Lon Frocione, a Solvay businessman, was a renowned horseman in the harness racing circuit. Frocione got into harness racing in 1959. He started as a salesman for Durr Parking Company in Utica where he met many Vernon Downs racing fans. It was during that time that Frocione began to buy, train and drive standard breeds.

 

Frocione’s career in harness racing led him to be a prominent owner, driver and an official for many years. He served as chairman of the Board of Directors of District 8 of the United States Trotting Association and he was president of the Harness Horsemen's Association of Central New York for more than 25 years. Frocione also helped push through a state helmet safety law at Vernon Downs.

 

In 1988, Frocione was named Harness Horsemen International's Horseman of the Year.

 

Frocione, who in 2006 resigned from the U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors after having first been elected to that body in 1987, has long been associated with the growth of the amateur driving movement in America. In 2006, he represented the United States in the biennial World Cup of Amateur Driving, which was contested in Italy. As an owner, he supervised such stars as Sportsmaster, who won the 1991 Woodrow Wilson Final, Nialon Todd and Palmer Hanover.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
 

1972: President of the Harness Horse Association of CNY

 

1986: Began as Regional Director of the U.S. Trotting Association

 

1988: Named Harness Horsemen International’s Horseman of the Year

 

1990’s: Served as Chairman of the U.S. Trotting Association District 8

 

1997: Led the United States Horseman Team to victory over teams of Italy and German in a series of European races for amateur harness racing drivers

 

Founder of the Women's International Trot, showcasing the finest female drivers from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Ireland