Watch video of John Zawistowski attending the USTA’s Official’s Internship Training Program by clicking here.

Columbus, OH — On the day before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Friday (July 2), John Zawistowski graduated from the USTA’s new Official’s Internship Training Program.

Known to many in the industry as “Johnny Z,” Zawistowski’s training at Running Aces took place from May 30 through July 2. The curriculum was extensive and included hands-on experience in the judges stand, race office, paddock, test barn and in hearings with instruction about mutuels, teletimer, photo finish, race charting, horse identification, security, licensing and conducting a draw.

The USTA official’s internship program has been conducted in conjunction with the Minnesota Racing Commission, Running Aces Racetrack, Kentucky Racing Commission, and Red Mile Racetrack.

Following his graduation from the internship, Zawistowski immediately joined the staff of judges at Red Mile as an associate judge under the supervision of Red Mile Presiding Judge Tim Schmitz. In addition, he will attend the Racing Officials Accreditation Program this summer from July 12-19.

There are many harness racing officials involved in the official’s internship program, which was created by the USTA Board of Directors to assist in providing highly trained racing officials at no extra cost to the states or tracks.

Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director Steve May, Running Aces judges Bob Corey (Presiding) and Mike Hall, the Kentucky Racing Commission Executive Director Marc Guilfoil and Red Mile Presiding Judge Tim Schmitz are all involved in making the program a success.