Joe and Fran Darmofal to receive OHHA award

Grove City, Ohio – The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has awarded Joe and Fran Darmofal the Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award for 2025.

Over the past few years, the Darmofals, of Sylvania, Ohio, have donated to various fairs throughout the state in the form of trophies, grandstand entertainment, funding for the Ladies Pace events, and other worthy causes. OHHA board member Rusty Vorhees also noted that the Darmofals bought a trotting filly for a young man to train because he showed a strong work ethic, and they liked the way he handled her on the track.

“The Dick Brandt Award is a perfect way to repay their generosity and to give thanks for helping county fairs succeed in Ohio,” Vorhees said.

The Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award is awarded to an individual, local horsemen’s associations, and matinee clubs who have demonstrated a commitment to county fair racing. The award is based on involvement with their local fair board, local matinees, community involvement, improvements to racing and barn areas, and assistance with racing programs during the fair week. It is named for Dick Brandt Sr., who served as president of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association in 1984 and 1985. He was a past chairman of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Health and Retirement Fund and Treasurer of P.A.C.E.R. (Political Action Committee for Equine Racing).  He also served as a member of the United States Trotting Association’s Board of Directors and Treasurer.

Joe and Fran Darmofal will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 10 at the Renaissance Columbus-Westerville in Westerville, Ohio.

From Wes Mayberry for the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association