The MHHA Board of Directors have tapped Wendy Ireland to replace Chandler Woodcock as the Executive Director of the MHHA. Ireland has been serving in the position in an interim basis after the resignation of Woodcock. After a nationwide search, the Board decided to stay the course and keep Ireland in the position.

Ireland is no stranger to serving the horsemen of Maine. Since her introduction into harness racing in 1986 when her parents and grandfather bought a racehorse named Witsend’s Sport, she has been involved extensively in the sport as a trainer, owner and breeder. She has also served on the Board of the DownEast Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association. Ireland has also been the editor of “Mane”-ly News, and the MHHA Yearbook as well as organizing the Annual MHHA Banquets for ten years.

“My strong background in the harness racing industry combined with my many experiences as a hard working advocate for the horsemen and women of this state will give me the opportunity to increase my contributions to this association. I look forward to serving as the Executive Director of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and working with everyone in the industry towards a brighter future for harness racing.” stated Ireland.

A 1989 graduate from the University of Maine, Wendy lives in West Gardiner with her husband of 10 years, Kim and daughter Emily.