PTHA Directors Reject Corruption Allegations

Seven directors of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) have denied allegations of corruption and mismanagement filed against them by PTHA President Bob Hutt and board member John Julia. The claims, brought forward in September, accuse the directors of cronyism, obstruction of investigations, and misappropriation of over a million dollars in ghost consulting payments and questionable contracts.

In their legal response, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on October 21, the seven directors called for the dismissal of the petition, labelling it as both legally and factually flawed. They argued that the allegations presented by Hutt and Julia are vague and lack any substantial evidence.

The petition seeks to remove the seven directors, including Jeffrey Matty, Jr. (PTHA’s executive director), Vice President Kathleen DeMasi, and others, for allegedly failing to fulfil their duties on behalf of the 2,500 owners, breeders, and trainers represented by the PTHA. Hutt and Julia claim the directors have formed a voting bloc that obstructs necessary reforms and conceals past misconduct.

In their defence, the directors contended that the petition does not provide evidence of ongoing misconduct and is filled with falsehoods that can be disproven. While the allegations have not led to criminal charges, the potential financial implications of the purported misdeeds, which exceed seven figures, could eventually draw the attention of law enforcement as the civil case moves forward.