by George Starks

Greenville, OH — The annual Darke County Harness Horsemen’s Association awards banquet honored the best of the best on Saturday night (Feb. 23) at the Turtle Creek Golf Course in Greenville, Ohio.

DCHHA President Kerby Sutton welcomed everyone and spoke of the association’s 40th anniversary. An original charter member and past president, Larry Aultman, was recognized.

The DCHHA was honored to have State Representative Jim Buchy as the guest speaker, who talked about the changes in the state that will directly affect the horsemen in Ohio. Buchy talked about the future of harness racing, starting with the impact of the casinos that are in operation in the state. He also stressed the importance of the younger generations coming in to the industry.

Ten classes of Standardbreds and individual awards were presented by Kerby Wilcox and Mike Baker.

The first of individual awards were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award going to Alan Riegle and Roger Walls.

Brittany Farms and Greenville sports reporter George Starks were also recognized as Honorary Achievement Award winners and were given honorary memberships to the DCHHA.

The 10 classes of horses, as well as owners and trainers, are as follows:

2-year-old colt pace–Cherokee Hunter–owned by Indian Creek Farms and trained by Kent Wilcox
2-year-old colt trot–Hometown–owned and trained by Ron Wulber
2-year-old filly trot–Coverlet–owned and trained by Ron Wulber
3-year-old colt pace–Ravenswood Yankee–owned and trained by Wayne Bowman
3-year-old filly pace–Shakinmymoneymaker–owned by Mandy Jones and trained by Brian Jones
3-year-old filly trot–Tesla–owned by Myron Brown and Beth Simons and trained by Dave Brumbaugh
older horse pace–Cherokee Ryder–owned by Indian Creek Farms and Kent Wilcox and trained by Wilcox
older mare pace–Lil Miss Alibi–owned by Cindy Austin and Steve Livingston and trained by Livingston
older horse trot–Online Auction–owned by Don Bolyard and trained by Jeff Bolyard
older mare trot–Hollys Secret–owned and trained by R.C. Bowling

Also on hand was Darke County Agricultural Society president Dick Delk and numerous fair board members. Delk spoke of the great relationship with the DCHHA and the fine fair racing program that Darke County has.

The awards presentation was followed by an auction fundraiser with auctioneer Mike Baker. The DCHHA was privileged to donate monies from an auction item to the Gene Riegle Memorial Race Fund.

Elections were also held for officers and a trustee. Voted in were president Kerby Wilcox, vice president Ron Richards, secretary/treasurer Debbie Nisonger and one year trustee Dick Delk.