Raymond “Ray” Mark Romanetti, 73, of Macomb, Mich., who rose to international prominence with his trotter Moshannon Express in the late 1970s, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Romanetti trained his small stable on his farm in the middle of coal country, bringing Moshannon Express from obscurity to a world-class presence, competing against the elite trotters at racetracks including Roosevelt Raceway and Yonkers Raceway. With Mr. Romanetti also driving, Moshannon Express – a son of Express Rodney out of the Crystal Royal mare Hallie Wynwood – won 41 of 170 career starts and $487,335.
Mr. Romanetti also had success training and driving the trotter Moshannon Finesse, who won 43 times and $319,202 in the 1980s, and the trotter Moshannon Jammin, who earned more than $215,000 competing in the 1990s.
Other top horses trained and driven by Mr. Romanetti included Buffle Head, Santana Bluestone and Taboo Yankee, all owned solely or in part by his wife of 36 years, Lori.
Mr. Romanetti retired in 2021, eventually moving with his wife to Traverse City, Mich., and then to Macomb, Mich., where he resided at the time of his death.
Per Mr. Romanetti’s wishes, he was cremated and there will be no public memorial services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, 157 North Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 or www.chha.net.