Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund names new administrator

The Delaware Department of Agriculture recently announced Mark Short has been named the new Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund administrator. He will take on his new duties Nov. 1.

“Mark has been shadowing me for over 20 years,” said DESBF Administrator Judy Davis-Wilson. “He is the perfect person to serve as my replacement. He is knowledgeable about the industry and looks forward to helping everyone advance their Delaware breeding options.”

Short began working in the racing offices and Photo Finish at Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway in September 1996. He moved up to the assistant race secretary position before becoming race secretary for Harrington Raceway in 2019 and Bally’s Dover for the 2023-24 season. Short was the first person to cover both tracks in this role since 1996.

“I look forward to continuing the success that Judy Davis-Wilson has created since the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund was founded in 2001,” said Short.

Mark Short grew up in harness racing, beginning with feeding, watering and mucking out stalls before moving on to jogging horses. Beginning in 1980, his family ran Short’s Produce and Stable, with five to six horses in their string at a time, which they raced in Delaware and Maryland.

Along with his role at the track, Short has served as the Delaware Department of Agriculture rabies coordinator.