Award recognises work of Post correspondent Farley.

DAN FARLEY, the Racing Post's longserving and much-loved American correspondent, is to receive a major accolade for excellence in turf writing, writes Nicholas Godfrey.

Farley, who is based in Kentucky, is this year's recipient of the National Turf Writers' Association (NTWA) annual Walter Haight Award, named in honour of the former Washington Post turf writer and columnist.

President of the NTWA from 1982-86, Farley has served as US correspondent for the Racing Post since its inception in 1986.

"I've been very fortunate to do what I love most - follow thoroughbred racing," said Farley, who turns 67 next month. "And to think it all goes back to little Ellis Park when I was a toddler!" he added.

"I've seen some of the best years of US racing with the likes of Secretariat, Forego, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Ruffian and now, years later, Rachel Alexandra.

"And the people I've worked with have been among the best as well. How lucky can you get?" Also a past president of American Horse Publications, Farley started out in the editorial department at The Blood-Horse in 1971. He worked at the Record, including as editor, until 1982, then covered American racing for Pacemaker International from 1982-85 and later for the International Racing Bureau.

Past winners of the Haight Award include 2008 winner Maryjean Wall, Joe Hirsch, Bill Nack and Kent Hollingsworth.

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Dan Farley: will receive award for excellence in turf writing