U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

While harness racing does not receive nearly as much press coverage as thoroughbred racing in the U.S., it remains a very popular form of horse racing along the Eastern seaboard and up into Canada. The "buggy sport of kings" has its own Hall of Fame, which features the industry's top horses, trainers, owners, and drivers.

The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), on behalf of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, recently announced the Hall of Fame inductees for 2026. Through a voting process, the following inductees will become members at next year's Dan Patch Awards Banquet:

Dr. John (Tad) Egloff - After starting in the industry as a licensed veterinarian, he eventually moved into horse ownership through his Vieux Carre Farm (French for "old quarter"). As part of the Pennsylvania harness racing community, he both bred and raced prominent horses, as well as serving as a director of the Hambletonian Society.

Marvin Katz - Horse ownership was the name of the game for Katz. As an individual and through various partnerships, he owned prominent industry stars such as Dream Away (won the 1997 Meadowlands pace), 2020 Horse of the Year Tall Dark Stranger, and 2010 Hambletonian winner Muscle Massive. He also involved himself in industry initiatives like Breeders Crown Charity Challenge.

David Reid - Mr. Reid made his name as a bloodstock agent, having served for many years as the president of Preferred Equine Marketing. He also served as the operator of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, having overseen the consignments of industry superstars like Niatross and Moni Maker. It's noteworthy that Preferred Equine Marketing has been responsible for the consignment of over $500 million in horsestock.

Note: Michael G. Kimelman will also be inducted as a horseman under the special Veterans designation in July.

The following two individuals from the industry's communications community will also be inducted:

Derick Giwner - As a prominent writer for the Daily Racing Form's DRF Harness, he currently serves as its editor while also writing and publishing his weekly DRF Harness Digest. His biggest claim to fame is twice being awarded the prestigious Hervey Award for writing, 2020 & 2023.

Tara Ellen Taylor - The U.S. and Canadian horse racing industries are always looking for ways to draw younger racing fans into the game: Enter Ms. Taylor. For over 30 years, she has served as Executive Director of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. This group is devoted to introducing younger people into the industry via hands-on involvement with horses. It doesn't hurt that Ellen has excellent industry breeding, being the daughter of Margot, who is generally recognized as an industry immortal.

All inductees will participate in two special events: the U. S. Harness Writers Association's Dan Patch Awards Banquet (Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, February 22, 2026), and their formal induction ceremony in July of 2026 into the Halls at Goshen. Tickets for both of these events will be made available sometime in early 2026.