The Dan Patch Rising Star Award is an annual award created in 1986 by members of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA). The award recognizes the exceptional early accomplishments of a young harness horse trainer and/or driver. The Association's website states that their members' determination is aided by input from the American Harness Racing Secretaries plus logistic expertise provided by the United States Trotting Association.
The Dan Patch Rising Star Award is one of several categories in the Dan Patch Award program named for the legendary pacer Dan Patch (1896-1916).
Past winners: