The Dan Patch Trainer of the Year Award is an annual award created in 1985 by members of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA). The Association's website states that their members' determination is aided by input from the American Harness Racing Secretaries plus logistic expertise provided by the United States Trotting Association.United States Harness Writers Association website Retrieved October 5, 2016
The award winner receives the Glen Garnsey Trophy, named in honor of the Hall of Fame trainer who died at the zenith of his career at age 52 in 1985 as the result of an automobile accident.Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame bio for Glen G. Garnsey Retrieved September 17, 2016
There are several categories of USHWA Dan Patch Award named for the legendary pacer Dan Patch (1896-1916).USHWA 2015 Dan Patch Award winners Retrieved November 3, 2016
Past winners: 2023: Ake Svanstedt 2022 Jim Campbell 2021 Richard "Nifty" Norman 2020 Nancy Takter 2019 Marcus Melander 2018 Ron Burke 2017 Brian Brown 2016 Jimmy Takter 2015 : Jimmy Takter 2014 : Jimmy Takter 2013 : Ronald J. Burke 2012 : Linda Toscano 2011 : Ronald J. Burke 2010 : Jimmy Takter 2009 : Gregory B. Peck 2008 : Ray Schnittker 2007 : Steve Elliott 2006 : Mickey Burke 2005 : Ervin M. Miller 2004 : Trond Smedshammer 2003 : Ivan Sugg 2002 : Jim Doherty 2001 : Robert McIntosh
2000 : Mark Ford / Jimmy Takter 1999 : Ron Gurfein 1998 : Brett Pelling 1997 : William Wellwood 1996 : Jimmy Takter 1995 : Joe Holloway 1994 : Carl Allen 1993 : William G. Robinson 1992 : Robert McIntosh 1991 : Per Eriksson 1990 : Gene Riegle / Bruce Nickells 1989 : Richard Stillings / Harry J. Poulton 1988 : Steve Elliott 1987 : Charles "Chuck" Sylvester 1986 : Soren Nordin 1985 : Charles "Chuck" Sylvester
See also Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer
References