News Archive

Alberta driver hurt in spill
December 14, 2006
Driver Warren Grant has reportedly suffered serious head and chest injuries as a result of a race accident at Northlands Park Wednesday night. Grant, 63, was driving a horse that fell over a fallen horse, sending him head first into the hub rail. According to reports, Grant is listed in "serious" co
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Jag's trainer fined $14,500
December 14, 2006
Swedish racing authorities have fined Christofe Gallier, the trainer of Jag de Bellouet, approximately $14,500 for Jag’s positive test in the 2006 Elitlopp. Some reports have stated the fine was in excess of $100,000. The fine was officially 100,000 Swedish kroner. Jag de Bellouet tested positive
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Chester adds new stakes
December 14, 2006
The Battle of the Brandywine, last raced at the now-defunct Brandywine Raceway in 1989, is being brought back in 2007 by Harrah’s Chester Downs, with the $200,000(est.) race for 3-year-old pacers scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 19. A $500 nomination fee will be due March 15, 2007, with a $1,000 declarati
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Miller reaches milestones
December 14, 2006
Erv Miller, the 2005 winner of the Glen Garnsey Memorial Trainer of the Year, reached two milestones recently. The Illinois native celebrated his 40th birthday on Dec. 11, and he surpassed $5.6 million in earnings for the year, already eclipsing his 2005 total. “Yes, I thought everything went pre
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Ont. trainer gets 20 years
December 14, 2006
The Ontario Racing Commission has reportedly issued a total 20-year suspension and $200,000 fine to Ontario-based horseman Brian Scott for the illegal distribution of drugs and the use, possession and acquisition of drugs. Scott, 25, received two suspensions of 10 years that will run consecutivel
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Yonkers to race Dec. 21
December 13, 2006
Yonkers Raceway has been granted permission to add a live harness program Thursday evening, Dec. 21. First post is 7:40 pm. "Since we are dark both Christmas Eve and Christmas Night, we wanted to make up one of those programs, and we'd like to thank the (New York State Racing & Wagering) Board for i
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Shake Away equals her mark
December 13, 2006
Shake Away, whose first foal, a Western Hanover colt, was sold as a yearling at Harrisburg last month, scored the first win of her comeback, conquering seven rivals in a powerful 1:51 triumph to win the $24,000 Filly and Mare Open-Handicap Pace Tuesday night at Dover Downs. In her seventh start b
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NJ starts marketing program
December 13, 2006
Nancy Webster Peck has been selected to head a newly formed New Owners and Marketing Program under the auspices of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOA). Peck will focus on developing marketing strategies, materials, seminars, and events to educate and entertain those
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A saksy shoot at Pompano
December 13, 2006
Pompano Park was transformed into a photo studio last weekend complete with models, lighting, make-up, wardrobe, and the constant clicking of cameras as the senior art director, Victoria Greiss, from Saks Fifth Avenue and photographer, Anders Overgaard, shot photographs for their March 2007 women’s
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TCS makes starting change
December 13, 2006
The Classic Series (TCS) will have an important change for the 2007 edition of the Series: There will be no starting fee for the $250,000 finals, which represents a savings of $5,000 for the connections of those horses qualifying for and racing in the rich events. The starting fee for each of the
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Mardi Gras fails slots test
December 13, 2006
Florida’s Gulfstream Park has already opened its slots parlor, and Pompano Park is scheduled to join them early next year, but Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center (formerly Hollywood Greyhound Track) has had their opening delayed after failing to pass a facility test on Monday. Inspectors from
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SONACC finance questioned
December 13, 2006
SONACC, which formerly operated the four racetracks in Quebec, including Hippodrome de Montreal, has been cited for several alleged misuses, according to a story in Wednesday’s Montreal Gazette. SONACC turned over control of the tracks earlier this year to a private company. In the report prepare
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Churchill sells HoP interest
December 13, 2006
Centaur Inc., an Indiana-based company that has been instrumental in developing the business of horse racing in Indiana, has reached an agreement to purchase the majority interest in Hoosier Park from Churchill Downs Inc. and become the property’s sole owner. “We’ve been part of this project sinc
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Gingras blows whistle at MR
December 13, 2006
