Grove City, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and the USTA District 1 meeting were both held Saturday (Jan. 19) at the Marriott Inn University Area Columbus. Despite the cold and blustery weather, the hotel was full of excitement with the schedule of activities keeping horsemen busy the entire day.

The day time activities included HHHRP retirement meeting, USTA director’s luncheon, USTA District 1 meeting, OHHA annual membership meeting, First Lady’s luncheon and the PACER stallion service auction.

The ladies who attended the First Lady’s luncheon were treated with a presentation by Lindsey Beggin of the Ronald McDonald House, sharing information and photos about the organization. Following lunch was a gift exchange, courtesy of the talented duo of Ann and Ray Lufkin. For the afternoon activity, the ladies made welcome blankets to be sent back to the house for families. Donations were also collected, such as toys for children and various supplies to help run the house. Did you know the Ronald McDonald House is run by volunteers and donated items? The ladies were thrilled to be a part of supporting a great organization.

The PACER stallion service auction was underway all day. The auction began Jan. 5 online and closed Jan. 19. Bidding was also available by phone on Jan. 19. The auction generated more than $100,000 to be used toward legislative efforts throughout the year. Thank you to both the donors and bidders for making this a successful event.

Those who were not already enjoying the events throughout the day arrived for the cocktail hour to socialize and catch up with fellow horsemen, friends and other guests. Also in attendance were guests from other industries and Ohio legislators. Guests who attended the cocktail hour were in for a treat as appetizers were added to the event and enjoyed by all.

The guests filtered into the banquet room, beautifully designed in red and black and tables set with centerpieces designed by Ann and Ray Lufkin. Each guest also received a harness racing mug. Keith Gisser was the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Gisser welcomed everyone and made introductions.

Skip Hoovler introduced the newly elected OHHA Directors: Breeders: Scott Hagemeyer, Randy Hutchinson and Jacob Mossbarger; Trainers/Drivers: Jim Arledge Jr., Chris Beaver and Roy Burns; Owners: Randy Leopard (District 3), Kent Saunders (District 9) and Mary Jo Bross (District 6). Steve Bateson is the new OHHA president and Randy Leopard the new vice president.

Hoovler made remarks concerning the USTA and Kevin Greenfield thanked everyone for the support during his years as president of OHHA. Kevin then introduced Steve Bateson who outlined some of his ideas for the future.

The Jerry Kaltenbach Memorial Awards were presented by Richard McClelland to trainer Brian Brown and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. Brown presented the Ohio Outstanding Groom Award to Dan Trent. The Terry Holton Youth Award was presented to Nathan Davis by Ohio Racing Commission Chairman Robert Schmitz, OHHA Board Member Mary Jo Bross and members of the Terry Holton family.

Three generations of the Hagemeyer family (Mel, Scott and Lyndsay) presented a new award, the Maynard and Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award, to Jim Buchy.

The next OHHA award drew quite a surprise for Kevin Greenfield when OHHA director Skip Hoovler called him to the stage to receive the Dr. John P. Stevens Humanitarian Award. Greenfield was joined by his wife Nancy and past recipients of the award.

Ayers Ratliff presented the United States Harness Writers Association awards next. The Peter Haughton Memorial was presented to Trevor Smith, Winners Circle to Aaron Merriman, Rambling Willie to Dave Bianconi, Immortal of Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame was Pius Soehnlen and the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame to Tom Brinkerhoff.

Tammy Hoovler provided the invocation, then dinner was served.

Following dinner, the horse award presentations began. The Ohio Harness Standardbred Hall of Fame was presented by Ayers Ratliff to owners of First Breath (Hold Your Breath-Ellen’s Jilly). First Breath was owned by Duane Lowe and bred by Duane and Mildred Lowe.

Gary and Barbara Iles accepted the Horse of the Year Award for Lather Up. Conrad photo.

OHHA board members Senena Esty, John Mossbarger and Rick Martindale made their way to the stage to present the owners and breeders with the OHHA Horse of the Year divisional winners awards:

2-Year-Old Pacing Colt: High On Paydaze (Nob Hill High-Myell) owned by Scott Hagemeyer, Robert Mondillo and Donald Robinson. He was trained by Brian Brown and bred by Scott Hagemeyer.

2-Year-Old Pacing Filly: Queen Of The Pride (McArdle-Lionness Hanover), owned by Frank Chick. She was trained by Kevin Lare and bred by Brad Wallace.

2-Year-Old Trotting Colt: Lane Of Stone (Wishing Stone-Wisteria Lane), owned by Harry Horowitz. He was trained by Mark Winters Sr. and bred by Harry and Iris Horowitz.

2-Year-Old Trotting Filly: Only Take Cash (Cash Hall-Armbro Affair), owned by Robert McIntosh Inc., Dave Boyle and Mardon Stables. She was trained by Robert McIntosh and bred by Robert McIntosh Stables and CSX Stables. Only Take Cash was also awarded with the Ohio Triple Crown award.

3-Year-Old Pacing Colt: Lather Up (I’m Gorgeous-Pocket Comb), owned and bred by Gary and Barbara Iles. He was trained by Clyde Francis.

3-Year-Old Pacing Filly: Baron Remy (Yankee Cruiser-Riley Character), owned by Burke Racing Stable, Silva & Libby, Lawrence Karr and Weaver Bruscemi. She was trained by Ron Burke and bred by Baron Racing Stable.

3-Year-Old Trotting Colt: Two O B Wonkenobi (Dejarmbro-Shannon Hall), owned by Shara Weaver and Madeline Roche. He was trained by Earnest Gaskin and bred by Pond A Acres.

3-Year-Old Trotting Filly: Impinktoo (Manofmanymissions-Margie Seelster), owned by William Walters, Joe McLead and RTK Racing. She was trained by Ron Burke and bred by Jay Mossbarger.

Older Pacer: Dancin Yankee (Yankee Cruiser-Dancewiththebest), owned by Burke Racing Stable. He was trained by Ron Burke and bred by Elizabeth Yontz.

Older Trotter: Lady’s Dude (Victory Sam-Lady’s Star), owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Johnny Yoder. He was trained by Ron Burke and bred by Duane Lowe.

Following the presentations of the divisional winners was the reveal of the 2018 Ohio Horse of the Year to the owners of Lather Up. They were presented with a painting from a Conrad Photo painted by equine artist Ann Lufkin as well as a cartoon of Lather Up in a barber shop chair created by OHHA’s Thom Pye.

The OHHA would like to thank everyone who took part in the weekend and wishes everyone the best in the upcoming 2019 racing season.