A total of 16 horses, breeders, jockeys and trainers, four in each category, have been named as finalists for induction into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame.

Husband and wife training tandem Larry and Sharon Ross and all-time leading Emerald Downs trainer Tim McCanna are on the on the ballot for the first time, as are the prolific stakes winning horses Biggs, Pataha Prince and Military Hawk.

Introduced in 2003, the Washington Racing Hall of Fame was created to honor and showcase Washington’s Thoroughbred industry elite. The inaugural class featured three inductees in each category, while subsequent classes have been limited to a single member in each category.

The 2010 winners will be decided by a committee of 16 voters composed of media members, Emerald Downs’ officials and members of the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association.

Winners will be announced in June with the induction ceremony scheduled at Emerald Downs the evening of Saturday, Aug. 21.

The 2010 Washington Racing Hall of Fame finalists

• Horse – Biggs, Delicate Vine, Military Hawk, Pataha Prince

• Jockey – Joe Baze, Paul Frey, Gallyn Mitchell, Merlin Volzke

• Trainer- Cecil Jolly, Tim McCanna, Bill McMeans, Larry and Sharon Ross

• Breeder (post 1970) – John Carlson, George Newell, Penney Farms, Les Turner

Eligibility requirements

Any Washington-bred or any horse that has raced at least twice in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. Any jockey or trainer born in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, or any jockey or trainer who has competed in at least five years in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. The breeding category alternates yearly between pre-and-post 1970.