Awards

Award nominations closed on December 1.

AWARDS CRITERIA

AMATEUR DRIVER:
This award is to recognize the amateur driver with a minimum of ten starts selected by the UDRS formula. Must be an MHHA member in good standing, racing during the current year. All starts will be accounted for instate or out-of-state racing.

APPRECIATION AWARD:
This award recognizes a person or horse that has made a contribution to the equine industry in Michigan or at the national level for the well-being of the harness racing industry. Ballot results with board approval.

BREEDERS AWARD:
This award is for a breeder selected from the top ten breeders within the state, based on Michigan money winnings, or performance of the offspring by the sires of Michigan stallions. Must be an MHHA member in good standings. Ballot results with board approval.

CARETAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
This award recognizes an outstanding groom or caretaker that is employed by an MHHA member in Michigan. A person who has supported a stable or trainer to be successful. Ballot results with board approval.

DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
This award is to recognize the driver with a minimum of 100 starts in Michigan during the current year. Selected from the top ten UDRS, with the number of wins and Michigan dollars earned through December 31st. Must be an MHHA member in good standing with no positive drug test or major suspension in the current year.

HEADLINER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Chosen by the MHHA awards committee.

SERVICE AWARD:
This award recognizes a person, owner, breeder, veterinarian, race official, elected official, track management, or member of the press, of good moral character who has significantly contributed to the harness industry. Does not require being an MHHA member. Ballot results with board approval.

OWNER(S) OF THE YEAR AWARD:
This award is selected from the top ten Michigan money-winning owners who have made a significant contribution to the Michigan harness racing industry. Must be an MHHA member in good standing. Ballot results with board approval.

SHINING STAR OF THE YEAR AWARD: This award to recognize an up and coming driver or trainer who has achieved exceptional success in Michigan, at the national or international level during the current year. Good moral character, in good standing with the racing Gaming Control Board, with no major suspension, or positive drug test. Ballot results with board approval. May not be an annual award.

AGED PACER AND TROTTER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Must be either partially owned by an MHHA member and/or trained by an MHHA member, a horse with the most Michigan pari-mutuel dollars won through December 31st, must have a minimum of five starts during the current year, the horse must not have tested positive for class three drugs or higher during the current year.

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
The awards committee nominates this award to a person/s that has done outstanding achievements within the harness racing industry. Past or current activities to be recognized, MHHA membership not required.

TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
This award is to recognize the trainer of the year by formula points. Michigan trainer with the most number of wins and Michigan dollars earned through December 31st. Must be an MHHA member in good standing with the GCB with no major suspensions or positive drug tests (horse or human) during the current year.

MICHIGAN HARNESS RACING HALL OF FAME:

PERSON: An individual who has expanded the frontier and enhanced the stature of Michigan harness horsemen at the state, national or international level. Must have been a Michigan resident for ten years, they may be living or deceased. May choose up to four individuals with two being from the driver/trainer category. Past Hall of Fame committee members to nominate this award, ballot results, with board approval.

HORSE: This award is for a horse that is viewed as exceptional, may be living or deceased. Is Michigan sired, bred, or owned by a Michigan resident during their racing career and is retired from racing. May have more than one category, racehorse, stallion, or mare may be selected. Award committee to make recommendations, and ballot results, with board approval.

DAN RATHKA AWARD:
Horsemen of the Year award to recognize the horsemen who have made the greatest contribution to the harness racing industry in Michigan during the current year. This award honors a horseman, trainer, or driver of good moral character with a good image and prosperity to Michigan racing. Past Rathka Award committee to nominate this award, with board approval.