The United States Trotting Association has announced that longtime Standardbred racing secretary Phil Wentworth has passed away.
Wentworth’s harness racing career spanned more than 50 years and began in 1956 when he started grooming, training and driving horses. He attended the USTA Officials School in 1967 and his first track job was at Pocono Downs in the capacity of identifier. Twenty-two racetracks later (as assistant racing secretary, racing secretary and associate judge), he finally officially retired in 2009 after many years as associate judge at Ocean Downs and Colonial Downs.
Wentworth worked as assistant to Joe DeFrank at the Meadowlands Racetrack, assistant to Gaston Valiquette at Buffalo Raceway, and as racing secretary at Batavia Downs, Pocono Downs and the Red Mile. He was also involved with pedigree reading at horse sales over the years.
He loved quail hunting with Jim Ewart, golfing (at least two holes-in-one) and sang in a barbershop quartet. Even after his retirement, he filled in for good friend Mike Davis as associate judge at several tracks.
Visitation will be at the Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, Pa. on Sunday (Sept. 8).
More details will be posted when available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Phil Wentworth.
(USTA)