News

Goshen, NY – Derick Giwner and Tara Ellen Taylor will be officially inducted into harness racing’s Communicators Hall of Fame on Hall of Fame Day, Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the Harness Racing Museum’s annual dinner.

Derick Giwner is an award-winning harness racing journalist and the longtime editor of DRF Harness at the Daily Racing Form, where he has delivered in-depth analysis and major event coverage since launching the brand in 2012. After beginning his career at Sports Eye in 1996, Giwner established himself as a premier industry voice, notably through his essential weekly DRF Harness Digest Newsletter. His prominent media contributions have earned him multiple honors, including three John Hervey Awards (2020, 2023, 2025), the Phil Pines and Clyde Hirt Media Awards, and the 2020 USHWAn of the Year title. Beyond journalism, he actively serves the New York City Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association as a multi-term Chapter Director and current chair of the Integrity Committee.

Tara Ellen Taylor has led the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) as executive director for over 30 years, driving its mission to introduce young people to harness racing through hands-on equine experiences. Since 1980, she has spearheaded the foundation's annual summer camps, collaborating with racetracks and horsemen's organizations while regularly contributing to educational materials and industry trade publications. Her extensive contributions earned her an election to the Indiana Horse Racing Hall of Fame, adding to a long list of honors that includes the prestigious 2009 Stan Bergstein Proximity Award. With these achievements, Taylor continues a proud family legacy established by her mother Margot, an Immortal member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, and father Richard, a successful Hoosier trainer/driver.

For information on attending the dinner and induction ceremonies, please contact the Museum at 845-294-6330.