Terhune, currently executive director of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, is recognized for his lifelong dedication to the accessibility of the sport’s data and the preservation of its rich history.
Terhune’s impact on the industry spans decades. During her 26-year tenure at the United States Trotting Association (USTA), she played a central role in the development of information services and Pathway, the USTA’s online data service. Through continued collaboration with industry leaders and USTA software developers, the increased availability of accurate data has fundamentally transformed the racing community’s interaction with racing and breeding information. Her expertise and leadership led to her appointment as Registrar in 2008.
In 2012, Terhune moved to the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, where she was instrumental in promoting the museum’s mission. Under her leadership, the museum expanded storage capacity for its collections with the opening of the Fleming Barn and launched major exhibitions, including the Greyhound Gallery and the Hambletonian 100, ensuring that the sport’s most iconic moments remain accessible for future generations.
Most recently, Terhune led the renovation of the Communicators Corner in 2024. This project introduced a state-of-the-art digital display designed to honor those elected to the Communicators Hall of Fame.
“It was the most collaborative and extensive exhibition update in 2024,” said Terhune. “Working with a dedicated group of USHWA members, the museum has designed and implemented a new look and digital framework to celebrate these achievements. This effort will likely lead the way for additional digital installations that will refresh and renew the museum’s overall presentation.”
“New projects on the horizon include digitizing everything that can be digitized, including magazines, microfiches, race programs and photographs. Stabilizing sports history in electronic form is crucial for the accessibility of the information in the future.”
In addition to her professional roles, Terhune is a steadfast advocate for USHWA. She is a long-time member and director and currently serves as secretary and director of the Monticello-Goshen chapter.
“Janet’s passion for harness racing is immeasurable,” said Carter. “Her lifelong service has helped harness harness racing expand into the future, while retaining the importance of its history.”
Terhune will be formally recognized at the 2026 Dan Patch Awards Banquet presented by Caesars Entertainment, which honors the best of harness racing, both human and equine. The banquet will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.
USHWA is the leading organization of communicators about the Standardbred horse. USHWA conducts the official annual voting for the sport’s most prestigious honors, including induction into the Hall of Fame and Communicators Hall of Fame, as well as the selection of Horse of the Year, Trotter and Pacer of the Year, and division champions. Each year, USHWA hosts the Dan Patch Awards Banquet, the association’s premier fundraising event, honoring the best and brightest performers in North American harness racing.
Sponsorship information for the banquet is available through Shawn Wiles at [email protected]. You can advertise in the souvenir magazine via Kim Rinker [email protected]. Tickets are available through Judy Davis-Wilson at [email protected] or by Elizabeth Lewis-House at Elizabeth.Lewis-House@
From the Harness Writers Association of the United States
#Janet #Terhune #selected #USHWA #Presidents #Award