by Jay Wolf, secretary, Ohio Chapter USHWA

Delaware, OH — Jerry Knappenberger, the General Manager of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, has been elected as the newest member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame. He was elected by a vote of the Ohio chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Kanppenberger, a native of Newark, Ohio, began his 50-year harness racing career as an assistant trainer for his high school classmate, Terry Holton. After a 25-year stint with the Holton Stable, Knappenberger was hired as the Assistant General Manager of the OHHA. Knappenberger took over the top spot with the OHHA upon John Stanley’s retirement in 1998.

Knappenberger, 72, worked tirelessly for the introduction of Video Lottery Terminals in the state of Ohio. The VTLs have allowed the Standardbred industry in Ohio to return to its place of prominence with increased purses at the four commercial tracks and the 65 county fairs.

Knappenberger will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association banquet in Columbus on Saturday (Jan. 24). Tickets to the OHHA banquet are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling 800.353.6442.