Thomas Pontone, whose TLP Stables has owned more than 250 horses, including past Hambletonian winners Muscle Hill and Market Share, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Pontone, who resides in Holmdel, NJ, is president of the Funeral Homes Products division of Matthews International. He has owned Standardbred racehorses since 1996 when he and his father, Lou, created the TLP Stables.

“Tom Pontone will fill the vacancy in the owners’ committee created by the passing of Eddie Razzetti,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento. “Tom has many years of experience as an owner, racing some of the leading horses of the last two decades.”

Pontone, 53, plans to call on his “deep-rooted passion for harness racing in the great State of New Jersey” in his role on the SBOANJ Board of Directors.

“I absolutely love harness racing and am very devoted to it,” he said. “My wish is that the sport can continue to grow and prosper here, and there is no doubt in my mind that it can.”

In addition to his ownership interest in 2009 Horse of the Year Muscle Hill, the St. Johns University graduate was also was a partner in 1998 Pacer of the Year Red Bow Tie, 2013 Trotting Horse of the Year Market Share and 2003 Pacing Horse of the Year Art Major among many others. His current stable is now 65 horses.

(SBOANJ)