Virginia Harness Horseman Association
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
September 7, 2021
The meeting was called to order by president, Scott Woogen at 6:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Those present by phone were: Scott Woogen, Betsy Brown, Anne McDonald, Wilma Foley, Tyler Shehan, Jan Nofsinger, Charles Robbins, Stacey McLenghan, Randy Jackson, Debbie Warnick, Greg Trotto, Billy Carter and Leon Harris. A quorum was declared.
OLD BUSINESS:
Item 1. Colonial Downs Track Update
Scott Woogen gave an update on the status of a potential track at Colonial Downs. Colonial Downs will not build a harness track unless they are given the exclusivity agreement they have asked for. There was discussion on the pros and cons of signing this agreement. The motion was made and seconded that we allow the exclusivity clause to remain in the contract with Colonial Downs. The motion passed unanimously. Scott will talk to the VEA and Colonial.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 1. Shenandoah Downs Meet Update
1. Debbie gave an update on the problems we are having getting the temporary stalls for the race meet. Sunset Valley that we contracted with, informed us on Friday that they are 81 stalls short of our agreement. Since then the planning group has been in touch with several stall companies and tent companies to see what we can find. There are a few possibilities, but at this time, nothing concrete has been worked out. Debbie will keep the board informed of any change in the situation.
2. We are able to access some of the funds from the HHR machines to use for purse changes at this year’s meet. There was a lot of discussion on how to use these funds. Everyone on the call spoke about their thoughts on how to use the money. It was moved by Scott and seconded by Betsy that a total amount of $800,000 be requested to be spent. The motion stipulated that the money be used as follows. The motion passed unanimously.
$50,000 will be put into the VHHA operating account
Elimination races for the Breeders’ Fund will be doubled to $8,000 per race
Final races for the Breeders’ Fund will be doubled to $80,000 per race
Aged races for the Breeders’ Fund will be doubled to $20,000 per race
Overnight purses will be increased by 50%
Horses that are 100% owned by a Virginia resident will receive a 50% bonus on overnight races purses
Virginia trainers and drivers will receive a 50% on overnight races
Horses that are Virginia sired or Virginia foaled will receive a 50% bonus on overnight races purses
Item 2. Breeders’ Fund program
1. It was agreed that the Breeding Committee needs to meet and revise the Breeders’ Fund program to allow it to grow. Debbie will work with the committee to schedule this meeting.
As there was no further business to be discussed, Scott Woogen adjourned the meeting at
7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Warnick
Executive Director