All eyes are on The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono this weekend for the Sun Stakes Saturday eliminations of the Beal, Hempt, Lynch and Ben Franklin, and in the new and free HarnessRacing Weekend Preview, driver Yannick Gingras talks with Gordon Waterstone about his chances with the filly Ariana G against the boys in the Beal. Gingras drove Mission Brief to a second-place finish in the double-heat Hambletonian a couple of years ago, so how does he approach the Beal with the reigning divisional champ?

Also in the Beal elims is recent Empire Breeders Classic champ Devious Man, and driver Andy Miller talks about his trotter who is riding a three-race win streak. Brian Sears tells Kathy Parker about his first-time drive... more...

Herve Filion, whose 15,179 career wins stand behind only Dave Palone and Tony Morgan, and a member of the Hall of Fame in both the United States and Canada, died Thursday morning, June 22. He was 77.

A native of Quebec, Mr. Filion in 1968 became the first driver to win more than 400 races in a year. He was Harness Tracks of America's Driver of the Year a record 10 times. He was inducted into the U.S. and Canada Hall of Fames in 1976, and at age 35 was the youngest when elected to the American Hall.

Filion concluded an incredible driving career in majestic... more...

The Meadowlands Racetrack will honor Hall of Famer John Campbell and celebrate his five-decade career with a series of events and tributes on Friday, June 30, the final night of his driving career.

The 62 year old is harness racing's most decorated and accomplished driver with career earnings just under $300 million. He has won a record six Hambletonians, seven Meadowlands Paces, and 48 Breeders Crowns. He was elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1990 at age 35, the youngest person ever to receive that honor.

The celebration of Campbell's five decades in the sport will include a video tribute played throughout the evening and a... more...

According to a report on cnyhomepage.com, New York State lawmakers adjourned for the year in Albany late Wednesday night without passing the tax relief bill that Vernon Downs owner Jeff Gural wanted. The measure cleared the State Senate, but it did not clear the Assembly.

New York has authorized two new casinos in the Vernon area and they pay a lower tax rate. Gural issued a statement earlier this month that if there was no tax relief bill passed, he would close the entire Vernon operation--racetrack, racino and hotel--later this year, after giving employees the required notice. more...

Jennifer Bongiorno, well known for paddock interviews and other appearances on the Meadowlands racing broadcast, started her first horse as a trainer on Tuesday (June 20) at Yonkers and walked away with a win.

Bongiorno, 27, who left the Meadowlands team this spring, sent out Gratian Hanover, a 5-year-old son of Western Ideal who she owns. Bongiorno's brother, Joe, drove Gratian Hanover for an upset win in a conditioned race. It was the second win in 10 starts this year for Gratian Hanover, who paid $21.20 to win. more...

A field of seven pacing fillies including the darling of the morning trials Rainbow Room, comprise the first 2-year-old race of the 2017 season as race three on Friday at the Meadowlands.

Rainbow Room has impressed onlookers and delighted her connections with a pair of effortless wins in Meadowlands baby races. Her first appearance was on June 3 where she toured the oval in the day's fastest of 1:55 and social media lit up with superlatives. She returned Saturday past with a similar effort, closing out the 1:55.2 win with a :26.4 final quarter under no encouragement from driver David Miller.

By Somebeachsomewhere from Rainbow Blue, both... more...

After more than 30 years of tireless work in the Ontario harness racing industry, Dr. Ted Clarke is retiring from his post as the General Manager of Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ont.

Clarke will continue in his role until the end of September 2017. The Grand River Agricultural Society (owner/operator of Grand River Raceway) will hire a new Director Of Operations and the search will begin within the next month.

Recognized by his peers as an innovator in the horse racing industry and highly regarded for his thoughtful insights, Clarke's strong and steady leadership... more...