We inadvertently left Debbie Little’s picks out of our HRU Awards. Here they are.

In our Dec. 30 issue, we presented some of our contributors’ picks for the best of 2022. We inadvertently left off columnist Debbie Little’s picks and wanted to share them with you. Little made the following choices:

HORSE OF THE YEAR

Bulldog Hanover. I don’t think this selection needs an explanation.

PERSON THAT MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO HARNESS RACING IN 2022

Dave McDuffee for bringing back Bella Bellini. He could have easily bred her, but instead chose to share “The Great Pursuer” with her many fans for one more year and we’re all the better for it.

RACE OF THE YEAR

Bulldog’s four-week stretch at The Meadowlands from June 25 to July 16. Okay, so I’m taking a little license here, but as great as that record-setting mile was, the three-week build up to it was necessary. And what was accomplished during that four-week stretch may never be equaled.

BEST THING YOU SAW IN HARNESS RACING IN 2022

The captivating 4-year-olds Bella Bellini, Bulldog Hanover and Test Of Faith. Keeping stars on the track as 4-year-olds is important, and I’d like to thank Jeff Gural for helping to make this magical year possible.

WHAT CONCERNS YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT?

The possible long-term effect of the closing of Pompano Park. It was too easy for a big casino company to just close the doors on racing and it makes me worried that it could happen elsewhere.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST REASON FOR OPTIMISM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT? 

Edison Hatter and Jessica Otten. Having two knowledgeable young people — 23 and 25, respectively — so in love with and involved in our sport gives me hope. They’re the demographic that we’re looking to attract and who better than them to help us figure out how to do it.