The Dan Patch harness racing honorees will not be the only winners at the U.S. Harness Writers' (USHWA) Night of Champions on Sunday, Feb. 12 in Orlando, Fla. USHWA will feature both a live and silent auction and raffle at the event, and the available items run the gamut by offering something for everyone. The auction will benefit USHWA, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation and Goshen Historic Track.
For horsemen, breedings to Deweycheatemnhowe (C$20,000 value; standing in Ontario); Bettor's Delight(C$14,000 value with a $13,000 minimum bid; also standing in Ontario); Yankee Cruiser ($6,000 value; Pennsylvania) and Dream Away ($2,500 value; Delaware) will be up for bids.
Special works of art, including a framed Pierre Bellocq cartoon, a set of equine statues and a framed 2001 Hambletonian Poster are among the items being offered.
For collectors, an equine-themed carved jewelry case, an etched decanter, a Pandora charm bracelet from Bow River Jewelry, an autographed Dwyane Wade game jersey and a package including a pair of Boston Red Sox tickets, an autographed Jacoby Ellsbury baseball and a football signed by Super Bowl starter -- and horse owner -- Vince Wilfork of the New England Patriots, are available.
A highlight of the silent auction is a vacation package which includes hotel accommodations at the Doubletree Hilton in Orlando, Fla. and day tickets to Sea World.
In addition to on-site bidding in February, USHWA is offering advance bidding on all of these items. Contact Steve Wolf at stevejw@bellsouth.net or at (954) 654-3757 to obtain bidding requirements or further information.