Harness Horsemen International
2026 Annual Meeting Agenda
February 23–27, 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel | Deerfield Beach, Florida
Opening Day — Monday, February 23
1:00 p.m. — Registration Opens
4:30 p.m. — Executive Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
General Session — Tuesday, February 24
Complimentary Breakfast (prior to session)
9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes
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Welcome and remarks from HHI President Ron Battoni
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Featured presentations:
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Dr. Annette McCoy
Osteochondrosis (OCD) in the Standardbred Horse: Impacts and Insights -
Mike Tanner, Executive Vice President & CEO, U.S. Trotting Association
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Panel Discussion: Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW)
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Hosted by Chuck Grubbs, President, Kentucky Horsemen’s Association, and John Hensley, Executive Director, Delaware Standardbred Owners Association
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HHI business reports, minutes, and association updates
5:00 p.m. — Complimentary Evening Reception
General Session & Awards — Wednesday, February 25
9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes
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Featured presentation:
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Emily Stearns, American Horse Council
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HHI committee and association business
1:00 p.m. — Annual Awards Luncheon
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Tom Luchento — Person of the Year Award (2025)
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Rich Gillock — Appreciation Award
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Mikaela Del Giudice — Clyde Hirt Media Award
Representatives from HHI’s new insurance provider, Canopius, will be on site throughout the meeting and available to answer questions.
Elections & Organizational Business — Thursday, February 26
9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes
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Elections and nominations
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Voting for Directors At‑Large
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Unfinished business
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Additional association reports
We appreciate
Our 2025 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