The Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association conducted its annual meeting this past Saturday (April 7) and welcomed newly elected director Steve Oldford to the board.

Oldford, a longtime harness racing breeder, owner, trainer and amateur driver, joins Joe Pennacchio, who was re-elected as President; Christine Garrity and Dein Spriggs, who will serve as 1st and 2nd Vice-President, respectively; George Birkhold, re-elected Treasurer; Richard Dunmire, Secretary; and board members Laurie Poulin, Jay Sears, Jake Huff, Jim McDonald, Mickey McNichol, Dave Ingraham, Peter Blood and Jerry Glantz.

The FSBOA is in the first year of a three-year contract and sponsors the lucrative Florida stakes program, highlighted by the Sunshine Stakes, Florida Breeders Stake and Melvyn Aylor Memorial, among others, culminating with their annual $400,000 Super Night.

A highlight of this year's meeting was hosting State Representative Matt Caldwell, who has worked tirelessly over the years with FSBOA President Joe Pennacchio to keep harness racing alive and thriving in Florida. Caldwell was one of the key proponents in quashing the proposed de-coupling bill this year and is now seeking the office of Commissioner of Agriculture in his ongoing quest to protect harness racing in Florida.

Oldford took Caldwell for a ride in a sulky on Saturday and said that Caldwell was "awestruck" by the power of the Standardbred and assured that he will go to any lengths to "protect the well-being" of the sport in the Sunshine State.

(FSBOA)