It has been announced that the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association will be honouring Robert K. Schmitz with its Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award this coming weekend.

Schmitz will be presented the award at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and United States Trotting Association’s District 1 Annual Awards Banquet, which will be taking place on Saturday (Jan. 18) at the Marriott Columbus University Area Hotel, 3100 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43220.

Schmitz has an extensive knowledge of harness racing and has been an owner and breeder of Standardbreds since 1983. He was appointed to the Ohio State Racing Commission in 2011 by Governor John Kasich and served two terms as chairman of the commission. His term expired in March of 2019. Schmitz lobbied for the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association from 2001 until 2011. He was appointed to the Standardbred Development Fund in 2001 and served until his appointment to the commission in 2011.

Schmitz operates Robert K. Schmitz Associates, located in downtown Columbus, and his knowledge and expertise as a government affairs specialist is extensive. He has over 45 years of experience working with the Ohio General Assembly. Schmitz is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Political Science. Schmitz and his wife, Jenny, live in Bexley, Ohio.

The Maynard and Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award is awarded to an individual that has made a significant life-long contribution to Ohio harness racing. The individual must possess a passion and advocacy for Ohio harness racing. The award is based on the importance of educating and involving local and state legislators to the importance of the harness racing industry.

(With files from the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)