In late September Daryl Thomas was watching races from Grand River Raceway in Canada and saw a horse that he just had to have. Thomas excitedly contacted his trainer, Sarita Mosher, and together they went across the border and plunked down $7,.500(US) for Whistle Bear, a 5-year-old Armbro Operative
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Dream Rocket fires at Dover
December 12, 2006
Dream Rocket and Brian Sears got their picture taken after the $32,500 Preferred Pace while Gold Rocket A scored in the $30,000 Delaware Special on another big Monday card at Dover Downs. Brian Sears, who won two races during the program, opened up a two-length lead with Boy Oh Boy Stable's Drea
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Michelle fastest in Niagara
December 12, 2006
A convoy of 3-year-old fillies–33 in total –was trucked to Woodbine Racetrack on Monday evening for the opening round of the three-week long Niagara Pacing Series, which was written for fillies that were non-winners of $50,000 lifetime as of Oct. 31, 2006. Roses From Above ($6.90, $4.70, $3.40) t
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Mohawk cancels qualifiers
December 12, 2006
Mohawk Racetrack has cancelled Tuesday morning's qualifiers due to unsafe track conditions. The next qualifying card is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15. Entries are due by 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
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Blue Ocean Hanover upsets
December 12, 2006
Longshot Blue Ocean Hanover and driver Andy Miller took advantage of torrid fractions up front and came charging late to capture the final of the $23,500 Courtesan late closer at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack in 1:53.1 on Monday. I’m All In was second and Winbak Isabella was third. The fina
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TVG questions answered
December 12, 2006
Many guests and viewers of the Meadowlands harness racing signal have asked questions about the recent announcement that the NJSEA has entered into an exclusive simulcast agreement with TVG (Television Games Network). Here are the answers to some of those questions: Is TVG the only place I can
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Jamieson says he's honored
December 12, 2006
While vacationing in Las Vegas, Ontario-based driver Jody Jamieson told harnessracing.com Monday afternoon that he was surprised when he learned he was voted the 2006 Rising Star of the Year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association, but he considers it an honor that he was recognized. “I’m thrille
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MN track to break ground
December 12, 2006
Groundbreaking for a harness track north of Minneapolis-St. Paul has been tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18, 2007, according to a release issued by Southwest Casino Corporation (SWCC). The SWCC, which owns a 50 percent interest in North Metro Harness Initiative LLC, has announced the groundbreaki
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Triple Crown champ retired
December 12, 2006
Trainer Blair Burgess raised some eyebrows following Glidemaster’s win in the Yonkers Trot when he hinted that a 2007 campaign couldn’t be ruled out, but co-owner Bob Burgess said Tuesday that the Triple Crown champion has been officially retired and will head to stud duty at Walnridge Farm in Penns
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Perrettis buy 2nd NJ farm
December 12, 2006
Published reports state William and Anthony Perretti of Perretti Farms have purchased farmland in Somerset County in New Jersey for $3.7 million and have told county officials they intend to use the property for their breeding operation. Reports indicate the Perrettis will relocate mares from their
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2 days added at Monticello
December 12, 2006
Monticello Raceway has announced it has added afternoon race cards on Saturday, Dec. 23, and Sunday, Dec. 24, with post time at 12:40 p.m. The track will be dark Christsmas Day. Beginning Monday, Dec. 18 and continuing through Christmas Eve day, the Mighty M will have seven consecutive racing pro
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R. Wayne Prior dies
December 11, 2006
R. Wayne Pryor, a Delaware-based owner whose horses included Peter Haughton Memorial winner CC's Chuckie T, Cam's Fortune, Breeze Hill Will, Poppy Lustre N and Gold Rocket A, died Saturday in his home in Dover. He was 75. Mr. Pryor had a lifelong passion for attending harness races. In 1998, he
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Tetrick on a winning roll
December 11, 2006
Tim Tetrick, who won eight races Saturday and 28 races since Monday, made Wardog Hall one of his five winners in a 1:52.3 victory in the $22,000 Three-and-Four-Year-Old Pace on Sunday at Dover Downs. IIn addition to his five-win night, Tetrick won four races Monday, three on Tuesday, four on Wednesd
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Lather up at Chester
December 11, 2006
Lather Machine unleashed a track record and career-best mile of 1:50.1 to capture the $27,250 final of The Battling Brad late-closer series Sunday at Harrah’s Chester. Under the guidance of driver Tim Tetrick, Lather Machine capitalized on an early break by The Real One And Only to capture the lead
