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The late Jim McKay, beloved by millions as the host of ABC's "Wide World of Sports," is the recipient of the 2017 Robert and Anne Heighe Award for Excellence in Equestrian Journalism. The award will be presented posthumously the evening of Friday, November 10, at Harford Community College. 
The award is presented by the Hays-Heighe House, a public history site located at Harford Community College. The Hays-Heighe House was the centerpiece of Robert and Anne Heighe’s 225-acre Prospect Hill Farm (headquarters of their Thoroughbred breeding and racing operations) from 1921-53. 
“The Wider World of Jim McKay: Celebrating His Life and His Work" begins with the viewing of an exhibit on the broadcast journalist's life starting at 5 p.m. A reception and award presentation take place in the Chesapeake Dining Rooms starting at 7:15 p.m.
 The award will be accepted by McKay's family, including his daughter, Mary Guba, and grandson, James Fontelieu. Bill Boniface from Bonita Farm, a trainer and friend of McKay, will also share remarks.
McKay is being honored with the Heighe Award for his years of coverage of horse racing and in particular the American “Triple Crown” series of horse races.  
            His coverage of racing began in Baltimore in November 1947 with live reporting from Pimlico Race Course, the first live television broadcast in Baltimore. It was here that his love affair with racing began. 
            He would also cover racing in England, and from 1977-2000 he broadcast the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont for ABC. 
            Previous recipients of the Robert and Anne Heighe Award for Excellence in Equestrian Journalism include Joe Kelly, William Boniface, Humphrey S. Finney and Pierre "Peb" Bellocq. 
Tickets to the  November 10 award reception (featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert, wine, beer and coffee) cost $50 per person and may be ordered by visiting harford.edu/jimmckay. Ticket sales close November 3.