The Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) has announced the winner of the 2022 Pete Pedersen Award, which is presented to stewards who have demonstrated professional excellence, integrity, and benevolent consideration in the performance of their duties. Contributions of time and expertise to the horse racing industry on the local and national levels are also significant factors in the selection of Pedersen award winners.
The award is named in honor of Pete Pedersen, the nationally recognized California steward and accomplished journalist who set a standard of excellence to which all stewards should aspire. This year's recipient will be recognized at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Awards Luncheon in Tucson, Arizona on Dec. 6, 2022.
Bernard J. “Bernie” Hettel
Hettel has a long history at the track going back to the 1970's when he worked at Churchill Downs as an assistant Identifier. He has been a steward for more than 40 years, working at numerous racetracks in five states. Hettel also served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Racing Commission and the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Racing Commission.
He is described by those who know him and have worked with him, as professional, knowledgeable, fair and consistent in the enforcement of racing rules and regulations with complete dedication to preserving, protecting and defending the integrity of the horse racing industry. Bernie was accredited by ROAP in 1992.
The Pete Pedersen Award special selection committee is composed of five members: Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day; former The Jockey Club steward and NYRA track veterinarian Dr. Ted Hill; Dan Metzger, TOBA president; Scott Wells, former president of Remington Park and Lone Star Park; and former leading trainer and ROAP accredited steward Hal Wiggins.
Pete Pedersen, for whom the award is named, worked as a steward in California for 50 years before retiring at the age of 85 in 2005. The Seattle native became the second steward to receive the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2002. He was also the recipient of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award in 2008 for serving the racing industry with integrity, dedication, determination, and distinction. Pedersen worked at nearly every track on the West Coast, and his reputation for objectivity and kindness was widely known.
***ROAP, which receives primary funding from The Jockey Club and is based in its Kentucky office, is a 501(c)(6) organization whose board of directors is made up of representatives from 15 industry organizations and 10 at-large representatives. Stewards and judges receive their accreditation and continuing education credits through this program. The website address for ROAP is www.horseracingofficials.com.
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