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MM and LT set new records
December 11, 2006
LaDainian Tomlinson set an all-time NFL record for touchdowns in a single season Sunday, and on the same day driver Mark MacDonald set an all-time Canadian record for wins in a single season. MacDonald, who turned 28 on Saturday, established the new mark with his 693rd win, the milestone effort comi
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Campbell is Driver of Year
December 11, 2006
Jeff Gural has been voted the 2006 Proximity Achievement Award by members of the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA), while John Campbell was named by the USHWA directors as Driver of the Year. Other award winners announced Monday were Mickey Burke as Trainer of the Year, Brittany Farms as Owne
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Macomber wins 1,000th
December 11, 2006
Driver Ricky Macomber earned his 1,000th career victory Monday evening, Dec. 11 at Pompano Park. The 36-year-old piloted Cam’s Card Shark gelding Poker Hanover, trained by his father, Dick Macomber, to a narrow 1:57.3 win in the night’s ninth race. Macomber collected the milestone win Monday at t
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New mark for Top Dog
December 10, 2006
PH Top Dog unleashed a strong brush to the lead on the turn for home and drew off to a four-length victory in 1:48.3, winning a $31,000 condition pace and giving driver Ron Pierce his fifth winner of the night at the Meadowlands.. The 5-year-old gelding posted his sixth win in his last seven sta
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2,000 wins for Warren
December 10, 2006
Todd Warren drove his 2,000th winner Saturday night at Balmoral Park. Warren hit the milestone in the night’s opening race, guiding Olympic Magic to a 1½-length triumph in 1:55.4. Born and raised in Casey, Ill., Warren started his career back in the early 1980’s competing around the Prairie Stat
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Lights out at Yonkers
December 10, 2006
Due to a malfunction with the track lighting, Yonkers Raceway was forced to cancel Saturday's scheduled 10-race harness program. A number of banks of lights encircling the half-mile oval were unable to be turned on, the result of a computer glitch. Management waited approximately one hour after
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Tetrick snowman at Dover
December 10, 2006
Tim Tetrick picked up his sixth of an eight-win night when driving Spicy Sport to victory in the $13,000 feature at Dover Downs on Saturday. The eight wins tied the track’s all-time one-night record, held by Brad Hanners and Luc Ouellette. Tetrick now has won 91 races on only 35 race programs at the
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Hennessey stars at PPK
December 10, 2006
There were three stars at Pompano Park Saturday night: Wally Hennessey scored a grand slam by winning four races on the program, including the $10,000 Open Handicap pace with none other than Star Role, in 1:53.3, and the third star of the night was Santa Claus, who came to Pompano Park on his miniat
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U Lucky Guy wins Autumn
December 10, 2006
Paul MacDonell sent U Lucky Guy straight to the front and never looked back to tally in Saturday evening's $48,100(C) Ontario Sires Autumn Series final at Woodbine. The Northern Luck colt hung on late to edge the late-closing Glitter for Prez in 1:53.3 to take the first-place prize. Ramegade Bruiser
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Pearl Queen wins 14th
December 10, 2006
Pearl Queen trotted to her 14th straight victory Sunday at the Vincennes racetrack in Paris, but she needed luck to win the French Criterium for 3-year-old fillies. Pearl Queen was sent to the lead early in the 2,700-meter race, but Jean Michel Bazire made a surprisingly quick brush with Prince d
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Release on TVG-Big M deal
December 09, 2006
TVG, America’s Horseracing Network, has won exclusive television distribution and account wagering rights from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) for its racetracks, it was announced today by TVG General Manager David Nathanson, effective Jan. 1, 2007. In advance of that date, TV
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Hypnotize upsets at PPk
December 09, 2006
Hypnotize, a 29-1 longshot, upset the field in the $10,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park on Friday night, sweeping three-wide on the final turn for driver Joe Pavia Jr. to win in 1:54.3. The 10th race feature started off with Golden Falcon N, driven by David Ingraham, shooting to her
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Big M issues press release
December 08, 2006
It's official! The Meadowlands has issued a press release announcing that Christopher M. McErlean has resigned as vice president of racing operations, concluding a 14-year tenure with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. In Jan. 2007, McErlean, 39, will be joining Penn National Gaming Inc.
