Longtime Pennsylvania horseman and executive Ron Battoni will represent Harness Horsemen International (HHI) on the United States Trotting Association’s Uniform Medication Subcommittee, it has been announced.

The alliance’s goal is to develop comprehensive proposals on the use of therapeutic medications and recommended penalties for violations in harness racing. The USTA is resolute in its belief that there should be separate, uniform rules for separate racing breeds, and in May 2018 launched the Harness Racing Medication Collaborative, a group of academic and practicing veterinarians whose purpose is to assist in identifying and developing the scientific background for medication regulation in Standardbred racing.

Battoni is best known for his more than 25 years as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association (PHHA), but previously drove and trained Standardbred racehorses prior to becoming a racing official. He was integral to the construction of the state’s Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which allowed the introduction of slot machines to Pennsylvania racetracks. In his new role on the subcommittee, he will serve on behalf of HHI, which is comprised of 15 horsemen’s associations throughout the United States and Canada.

“Ron brings a world of practical experience to the subcommittee,” said Russell Williams, president of the USTA, “and his experience both legislatively and as a horseman will be invaluable to our mission. I’ve known Ron for many years and have worked with him on several projects. He is a great choice for this position and I’m grateful for HHI’s support.”

The other subcommittee members are Joe Faraldo (Chair), Mike Tanner (Staff Chair), Bob Boni, Sam Beegle, John Brennan, Mark Davis, Joe Frasure, Mark Loewe, Steve O’Toole, Dr. Andy Roberts, and Russell Williams.

(USTA)