by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, along with its horsemen and horsewomen, paid tribute Friday to the late Mike Jeannot, the president of Meadows Racing who died last week after battling liver cancer.

Chris Gooden photo

Horsemen, Meadows’ employees and fans gathered in the winner’s circle.

Jeannot had been with The Meadows almost continuously since 1991, serving as director of OTB operations, vice president of operations and vice president of government relations prior to becoming president in 2009.

In a moving ceremony, the track’s driver/trainer colony, in full colors, walked from the paddock to the winner’s circle, led by a driverless horse and sulky. They were joined in the winner’s circle by dozens of The Meadows’ employees.

In his remembrance, Pastor Joe DiDonato, track chaplain, described Jeannot as a man of “passion and compassion.” As if to demonstrate that, a number of fans joined the gathering in the winner’s circle to help honor the memory of a man who touched their lives.

To see a video of the tribute, click on this link.