2003 Hervey Winners

Bob Roberts, writing for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Paul Delean, writing for The Harness Edge, have won top honors in the 2003 John Hervey Awards competition; Liane Davis, producer of Horsin’ Around TV on Fox Sports Net Chicago, is the winner of the 2003 Broadcasters Awards competition; and Mark Hall, for his photo in Hoof Beats, has been awarded first prize in the 2003 Smallsreed Award competition. All three are co-sponsored by the United States Trotting Association and the United States Harness Writers’ Association. For their efforts, each will win a $500 prize from the USTA.

Bob Roberts, who penned a feature on Standardbred owner Bob Glazer of the Peter Pan Stables, was selected as the newspaper winner by Chris Bailey, editor of Ohio Tavern News and associate editor of The Daily Reporter, who judged that division of the Hervey competition.

"The winning entry is a good example of a newspaper feature story," said Bailey. "Overall, it is well written, with the writer exhibiting a solid understanding of the basics: correct grammar, complete sentences, no typographical errors, proper punctuation and a close adherence to accepted newspaper (Associated Press) "style." Perhaps the main reason for this being the winning entry is both casual readers and those interested in harness racing would find the story enjoyable."

Brad Schmaltz, racing writer for the Columbus Dispatch, finished in second place in the competition for his story on the Tim Pinske family and Heather Vitale, writing in the Delaware State News, was named as the third place finisher for her piece on Bob Christian. They will receive cash awards of $250 and $100, respectively for their efforts.

Paul Delean captured his first place finish in the magazine category with "In the Business of Making Happy," a story about trainer Jean Beaulieu of Quebec. Delean was selected as the winner by Sonya Huber, a journalist with 14 years of experience writing for newspapers, magazines and literary journals, who judged the magazine competition of the Hervey Awards.

This winning story "goes beyond the standard approach for a profile article," said Huber. "From the start the character of Beaulieu is set as an anomaly, which creates interest, and his personality is captured through action and concrete detail. The main character is shown in relation to the work he does, and the reader gets a strong sense, not only of Beaulieu’s personality, but also of his motivation, dreams and values. Beaulieu is not only a quirky character, but also someone the reader is asked to identify with and relate to."

Jerry Connors, for a story he authored on Bruce Ranger in Hoof Beats, was named the first runner-up and will receive $250. Dave Briggs, writing in The Canadian Sportsman, was the second runner-up for his story on Yankee Cruiser’s North America Cup win and will receive a $100 award in recognition of his efforts.

As a result of a limited number of entries in both the Broadcasters and Smallsreed competitions, only a winner was identified and only one cash award will be paid out.

Liane Davis was named the winner in the Broadcasters Awards for a feature on Ryan Welch and Giggles The Clown. Davis was selected by Neal Baker of NBA Entertainment, who was the judge of the Broadcasters Awards.

Davis’ feature was a "poignant, human interest story that would strike a chord with any viewer," said Baker. "The Welch family was at ease and heartfelt in describing the connection between son Ryan and Giggles The Clown. The final sentence of there being ‘a lot more winners in the picture than just the horse’ was the perfect storybook ending to the piece. This piece provides a perfect example of a family bonding with a horse in a simple no-nonsense way."

Mark Hall took first place honors in the Smallsreed photo competition for his picture which appeared on the cover of the July, 2003 issue of Hoof Beats. Hall’s photo of a field of horses in hot pursuit of the leader was selected as the winner by Barbara Livingston, a multiple Eclipse award winning photographer, who judged the Smallsreed competition.

"The beauty in this photo is in the composition," said Livingston. "The sea of equine ears and faces, the melee of hooves, equipment and perfectly-positioned sulky tires make this photo a standout. This dramatic image has a strong painterly feel with simple, dramatic lines. It’s a pleasant departure from standard finish line photographs."

The winners will be honored at the awards banquet conducted by the U.S. Harness Writers Association, to be held Sunday, February 8 at Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The banquet annually honors the top people and equines from the past season of harness racing. For information on tickets, contact Moira Fanning or Callie Davies-Gooch at (732) 249-8500.