by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Joe Hartmann, former United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) president, will be among the keynote speakers at Sunday’s (Sept. 6) 31st awards dinner program of the New England harness writers.

The event begins at 3 p.m. in the upper clubhouse banquet hall at Plainridge Racecourse and will honor some 27 recipients who have made significant contributions to harness racing.

Hartmann worked at Foxboro Raceway in charge of publicity and became general manager when Plainridge opened in March, 1999. That post is now held by Stephen O’Toole.

Hartmann is a member of the Florida chapter of USHWA and a recipient of the Golden Pen award.

Since leaving his post at Plainridge, he comes north each year and heads the promotional events and Labor Day festivities including Monday’s 14th running of the $75,000 Beckwith Memorial, the $26,000 Stan Bergstein Pace, the legends driving challenge, and the Wall of Fame festivities.