by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications
Freehold, NJ — Amateur driver John Regina will discuss his path from the U.S. Trotting Association’s Driving School to the winner’s circle during Saturday morning’s “Down the Stretch” on Sirius satellite radio channel 122. The show airs at 10:00 a.m. and features segments on harness racing in addition to thoroughbred racing.
Regina, 56, attended the USTA’s Driving School in 2002. Since then, the 56-year-old human resources administrator from Bedminster, N.J., has won 10 times on the amateur circuits. His most recent triumph came in November.
“It was more than two days away, it was almost a life-changing experience,” Regina said. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s opened a lot of doors and met a lot of wonderful people. It’s been great. I’ve been very lucky.”
This year’s school will be held May 14-17 and is open to anyone 16 years or older. Each participant gets the chance to jog a horse on the famed half-mile oval at the fairgrounds, which is home to the Little Brown Jug, one of harness racing’s Pacing Triple Crown events. Topics covered in the general sessions include care and conditioning, stable management, driving and racing strategy, amateur driving, veterinary care, and shoeing. The cost is $300 and includes most meals, but not lodging.
Speakers will include Dr. Ian Moore, the trainer and co-owner of Little Brown Jug winner Shadow Play, plus trainers Virgil Morgan Jr., Jim Arledge Jr. and Dan Ater along with drivers Aaron Merriman and Ryan Stahl.
For more information about the school, call the USTA at 877-800-8782, ext. 3281, e-mail Jennifer.daniels@ustrotting.com or visit the USTA’s Driving School Web site.