Dayton, OH — A continuing education program, hosted by Hollywood Dayton Raceway and moderated by Mike Woebkenberg, was held on Saturday (Oct. 22).

The meeting was very well attended by Ohio fair officials as well as pari-mutuel officials from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Lisa Schwartz photo.

The meeting was very well attended by Ohio fair officials as well as pari-mutuel officials from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Doug Thomas, presiding judge at Hollywood Dayton, Scioto Downs and Miami Valley Gaming, was the keynote speaker and spoke on the topics of respect and fairness with an emphasis on how to achieve those through actions and appearance as a judge at any level in harness racing.

Kevin Gumm, presiding judge at the Meadows, provided several race videos as examples of placing situations and no contest declarations that spirited a lively discussion.

Chris Dragone, Executive Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission answered a myriad of questions on many topics and comparisons were made on a cross jurisdictional basis with Pennsylvania and Indiana judges in attendance.

Woebkenberg has spearheaded these meetings for the past few years and is dedicated to the continuation of open dialogue between all the officials and horsemen.