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Takter trainee scores
December 08, 2006
Solveig, the only distaffer in the field, and driver Marcus Johansson capitalized on a smart early move to capture the $48,000 final of the Sheps Pride late-closer trot at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack on Thursday afternoon. Third after a quarter-mile in :29.2, Johansson moved Solveig outsi
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UK grad wins at Dover
December 08, 2006
Iron Legend, overlooked at 12-1, scored a 1:53.2 wire-to-wire victory in the $40,000 claiming pace feature at Dover Downs on a chilly Thursday. Track leading driver Tim Tetrick won four races, while George Dennis had a double. The 28-year-old rookie driver Corey Callahan has stepped up for his fa
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It's no lie: A Cal Expo story
December 08, 2006
She drew well in a field where it appeared she fit like a glove, and since the glove fit, Goaheadandlietome didn't quit. Conditioned and claiming “ladies,” racing for a $5,300 purse, were co-featured on Thursday night, on which Goaheadandlietome led from start to finish. In advance of starting f
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Big M now on TVG
December 08, 2006
Television Games Network (TVG) will begin broadcasting the races from the Meadowlands on Saturday night. The sport's flagship harness track is now listed on the California-based network's schedule. Gary Seibel, most well known as a former long-time announcer at Pompano Park and current host of CBS's
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Snow Angel round winners
December 08, 2006
Enhance The Wind, who extended her winning streak to three, and longshot Fionavar Hanover each won a $15,000 division of the second round of the Snow Angel Series for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Thursday night at the Meadowlands. The top 10 money earners will return for a $47,300 final for the Sno
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Widger sweep at Maywood
December 08, 2006
Buster B Skipalong and I Believe Its True both were convincing winners, with driver Sam Widger at their lines, in the first-round divisions of the Incredible Finale Series for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Thursday night at Maywood Park. The series is for second season state-bred pacers
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14 year old wins at MR
December 08, 2006
Could it be that equine senior citizen, 14-year-old Back O Benachie N, is tuning up for Monticello Raceway’s Au Revoir Pace on Dec. 28 after scoring his 14th victory of the season at Monticello on Thursday? Owned and driven by Bobby Sumner, the New Zealand-bred pacer turned back a field of seven en
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Top pacing mare to be bred
December 08, 2006
Three-time divisional champion Loyal Opposition, the second richest pacing mare of all time, has been retired after being purchased for an undisclosed price by Diamond Creek Farm in Kentucky. The 6-year-old daughter of Cole Muffler retires with 56 wins in 98 starts and $2,861,294 in earnings. “My
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Nova Awards presented
December 08, 2006
Harness Tracks of America announced its 2006 Nova Award winners Friday, with Yankee Glide progeny Glidemaster and Passionate Glide being named top 3-year-old colt trotter and 3-year-old filly trotter, respectively. Glidemaster, who won the Hambletonian, Kentucky Futurity and Yonkers Trot on his w
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David Miller celebrates 42nd
December 08, 2006
When David Miller celebrates his 42nd birthday on Sunday, it will include doing what he enjoys the most -- driving horses. There will be time for a dinner celebration afterwards, but work is what drives Miller, and driving horses is what Miller has done since he was 17. The Ohioan arrived in New Jer
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New mark for sophomore
December 08, 2006
Four Star Tommy, a 3-year-old gelding by Jate Lobell, lowered his lifetime mark to 1:52.4 Friday night in his first career start at the Meadowlands, which also happened to be his first start out of the Mickey Burke Stable. Brian Sears picked up one of his four victories on the night with Four Star T
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Delaware Wed. wrap-up
December 07, 2006
Kennywood, overlooked at 25-1, stormed three wide around the final turn to win the $24,000 Open Handicap Trot in 1:55.1 at Dover Downs on Wednesday, with Musclesextrodinair taking the $21,000 Junior Open Trot and Tim Tetrick driving four winners. As usual, Jake Nordic and driver Tim Curtin took
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Annika S holds on at PPK
December 07, 2006
Annika S, superbly handled by Dave Ingraham for trainer Peter Blood, blew past the favorite, Time Slips Away, on the backstretch, and went on a 1:56.3 victory in the Wednesday night feature for pacers at Pompano Park. Owned by Gary Piontkowski and the Robert Rosenheim Stables, the 3-year-old dau
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Records set at Batavia
December 07, 2006
Batavia Downs, America’s oldest lighted harness track, recently concluded its 61st season and to say it was a record-breaking year would be an understatement. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights: New Track Records The new all-age track record was set during the 4th annual Robert J. Ka
