Governor Rendell Names New Pennsylvania Horse Racing Officials

Sweeney, Hannum Appointed to Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell saidPennsylvania's equine racing industry will benefit from the experience of the two newest members of the Horse Racing Commission, who he announced today: Chairwoman Dr. Corrine Sweeney and Commissioner John "Jeb" Hannum.

"Pennsylvania has made great strides in advancing our world-class racing industry, ensuring that the state remains a great place to raise, race and enjoy horses," said Governor Rendell. "These new officials bring with them a wealth of racing knowledge and will help propelPennsylvania racing into a prosperous future."

Sweeney and Hannum will join sitting Commissioner Rick Abbott. In June, Harness Racing Commission Chairman Roy Wilt was nominated for another term.

Sweeney is a professor of medicine and an associate dean for the New Bolton Center, one of the top animal hospitals in the nation, and is chief operating officer and executive for the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. Prior to her appointment as associate dean, Sweeney served for 28 years as an equine internal medicine specialist.

She has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and is a popular speaker on various equine medical problems. Sweeney lives inChester County.

John B. "Jeb" Hannum III, also ofChester County, joins the Horse Racing Commission with a wealth of first-hand racing knowledge. Hannum has worked as an assistant for two hall of fame trainers and, most recently, spent a number of years living in theUnited Kingdom where he owned horses and competed as an amateur steeplechase jockey.

His international experience will be an important asset for the commission as the state's thoroughbred industry continues to attract foreign participants.

Wilt was re-nominated to the Harness Racing Commission, where he has served as chairman since 1998. Wilt is a former state representative and senator and served a commissioner of the State Ethics Commission.

"Roy Wilt has admirably served the Harness Racing Commission for a decade and we look forward to his continued leadership. His service to the commission has benefited not only the sport, but the entire commonwealth," said Governor Rendell.

"I welcome Chairwoman Sweeney and Commissioner Hannum and am pleased to re-appoint Commissioner Wilt," said Governor Rendell. "All three of these individuals are well known for their leadership and for their commitment to the equine industry. I know that they will help further the momentum we've seen inPennsylvania racing over the past few years."

"I also thank Commissioner Abbott, who has shown tremendous leadership for the industry as the sole commissioner for the Horse Racing Commission these past few months. His dedication has helped heighten thoroughbred racing inPennsylvania."

Governor Rendell said that the Sire Stakes and Breeders funds for both commissions are providing unprecedented support for the future of the state's equine industry, and the addition of gaming to racetracks is bringing more racing fans to the state.

Since the passage of Act 71 in 2004, which added slot machine gaming to racetracks, the purses for horsemen inPennsylvania nearly doubled in 2007, and the breeders' development funds for thoroughbred and standardbred horses in 2008 are anticipated to hit $11 million each.

Pennsylvania is home to three standardbred racetracks -- the Meadows inWashington County, Pocono Downs inLuzerne County and Harrah's Chester Downs inDelaware County -- and three thoroughbred tracks -- Philadelphia Park, Penn National inDauphin County, and Presque Isle Downs inErie.

A fourth harness track was recently licensed inLawrence County.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

Chris L. Ryder

717-787-5085 (AG)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: ,SPT,CNO,POL,STP,PER,Horse-Racing-Rendell