The Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) has commenced the nominations and balloting process for the 2021 Pete Pedersen Award to be presented to stewards who have served the sport of horse racing with distinction.
Named in honor of the long-time outstanding steward and noted journalist Pete Pedersen, the Pedersen Award presentation will be held in conjunction with the annual University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing in December in Tucson, Ariz.
Pedersen 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 and he was given 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 of objectivity and kindness is widely known in the racing industry and beyond.
The criteria to be used in determining award recipients includes length of service as a steward, special contributions as a steward, participation in industry integrity initiatives, participation in racing public educational programs, mentoring stewards and racing officials, and participation in educational programs for stewards and racing officials.
The goal is to recognize stewards who have been outstanding in fulfilling their responsibilities in regulating racing but who also are giving back to the industry.
Anyone can nominate current or retired stewards for the award. A special selection committee of five members from ROAP affiliate organizations will determine the recipients.
Nominations are due October 15, 2021. Those wishing to make nominations for the award can do so online by going to horseracingofficials.com and clicking on the green Pete Pedersen Award Nomination Form or by contacting Alyssa Carwile, ROAP coordinator, at contactus@horseracingofficials.com.
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