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New Wire To Wire Thursday
December 07, 2006
Election results are in and harnessracing.com contributor Andrew Cohen has been elected Commissioner of the sport of harness racing, which you can read about in Thursday's new Wire To Wire column by clicking the link at the right of the home page. No, this really didn't happen, but in Cohen's fantas
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Bouchard wins seven
December 06, 2006
Monticello Raceway’s leading driver Stephane Bouchard put on an awesome display of driving talent when he reined seven winners on Tuesday's 13-race afternoon card. Bouchard began slowly and it wasn’t until the third race that he reined Stonebridge Ideal ($2.90) to a 1:58 victory for his first winn
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Troublemaker found at DD
December 06, 2006
For the second week in a row, Poppy Lustre N proved the best in the $24,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, while Binions won the distaff $21,000 Jr. Open. Tony Morgan and Tim Tetrick each won three races. . Tetrick, who leads all drivers at the meet, registered his third su
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Wanted: five of six wins
December 06, 2006
Ten Times Wanted looks to continue his hot streak at Pompano Park Harness Track Wednesday as the 3-year-old Florida-bred gelding goes for his second straight win and fifth victory in his last six starts. Starting from post two in the 10th race $4,000 pace, Ten Times Wanted hails from the Bruce Ra
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Hidden Viggorish a HOY
December 06, 2006
Hidden Viggorish, the 3-year-old filly trotting world champion, was voted the Horse of the Year by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA), which held its annual horse awards banquet at the Holiday Inn-Meadow Lands Monday night, Dec. 4. Owned and bred by the Harmony Springs Stable, Hid
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Hankins new PA executive
December 06, 2006
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) recently conducted its election of officers and owners Wendy Cameron and Jack Piatt were elected as new directors. In addition, the MSOA hired Kim Hankins as its new executive director. A native of Illinois, served as president and vice president
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Miller wins with heavy heart
December 06, 2006
Gene Miller won last Friday night’s $15,000 Silver Cup for amateur drivers at the Meadowlands with a heavy heart, having learned a few hours earlier that his father, Albert, had died at the age of 87. Miller told harnessracing.com Wednesday morning he received the phone call while in New Jersey, and
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Snow Angel on Thursday
December 06, 2006
Chicago shipper Mysterious Dragon bids for a repeat win in the second leg of the Snow Angel Series for 3-year-old filly pacers on Thursday night at the Meadowlands. Owned by Merv and Kelly Chupp, the daughter of Dragon Again made her Meadowlands debut a winning one in last week’s opening leg of the
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Quinton Patterson dies
December 06, 2006
Quinton Patterson, 83, the grandstand maintenance manager at The Meadows, died of an apparent heart attack suffered at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 5. His long handshakes, everlasting whistle and warm smile were staples at The Meadows since 1961, when he worked on the crew that built the track. He
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Let's go flyin at Chester
December 05, 2006
Benefitting from an adept drive by national leader Tony Morgan, 7-year-old mare Go Flyin N took advantage of some fast early fractions to pick up the pieces in the late stages as she captured the $46,400 Meadow Blue Chip final at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack on Monday. Owned by Lester Wells a
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Roddy's Bags DD Preferred
December 05, 2006
There were six select pacers staring in the $32,500 Preferred feature and at the wire a neck separated the first five finishers with Roddy's Bags Again winning the 1:52.2 photo by a nose on Monday, Dec. 4 at Dover Downs. In the feature race, razor-sharp Maximum Viking took the lead at the start f
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Roberts stock on rise
December 05, 2006
Jonathan Roberts’ name doesn’t appear among the top 50 drivers in wins or earnings, but if his career ascent is any indication, this is probably the last year that will be the case. Roberts, 25, from Maryland , started making a name for himself last year as the driver of trotter Great George Two. Th
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WEG rules on top trainer
December 05, 2006
Harnessracing.com has learned Casie Coleman, the leading trainer on the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) circuit, has been ordered to race her horses out of the detention barn at Woodbine/Mohawk beginning Thursday. Coleman was the 2005 O'Brien Award winner as Canada's Trainer of the Year. Altho
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NY Indian casino illegal?
