by Regina Mayhugh, Communications Director, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association honored horsemen, horsewomen, and equines throughout the state for their accomplishments during the 2015 racing season on Saturday (Jan. 23) at the OHHA and USTA District 1 annual banquet.

Conrad photo

OHHA President Kevin Greenfield presented the Horse of the Year award to Keith Ross, owner and breeder of Like Old Times.

The banquet was held at the Columbus Marriott Northwest in Dublin, Ohio. The activities of the day included the annual PACER stallion service auction, HHHRP trustees meeting, ladies luncheon, USTA directors luncheon, USTA District 1 annual membership meeting, and the annual OHHA membership meeting. The day wrapped up with the annual awards banquet, which was well received and attended by more than 300 OHHA members and guests.

In the annual membership meeting, members were informed of updates and issues that OHHA worked on, as well as the accomplishments throughout the New Year, with initiatives and goals for the New Year outlined moving forward into 2016.

Director elections for the three membership categories — breeder, owner, and driver/trainer — were confirmed as follows: breeders John Poppe, Scott Hagemeyer and Dr. Randy Hutchison; owner directors for District 3-Mary Jo Bross, District 6-Randy Leopard and District 9-Steve Sexton; and trainer/driver directors Roy Burns, Jim Arledge Jr. and Kent Sherman. President Kevin Greenfield and Vice President Steve Bateson were both re-elected and continue on for 2016.

Members enjoyed the pre-banquet cocktail hour socializing with each other, legislators and other industry members while enjoying a highlight reel of statewide Grand Circuit and championship stakes races from the past year. Dinner began at 6 p.m. when President Kevin Greenfield and OHHA Executive Director Renée Mancino welcomed guests, while updating on the news and accomplishments of the OHHA over the past year.

Several audience guests were introduced from various groups including the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Fair Managers Association, Hambletonian Society, United States Trotting Association, Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, as well as State Representatives Jim Buchy, Robert Hackett and Margaret Ann Ruhl and Ohio State Racing Commission Chairman Robert K. Schmitz and Executive Director William Crawford.

Awards were given out throughout the evening, including the 2015 Ohio Horse of the Year, which was presented to 3-year-old trotting filly Like Old Times, owned and bred by Keith Ross, trained by longtime Ohioian Don McKrigan and driven primarily by Ronnie Wrenn Jr.

A complete list of the winners can be found on the OHHA website at www.ohha.com.

Congratulations to all of the winners.

OHHA would also like to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers who made the evening a success.