from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The District 7 directors of the U.S. Trotting Association announced Wednesday that Meadows Standardbred Owners Association president and trainer Rich Gillock will replace Walter L. “Boots” Dunn on the USTA Board of Directors.

Meadows photo

Rich Gillock will replace Walter L. “Boots” Dunn on the USTA Board of Directors.

Gillock will serve out the remainder of Dunn’s term that expires in 2017. Dunn, who died on Feb. 3, 2016, had been a USTA director since 1987.

“It will be a tough job replacing ‘Boots,’” said District 7 Chairman Sam Beegle, “but we think that Richie is up to the challenge.”

According to USTA bylaws, Gillock was selected by the remaining membership directors of District 7 — Sam Beegle and Russell Williams — and will serve as director until the next District 7 membership meeting in 2017. At that time, “an election shall be held for the purpose of electing a membership director for…a new term if the existing term has expired.”

Gillock learned the racing business from his grandfather, Mike, and has been around The Meadows since it opened in 1963. He earned his trainer’s license at the age of 18 in 1974 and has been one of the track’s leading conditioners for four decades.

Some of his top performers remain on the list of the track’s all-time greatest horses: Millers Aussie, Northwest, Junket, Jet Pace, Execujet, Yankee Bart and Encore Encore. Currently, he trains a stable of 40.

He has been involved with the MSOA for more than 20 years, joining the Board of Directors in 1994. He is serving as the group’s president for the second time.

The Belle Vernon, Pa., native has raced throughout North America, but has based his operation at The Meadows throughout his career, supporting not only Pennsylvania’s pari-mutuel tracks, but the fair circuit as well. His brother, Mike, is also an active owner/trainer/driver, as is his nephew, Mike Sutton.

— with files from the MSOA