Harness Racing Hall of Famer Anthony T. Abbatiello was honoured Saturday by the Monmouth Park Charity Fund at its 14th annual Kentucky Derby Day Celebration at the racetrack in Oceanport, NJ.
Abbatiello was among four honourees and the only horseperson recognized by the charity, which has raised and distributed funds for more than 70 years to non-profit agencies in Monmouth County that provide services related to health, persons at risk in the community and persons in need of special services. More than 400 people attended the event.
The legendary horseman, who was inducted in 1995 into the Living Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY, was a long-time trainer-driver during his harness racing career and co-founded and served more than 30 years as president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey.
Since 2005, Abbatiello has served as a member of the New Jersey Racing Commission, which regulates all horse racing in the state.
Throughout his life in harness racing, Abbatiello has also been acknowledged as a statesman in the sport, serving as a leader in many groups.
Among his many positions, he was chairman of the board of the United States Trotting Association, chairman of the American Horse Council, chairman of the New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees, and a trustee of the Trotting Horse Museum.