Jan 9, 2026 3 min read

By John Sacco

Contributing Writer

In triumph and tragedy, The Meadows track photographer Chris Gooden hits the mark.

His documentation of the Honor Walk at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, for the late Hunter Myers – who tragically lost his life after an on-track crash at the North Strabane Township track in March, was one of the most difficult moments of Gooden’s decorated career.

While it was emotionally painful and a heartbreaking task, Gooden understood what it meant to Myers’ family, friends and peers.

Myers, 27, died March 19 following an on-track accident at The Meadows.

The death rocked the harness racing industry. The loss was deeply personal for Gooden, who had a close relationship to Myers.

The Honor Walk video created by Gooden “became a profoundly moving tribute,” one that has earned him a President’s Award from the United States Harness Writers Association and Michael Carter, USHWA president, it was announced in a press release.

The video showed Myers in his hospital bed being pushed through the hallway as family, friends, horsemen – including several drivers – and medical staff stood at his side. His organs were donated and helped several people, including an 11-year-old girl who needed a heart transplant.

The video was available on social media.

“Losing Hunter is something I still can’t fathom to this day,” said Gooden, in the release. “We had so much fun creating memories through video and photos. When he passed, I felt like I lost a piece of my own creativity.”

Gooden, who is a multiple George Smallsreed Award winner in photography, is well-known for producing compelling visual content that helps share harness racing with a broader audience, the release said.

“Obviously, anybody who has ever run into Chris or has seen his work, knows the talent that he possesses,” Carter said in a telephone interview. “I’ve watched that video many times. He’s well deserving (of the award). This was really special, I think, for a lot of people at the track.

“I remember calling Chris in March and just telling him, you know, that (the video) really helped bring people together. My exact quote to him was: ‘Pack your bags. I’m giving you an award.’ Normally, I don’t give the President’s Award out until December. But I told him then ‘It’s yours. You’ve already won.'”

Gooden will be recognized at the 2026 Dan Patch Awards Banquet, which honors the best of harness racing, both human and equine. The banquet will be held Feb. 22 at Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla.

“Chris Gooden’s work is second to none in the sport of harness racing,” Carter said. “His impact goes far beyond photography because through his engaging social media content he brings new faces and new energy to the sport.”