SHHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Henry Westbrook Jr:
President
Prior to becoming involved with harness racing, I was a dairy farmer. In 1979, I became involved in racing with George Walters and have remained in the business ever since. Currently, my son and I manage Westbrook Stables. Being one of the original Directors of the SHHA, I have been an officer, horsemen’s representative and served on numerous committees.
Term expires December 31, 2026.
Joe Battaglia
Secretary
Born and raised in Albany and living in Saratoga County for 23 years. I’ve been a lifelong fan of harness racing and an owner since 2006 racing at Saratoga. I have worked in the field of public accounting for 30 years currently as the owner of Battaglia & Associates, CPA’s PLLC. My various professional and personal experiences as well as my commitment to the racing industry and after-care programs will be beneficial to the SHHA Board when addressing the variety of subjects that will come up for consideration. Term expires December 31, 2025.
Board of Directors
Jeff Cantine
Jeff has been involved in the harness racing industry for many years, grooming and owning horse. Term expires December 31, 2024
Brian Cross:
Brian was raised in Bennington VT. He grew up around his father and grandfather racing harness horses as a hobby. He began driving horses at the age of 14. He moved to Saratoga to train in 1985. Brian has driven and trained many fine horses over the years, and feels it is privilege that he has been involved in the industry. He is well respected and liked by many. His voice and level head on the Board of Directors would benefit all SHHA members. Term expires December 31, 2026
Jordan Derue
. Term expires December 31, 2025
Michael "Mickey" McGivern:
My father bought his first race horse in 1964 at Saratoga Raceway, when I was eight years old. He trained horses as a hobby for several years introducing me to the sport at a young age. I graduated from college in 1977 with a degree in Medical Technology and began my pursuit of a career as a trainer-driver immediately. I love what I do and am thankful to be able to enjoy racing horses for my livelihood. I have been on the SHHA Board of Directors since January 2008. My goal as board member is to make our Association an active participant in promoting the sport of harness racing in an effort to revitalize the sport, especially in the Saratoga area. Term expires December 31, 2026
John Hoagland Jr:
Scott Mongeon
Originally from Syracuse, my family moved to Saratoga and while in high school I worked with my father John Sr. jogging horses and grooming for Wayne Harrington and Paul Onyon. In 1980, I became a licensed trainer and driver and in 1983 began my own stable. I have been a member the SHHA Board of Directors since 2001. Term expires December 31, 2024
I was born and partially raised in New Jersey, live in Whitehall, and have been coming to the races since I was young, when my family would vacation in Lake George. I have worked for a couple of fortune 100 companies, then started my own Property & Casualty Insurance agency in 2002 that has expanded to 3 offices. I teach part time at Castleton University since 1991 and was the lead negotiator for the Part Time Professors Union in VT for the past 2 contracts. I got involved with the board at the urging of many people at the track. I feel my business experience and negotiating skills will be helpful tools in tackling problems that arise. I will work to make sure the board is as transparent as possible, keeping all the members informed of all activity. I currently am on the Pension Committee, the Disaster Relief Committee, the Promotions Committee and with the closing of the backstretch dormitory, I served on the Dorm committee to assist grooms with future housing by obtaining county contacts as a resource in securing housing. Term expires December 31, 2026.
Kyle Spagnola
He is a member of the next generation of individuals who have pursued a training career in harness racing.
Term expires December 31, 2024
Mark Whitcroft
I am originally from Simcoe, Ontario and along side my father George, I became involved in harness racing. I have been in the business for thirty-two years and currently my wife Cheryl and I manage our stable. I became an SHHA director in 2000. Term expires December 31, 2026
Lisa Zabielski
Lisa was born and raised in Saratoga, where she is currently a trainer and owner. She was born into the harness racing business, as her father has been a trainer since the early 1980s. She looks forward to promoting harness racing and bringing a new generation of fans as she serves on the board. Term expires December 31, 2026