At a recent telemeeting, the executive committee of the Hambletonian Society reluctantly accepted the resignation of longtime member and Harness Racing Hall of Famer Charles E. Keller III.

Keller was named to the board of directors in 2000, and to the executive committee soon after. As chairman of the executive committee he was the driving force in establishing a three-year host track rotation for the $6 million Breeders Crown Championship series, which included first-time host venue Hoosier Park in 2017, as well as the last two Hambletonian contract extensions with the Meadowlands Racetrack.

“Charlie has served the society and our industry with class and distinction and his body of work is to be commended,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society.

“He has been a valuable contributor to the society board for 20 years and he will join Dr. J. Glen Brown, P.J. Baugh and Mrs. Alice Johnston as director emeriti,” continued Campbell.

Keller continued the legacy of the Maryland-based Yankeeland Farms, started by his father, New York Yankees star outfielder Charlie Keller, and built it into one of harness racing’s premier nurseries. He has been a key figure in many of the industry’s top organizations, including the U.S. Trotting Association, as a director of and an active member of its important Financial Committee. He is also a longtime trustee of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and former chairman of its Audit Committee and Planned Giving Committee.

Keller (left) and sons celebrating Windylane Hanover's 2002 Hambletonian Oaks victory.

(Hambletonian Society)