by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Series

Monticello, NY — Nearly 50 people traveled to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame this past Sunday (April 17) to attend a safety seminar on amateur racing, sponsored by the C.K.G. Billings Harness Drivers Series.

According to the event coordinator, George Casale, the Billings Series worked in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association and the Hall of Fame to produce what was described by all as an informative and educational event.

T.C. Lane spoke about the United States Trotting Association rules.

Casale, a longtime Billings member who also serves on the Historic Track Board of Directors, organized the seminar and the agenda and lined-up the speakers who included the USTA’s TC Lane; starting judge Andy Toscano; professional drivers Ray Schnittker, Jason Bartlett and Jordan Stratton; and USTA director and amateur driver Joe Faraldo.

Faraldo led off with the basics on the rules and regulations of driving competitively. He described what to do, and what not to do, when driving and how to respond to certain unforeseen situations which can transpire in a race. His presentation mirrored his USTA Driving School seminar, which he does annually in Ohio.

Toscano, the starting judge at Yonkers Raceway, spoke of the responsibility of the drivers and explained the details of safely getting horses to and behind the mobile gate and what to do when trouble occurs.

Lane spoke about the United States Trotting Association rules while showing film clips from various angles, pointing out driving infractions while stating how safety is of the utmost importance in a horse race.

USTA/Mark Hall photos

Jason Bartlett was one of three professional drivers who spoke.

The three outstanding professional drivers, Schnittker, Stratton and Bartlett, each spoke for a short while and then all three fielded questions from the attendees.

All the amateur drivers, as well as the aspiring amateurs in attendance, felt the information from the Q&A session was very informative.

According to Casale, of those in attendance, 24 were current amateur drivers and there were others who aspire to compete in the amateur ranks who were listening attentively.

The day began with a luncheon, which was sponsored by the Billings Series. The presentations from the speakers followed through the afternoon and then dinner at a nearby restaurant capped the day.

But prior to disbanding there were drawings for those who attended. The Billings Series offered $50 discounts for 2011 memberships and one lucky amateur received a full one-year membership worth $350. Dave Siegel of TrackMaster, an Equibase Company, offered a three- month subscription ($175) and a full year subscription ($500) to various products that TrackMaster offers while the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame gave each speaker a decorative clock and they also had a gift for everyone in attendance.

“I think that those who attended the seminar will become more competent on the racetrack and in the process will help the Billings Series gain added respect,” noted Faraldo. “It was a great joint effort by the Billings Series, the USTA and the Hall of Fame. We all congratulate George Casale on his dedicated efforts which made this an outstanding seminar and we look to duplicate it again in the future.”