The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY) held its Board of Trustees and Directors meetings on Saturday, Dec. 6.
At the Board of Trustees meeting, an update on the SOANY's investments was provided by the financial investment company Neuberger Berman. The Trustees reported a strong financial position and provided an update to the Welfare Plans (medical and dental).
At the Board of Directors meeting, the Directors discussed the election results (available below) in addition to its ongoing promotional activities including the SOANY's 10 per cent Bonus Award promotion regarding Empire City Bets and the activities of New Yorkers for Harness Racing, an organization dedicated to promoting harness racing by highlighting the important economic benefits it produces for the state's agricultural sector. The Directors also discussed the 236 race dates scheduled for 2026 and opening night on Jan. 19, 2026. The Directors also increased the number of its scholarship winners from three to four and increased the scholarship awards from $18,000 USD to $23,000 USD.
The following, all incumbent Directors, were re-elected for 2026 without opposition:
- Joseph A. Faraldo (Owner category)
- Chris Wittstruck (Owner category)
- Scott Didomenico (Driver/Trainer category)
- Andrew Harris (Driver/Trainer category)
- Ray Schnittker (Driver/Trainer category)
The following, all incumbent Officers, were re-elected for 2026 without opposition:
- Joseph A. Faraldo, President
- Peter Venaglia, 1st Vice President
- Irv Atherton, 2nd Vice President and Treasurer
- Chris Wittstruck, 3rd Vice President
- Peter Younger, Secretary
The following, all incumbent Executive Committee, were re-elected for 2026 without opposition:
- Joseph A. Faraldo
- Peter Venaglia
- Irv Atherton
- Jordan Stratton
The following, all incumbent Trustees of the Retirement and Welfare Funds, were re-elected for 2026 without opposition:
- Peter Venaglia (Chairman)
- Joseph A. Faraldo
- Irv Atherton
- Chris Wittstruck
- Peter Younger
- Jordan Stratton (1st Alternate)
- Ray Schnittker (2nd Alternate)
- Tom Ceraso (3rd Alternate)
The SOANY would like to thank everyone for their support and wishes everyone a healthy and happy holiday season!
(With files from SOANY)