Burlington, NJ — Harness Horsemen International’s (HHI) Board of Directors, in the wake of the barn fire tragedy at Tioga Downs, has pledged $5,000 to the Southern Tier Harness Horseman’s Association in order to assist the horsemen who lost horses and equipment this past week.

“HHI condemns this senseless and horrific act and hopes that the person who did this is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Sal DiMario, HHI Secretary.

The fire was reported just after 6:30 a.m. ET, on Thursday, Nov. 9 to the Nichols Fire Department, and the five trainers who had horses and equipment within the building, lost everything. More than two dozen horses lost their lives in the fire, which has now been classified as arson, and a suspect is in custody.

HHI extends its sincere condolences to all the horsemen who lost a treasured horse in the fire.

HHI’s Board of Directors include: Ron Battoni, President; Kim Hankins, First VP; Tony Somone, Second VP; Sal DiMario, Secretary; Andy Markano, Treasurer. At-Large Directors are Cathy Dessert, Aaron Hall, Mike Harant, and Paul London, and Emeritus Members are Mike Izzo and Tom Luchento.