Photo:

Robert Hutt / YouTube

Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association president Robert Hutt is seeking to oust the PTHA’s executive director and six other board members because of what he called “brazen and unlawful conduct.”

According to Paulick Report, Hutt and PTHA board member John Julia filed a petition Friday in a state court. They seek the removal of executive director Jeffrey Matty Jr. and board members Kathleen DeMasi, Charles Asensio, Jack Armstrong, Scott Lake, Robert Reid Jr. and John Servis, whom it referred to as legacy directors.

The petition included allegations against former PTHA president Sal DeBunda, according to the report. He was seeking his fifth term as president when he was defeated by Hutt in 2022.

Among other allegations, the petition claimed that Dun Roamin Farms, which it said is operated by DeBunda, received more than $380,000 in “ghost consulting” fees “with the knowledge and acquiescence of legacy directors,” according to the report. The petition claimed that no apparent services were provided by Dun Roamin Farms.

The petition also claimed that the PTHA paid former state Sen. Vincent Fumo more than $215,000 for consulting services that were not provided, according to the report. Fumo was convicted in 2009 on federal charges of conspiracy, fraud, obstruction of justice and tax violations, according to the report, and served four years in federal prison.

Hutt explained his decision in this YouTube video.

The petition also accused Matty of “misconduct” for allegedly “refusing to provide Hutt with access to PTHA financial records, personnel records, bank statements, and cancelled checks,” according to the report.

Paulick Report was unable to reach Matty for comment. A call made by Horse Racing Nation to his office Tuesday morning also had not been returned before this post.