Monday, August 07, 2017 – from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Harnessracing.com is reporting that trainer Ron Burke will appeal to the New Jersey Racing Commission the decision to disqualify What The Hill from first in last Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian final at the Meadowlands.

Burke added that What The Hill underwent throat surgery early on Monday morning and the colt is now “50-50” to race in the Zweig Memorial on Aug. 18 at Vernon Downs.

Frank Zanzuccki, executive director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, reached by phone on Monday afternoon (Aug. 6), said that he has no knowledge of an appeal of the race. However, Zanzuccki noted that the route for an appeal of this nature would be directly to the New Jersey Superior Court, appellate division. Parties involved have 45 days from Aug. 5 to file an appeal, he said.