Columbus, OH — Jerry Knappenberger, 76, a longtime general manager of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and former second trainer for the Terry Holton stable, died June 3, 2019.

Mr. Knappenberger, a native of Newark, Ohio, began his 50-year harness racing career as a second trainer for his high school classmate, Terry Holton. After a 25-year stint with the Holton stable, he was hired as the assistant general manager of the OHHA. Mr. Knappenberger took over the top spot with the OHHA upon John Stanley’s retirement in 1998. He served in that position until retiring in 2015.

Mr. Knappenberger worked tirelessly for the introduction of Video Lottery Terminals in the state of Ohio. The VTLs allowed the Standardbred industry in Ohio to return to its place of prominence with increased purses at the four commercial tracks and the 65 county fairs.

Mr. Knappenberger was elected in 2015 into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame by a vote of the Ohio chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

A full obituary and arrangements will be posted when available.