Phipps, Gill to be honored at Goshen

At the upcoming Harness Hall of Fame dinner at the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, New York on Sunday, two of racing's esteemed citizens will be recognized for their example and achievements in amateur driving. 

Orrin Phipps of Yarmouth, Maine, and Dr. Howard “Doc” Gill of Pine Bush, N.Y., will be honored for their achievements as 2006 Amateur Drivers of the Year. "Both these gentlemen are the senior deans of Gentleman's Driving in North America and remain active in the sport as drivers," said Peter Gerry, president of the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association and an officer of the Museum.

Dr. Gill, an 82 year-old veterinarian, competes regularly at Monticello Raceway with a small stable of horses that he also trains. His top performer in recent years is the homebred trotter Miss Gibbons, who has won $297,312 and has a mark of  1:53.2. Gill has over a million in lifetime purse earnings and 345 wins to his credit.

Phipps, 86, is recovering from injuries sustained in off-racetrack fall, but will return to competition in his native New England soon. He has been a regular at the Maine fairs and New England pari-mutuel tracks for decades, with 129 victories and $185,859 in earnings.

"Their recognition is based less on the statistics they each tallied in 2006 and primarily on their long term and unwavering contributions to promoting that which is best in harness racing--dedication, integrity and sportsmanship emblematic of amateur driving in North America. These gentlemen are an inspiration to many and we wish them many more years of spirited competition." (HRC) 

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