Geist named Extra Effort Award winner

Grove City, Ohio – The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has awarded Robert Geist the Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award for 2024.

Geist has been involved with harness racing for over 50 years. He was instrumental in starting The Signature Series in 2000 and served as the organization’s President. He was a long-time board member of the Mercer County Agricultural Society and remains on the speed committee today.

Geist served on the OHHA Board of Directors for several years and has been a member of the Mercer County Harness Horsemen’s Association (MCHHA) since its inception in 1971. MCHHA is also a multi-time recipient of the Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award.

Geist resides in Celina with his wife, Kris. In 2024, they successfully campaigned the two-year-old pacing gelding Jbmagic in the Buckeye Stallion Series and Ohio County Fair Stakes.

The award 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.

The Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award is awarded to an individual, local horsemen’s associations, and matinee clubs who have committed 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.

Geist will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on January 18, 2025, at the Marriott Columbus Airport in Columbus, Ohio. Seats are sold out.

by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA