by Kimberly A. Rinker, for Harness Horsemen International

Deerfield Beach, FL — Harness Horsemen International wrapped up their annual meetings on Wednesday (March 4) at the Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa in Florida with elections and an awards luncheon.

General sessions began in the morning with re-election of the following HHI At-Large Directors: Dr. Tim Powers (Maine HHA), Ron Battoni (Pennsylvania HHA), Jerry Knappenberger (Ohio HHA) and Gabe Pruitt (Kentucky HHA).

“We accomplished a great deal during the past three days,” noted Tom Luchento, HHI President. “But most importantly, we were happy to welcome back the Indiana Standardbred Association to HHI.”

During the annual awards luncheon, a trio of harness racing personalities were honored with HHI’s most prestigious crowns.

Gene Oldford, HHI past president was named the 2014 HHI Dominic Frinzi Person of the Year for his continued dedication to the organization. Jerry Knappenberger, former General Manager of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, was awarded the HHI Appreciation Award for 2014 for his many years of service to the Ohio Standardbred industry, while Derick Giwner, the Daily Racing Form’s harness racing editor and writer, accepted the 2014 HHI Clyde HIrt Media Award for his coverage of the sport.

Harness Horseman International will return to this same location from Feb. 28-March 3 in 2016.

HHI is comprised of horsemen’s associations from the United States and Canada who collectively represent the agriculture-based industry of harness racing in North America. HHI’s governing body consists of representatives from its member associations.