referendum legalizing pari-mutuel wagering in November 1939, it foretold

21/02/2023

ORLANDO, FL – The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), celebrating its “Diamond Anniversary” 75th year, held its annual meetings

15/02/2023

The 2022 Horse of the Year will be announced Sunday night (Feb. 19) at the annual U.S. Harness Writers Association’s

25/01/2023

Lexington, KY -- The annual Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, of the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA),

24/01/2023

Congratulations Kim Rinker!

Kimberly Rinker, whose 40+years as a harness racing journalist has earned her two Hervey Awards in feature writing, has joined

24/01/2023

Kimberly Rinker, whose 40+years as a harness racing journalist has earned her two Hervey Awards in feature writing, has joined

11/01/2023

Kimberly Rinker and Bob Heyden were named winners of the 2022 John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing journalism

05/01/2023

Great column by John Berry!

Witnessing on television the terrible incident involving Damar Hamlin recently on Monday Night Football, it brought me to a point

30/12/2022

“You do not have to wait until mid-February for pitchers and catchers to report to get a little excited,” said

29/12/2022

Harness racing provided many memorable events in 2022. And it would be impossible to list them all in 100 Mane

28/12/2022

Bulldog Hanover (Shadow Play-BJ’s Squall) became the first unanimous selection for divisional Dan Patch Award honors in five years when

27/12/2022

Bella Bellini became the fourth female trotter this century to receive a Dan Patch Award at ages 3 and 4

21/12/2022

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, we all ring in the new year. It’s a joyous time for most, but

11/12/2022

Harness racing had one of those rare days where purses at a fair track outpaced purses at a vast majority

28/11/2022

Super news for this year Dan Patch Awards in Orlando!

Caesars Entertainment will once again be the title sponsor for the 2023 Dan Patch Award Banquet, it is jointly announced

23/11/2022

I view Thanksgiving a bit differently than most. For me, it’s a time of reflection of life…and how fortunate I

19/11/2022

Congratulations Wally Hennessey!

Goshen, NY – Few people have been inducted into more Halls of Fame than Wally Hennessey. Aside from being one of the

17/11/2022

The phrase “Go West, young man” is a phrase that often is credited to esteemed author and newspaper editor Horace

15/11/2022

Way to go Keystone USHWA Chapter and Florida USHWA member Victoria Howard!

WASHINGTON, PA, Nov. 15, 2022 — Harness Racing in the Keystone State, a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book detailing the colorful