On Wednesday, March 25, Ron Battoni notified the board of the directors of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association (PHHA) that he plans to ‘semi-retire’ from the position of executive director on December 31, 2015.

A release from the PHHA states that Battoni will not be leaving the organization entirely, and will continue in a reduced capacity for a period of three to five years.

Battoni joined the PHHA in 1987. Since then, he has helped lead it through a number of important positive changes in including full-card simulcasting of out-of-state racetracks in the 1990s; the passage of the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act in 2004 which brought slot machines to Pennsylvania tracks; and the opening of Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack in 2007.

“While we’re disappointed that Ron has decided to reduce his role with the PHHA, we’re grateful for the work he has done during nearly three decades as our executive director,” said Sam Beegle, president of the PHHA. “We’re also very pleased he has decided to continue with the organization for a number of years to ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to his continued contributions to our sport.”

Battoni said, “While this was a difficult decision, I feel now is the right time to begin the process of gradually stepping away from my responsibilities as executive director. I’m proud of the work I’ve done on behalf of the Standardbred industry and honoured to have served the PHHA and its members. The organization has only grown stronger over the years, and I’m confident it will continue as positive force for a long time to come.”

(With files from the PHHA)