Shawn Wiles |
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Shawn Wiles |
BiographyShawn Wiles, chairperson of USTA District 8, has servned on the USTA board for more than 15 years. Wiles’ career in harness racing started in the backstretch of Monticello Raceway in 1972 while he was in high school. During summers and weekends he worked as a groom for Richard Sturgis, Robert Camper and Jim Grundy. He attended college at the Ohio State University ATI program, after which he then went in search of a Grand Circuit stable to work for. He found success with the famed trotting specialists of Continental Farms under the guidance of Hakan Wallner, Hall of Famer Berndt Lindstedt and Jan Johnson, where he worked as a groom and then was promoted to second trainer—the first American to be promoted as second trainer for Continental Farms. Wiles worked for Continental Farms from 1980 to 1986. He then worked for Castleton Farms for John Cashman and George Sholty from 1986 to 1988. He started working for Monticello Raceway in 1994 and has served in many capacities during his 25-year tenure, first starting out in publicity with John Manzi. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to assistant general manager of Monticello Casino and Raceway and then shortly to general manager. Currently, he is the executive director of racing and facilities of Monticello Raceway. Wiles is actively involved in many industry and community oriented endeavors. He is a past president and VP of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA); former president, vice president and trustee of Fallsburg Central School District Board of Education, where he served for 18 years; and is currently vice president of the Monticello-Goshen Harness Association. He is a former recipient of the Good Guy Award from the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of USHWA for his tough stance on racing integrity. His hobbies include hunting and fishing. CONTACT INFORMATION: Monticello Raceway, 204 State Route 17B Monticello, NY 12701 Phone: 845-794-4100 ext.458 [Email] TERM EXPIRES: 2026 (Track Director) |
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