Thank You
We appreciate
Our Sponsors
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Bally's Dover/Dover Downs, Dover, DE
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Beverly & Thomas Ireland, Harrington, DE
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Brenda Teague, Houston, DE
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Cornerstone Stock Farm, LLC, Jeff Fought, Astor, FL
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Cricket Hills Equine PLLC, Dr. L. Chrichett, Lino Lakes, MN
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Clyde Francis, Houston, DE
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Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, Dover, DE
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Fred J. O'Neal, Jr. Inc. (Sawdust/Shavings), Frankford, DE
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George Teague, Jr., Harrington, DE
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Gut Wizard, LLC, Rich Ashley, Felton, DE
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Harrington Raceway & Casino, Harrington, DE
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Hay Where's That, Inc., George & Tina Dennis, Wyoming, DE
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HHA of New England, Plainville, MA
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James & Jo Ann King, Harrington, DE
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Meadows SOA, Meadow Lands, PA
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Miller's Feed & Hay, Hartly, DE
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Montrell Teague, Harrington, DE
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Pennsylvania HHA, Chester, PA
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Providence West-Bart Cavanagh/Kim Vincent, Media, PA
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Rebecca B. Kidner, Dover, DE
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Rush Street Interactive LP, Chicago, IL
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Smith Brothers, USA, Bill Wittman, Glastonbury, CT
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Sugar Run Farm/Andy Markano, Frankford, DE
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T.G. Adams & Sons, Inc. Chris Adams, Bridgeville, DE
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Victor Kirby, Milford, DE
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Wiz Kids Stable, LLC, Frank Deliberti, DE
Annual Meeting
Attendees at the 2024 HHI annual meetings
The annual meeting of Harness Horsemen International was Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
The 2026 HHI annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23-27, 2026.
Pool side at the Embassy Suites, Deerfield Beach
March 10, 2025
Deerfield Beach, FL — Harness Horsemen International’s four-day conference kicked off on Monday (Feb. 24) with a cocktail reception.
On Tuesday, HHI First Vice President, Kim Hankins, welcomed attendees from across the country to the conference. Guest speaker, USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner, spoke on multiple topics, including the latest HISA news. Attendees then viewed a pre-recorded message from the American Horse Council, highlighting key upcoming changes nationwide in funding criteria for horses. The day concluded with Dr. Nicole Tate from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Tate and her colleagues’ research on equine genetics could one day aid breeders in predicting desirable traits in racehorses.
Wednesday’s sessions featured Adam Glass, Senior Director of B2B Services, and Adam Marchuck, Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs at Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers, discussing the evolving landscape of sports wagering and how harness racing could attract a younger demographic of bettors. Later, Jessica Johnson and Vikki Pfeilsticker unveiled the new HHI logo and provided a preview of the organization’s refreshed website.
The day wrapped up with the awards luncheon, where HHI honored Ellen Taylor as Person of the Year, Jessica Hallet with the HHI Appreciation Award, and Kim Rinker with the Clyde Hirt Media Award.
Throughout the conference, attendees heard updates from member associations on the status of harness racing in their respective states. Bill Whitman with Smith Brothers Insurance Agency provided an update on HHI’s insurance policy. In addition, HHI committees outlined their plans to secure more funding, announced the opening of scholarship applications for the year, and shared their ongoing efforts with the Buck-A-Horse program. This program, implemented by HHI and carried out by member associations nationwide, aims to secure a safer future for retired horses by financially supporting the Standardbred Transition Alliance.
The conference concluded on Thursday (Feb. 28) at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Fla., with the re-election of its board of directors. Ron Battoni remains President, alongside Kim Hankins as First Vice President, Tony Somone as Second Vice President, Sal DiMario as Secretary, and Andy Markano as Treasurer. Cathy Dessert, Aaron Hall, Mike Harant, and Paul London were re-elected as members-at-large, while Mike Izzo and Tom Luchento continue their roles as Emeritus members.
Mark your calendars to attend the 2026 HHI annual meeting, scheduled for Feb. 23-27, 2026.