USTA director John Brennan, 69, dies

Columbus, OH — John Brennan, 69, a USTA director for 23 years and chairman of District 12, died March 10, 2020.

John Brennan died March 10, 2020. USTA/Mark Hall photo.

According to Dave Briggs on the Harness Racing Update Facebook page, “Joe Faraldo, president of the Standardbred Owners Association (SOA) of New York, has confirmed to HRU that Yonkers SOA field rep John Brennan has died at age 69 due to coronavirus, which exacerbated existing health problems. Brennan, who lived in New Jersey, is reported to be that state’s first coronavirus victim.”

A native of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., Mr. Brennan finished school in 1968 and worked as a steamfitter for four years before he began his career in harness racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

He trained horses for more than 40 years, racing stables in New York and New Jersey. He won the 1995 Merrie Annabelle with Missy Will Do It and was part-owner and trainer of Sugar Trader, winner of the 2003 Yonkers Trot and runner-up in the 2003 Hambletonian.

Mr. Brennan was on the board of the SOA of New York for more than 30 years and an HHI delegate for more than 20 years.

At the time of his death, he was the horsemen’s representative at Yonkers Raceway.

A full obituary will be posted when available.

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