DTHA Names Gruwell Executive Director

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The Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association board of directors announced the appointment of Bessie S. Gruwell as the association's executive director, effective Jan. 1.

Gruwell, a Delaware Thoroughbred trainer and resident, will replace previous executive director Robin Metz.

Prior to her appointment, Gruwell was president of the DTHA board of directors for the six years.

Scott Peck will succeed Gruwell as board president. DTHA board member Barbara Brown will succeed Peck as first vice president. Donald Schmidt and Madeline Locke will remain secretary and treasurer, respectively.

During Gruwell's tenure as DTHA president, the association initiated the Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program, which benefits state agriculture and provides purse bonuses to horsemen at Delaware Park. The DTHA also adopted a retirement plan for backstretch employees, established a proactive government relations program, and advocated for backstretch improvements at the Stanton track.

The DTHA represents more than 3,000 horsemen at Delaware Park racetrack.