Legislators Treated to Morning Hours at Parx

Earlier this month, PA legislators, their associates and families were invited to spend a morning touring the Parx backstretch. PTHA Executive Director Mike Ballezzi spoke about how important racing is to the economy in the Commonwealth, and the sight of exercise riders, grooms, and hotwalkers performing their early morning tasks drove the point home.

Thanks to the hospitality of PTHA board members Butch Reid and John Servis, the visitors experienced the inner workings of two of Parx’ largest stables of horses and were treated to an appearance of last year’s Parx Horse of the Year Hello Lover, who posed handsomely for as many photos as could be snapped!

Senator Stewart Greenleaf and his family, including his two grandchildren, fed horses mints and watched a very talented son of Smarty Jones from John Servis’ barn work under leading jockey Kendrick Carmouche.

Legislators in attendance included Senator Stewart Greenleaf, Representatives Ed Neilson (above), Gene DiGirolamo, Tina Davis, Kate Harper, Matt Bradford, and Steven Santarsiero. Also in attendance were Gary Babin and Joe Loeper, lobbyists from S. R. Wojdak and Pete Peterson, spokesperson for the PA Equine Coalition. (See photos and other stories in the ).