December 05, 2006
According to reports, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned down an appeal of the Onedia Indian Nation which could have provided the tribe with a legal basis for the operation of the Turning Stone Casino near Vernon Downs. Although Turning Stone Casino has been open since 1993, the New York Cou
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USTA District 8A results
December 05, 2006
USTA District 8A membership director Joe Faraldo retained his seat over Jeff Gural in election results announced at its annual meeting last Saturday. Faraldo received 353 votes while Gural received 160 votes. The meeting was attended by about 20, in addition to membership directors Pat Quaglietta
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Big purse account deposit
December 05, 2006
The first full week of slots play at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs generated $358,000 for the purse account at the Pennsylvania harness track, “far beyond what we expected,” said Ron Battoni, executive director of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association (PHHA), which represents horsemen at the
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O'Brien rules toughened
December 05, 2006
The finalists for the O’Brien Awards for the best horses in Canada will be announced in a couple of weeks but Standardbred Canada’s eligibility policy has just gotten a lot tougher as any horse that had a positive test for a Class 1, 2 or 3 drug during the past year is not eligible. Standardbred
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Sulky banned at Meadows
December 05, 2006
The Meadows announced early Tuesday morning that the AdvantEdge sulky will not be permitted to be used until further notice. The track’s action comes on the heels of driver Dave Palone’s sulky breaking before last Friday night’s sixth race. In a press release issued by The Meadows, Palone describ
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Late payments for Jug
December 05, 2006
Attention yearling owners. If you have a yearling colt or filly who is not eligible to the Little Brown Jug or Jugette Filly Pace you may make a late nomination payment of $400 on December 15, 2006. The late nomination payments are for any yearlings not properly nominated on May 15, 2006. In fa
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TCS yearling pay notice
December 05, 2006
The Classic Series (TCS) offers those breeders with yearlings not offered at any public auction in 2006 an opportunity to nominate them to the Series with a payment of $500 due (postmarked by) Dec. 15, 2006. Yearlings sold privately may also nominated by this payment. This yearling nomination pro
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Monticello adds rich events
December 05, 2006
Harnessracing.com has learned Monticello Gaming & Raceway will be introducing a bevy of new and rich open stakes events in 2007, including the $500,000(est.) Nevele Pride for 3-year-old colt trotters. Eliminations for that race are tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 18, with the final Monday, Ju
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No fake--a 1:49.2 win
December 04, 2006
One week after recording the fastest mile ever at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack, Fake Denario N did it again while capturing the $50,000 final of the Town Drunk late-closer series in 1:49.2. After an early scramble resulted in a :26.3 first quarter, Fake Denario N and driver Ron Pierce ma
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Four $100,000 events held
December 04, 2006
The favorites persevered in the four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) finals on Sunday at Dover Downs. Mr. Aviator and filly Double Flip and won the pacing events while Ms. Virginia took the filly trot final and Swissonian the colt trot. Double Flip, a Badlands Hanover filly, w
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Ready for Mondays at PPK?
December 04, 2006
Pompano Park adds Mondays to its winter schedule beginning today. The track will now be open for live racing and poker four days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The first Monday program will feature a $10,000 Open Handicap Trot in the sixth race headlined by recent winner Muscular
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Nahcotta Jude repeats at YR
December 04, 2006
Nahcotta Jude liked his road to success so much in last week's Open Handicap Trot at Yonkers Raceway, he retraced the route in Sunday night's $21,000 feature. With Jim Marohn again driving for trainer Joe Vance, the 5-year-old Armbro Scorpion gelding was again content to sit chilly early. Leavi
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Classic Casette dies
December 04, 2006
The U.S. Trotting Association is reporting Classic Casette, one of the more prolific broodmres of all time with 10 2:00 trotters from 16 foals, died last Friday at Lindy Farms of Connecticut. Among her top performers was her first foal, 1987 progeny Cayster 4, 1:55 ($530,451), who was by Speedy Somo
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Nfld announces 2007 stakes
December 04, 2006
The gathering of the sport's race secretaries in Florida is now complete and the first track to announce its 2007 stakes schedule is Northfield Park, which has surprised with the moving of the Battle of Lake Erie to late April from a traditional late June date. The $125,000 race for older horse p
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Baillargeon wins 6,000th
December 03, 2006
Mario Baillargeon won his 6,000th career race Saturday afternoon at Flamboro Downs. It is just a little too simple to say Baillargeon has come a long way since first steering a horse professionally back in 1977. Over the span of four decades, the 49 year old has gone from his native Quebec, to Ca
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Ranger triple at Pompano
December 03, 2006
The driver-trainer team of Bruce Ranger and Tom Beckette of the Ranger Stable were hot Saturday night at Pompano Park, winning three times on the program, including the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace with Eleven AM. The evening started off with Ginnie’s Best ($2.60) leading from start to finish by 2
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Prince crowned at Yonkers
December 03, 2006
He’s closing in a quarter-million dollars lifetime, and if you saw Western Prince tend to his business in Saturday night’s $21,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway, you’d know why. With owner-trainer Ted Wing performing the honors, the 5-year-old son of Western Hanover did it the hard way.
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Likeabatoutahell wins final
December 02, 2006
Likeabatoutahell completed a three-race sweep in the $51,250 Charles Singer Memorial Trot final Friday night at the Meadowlands. The SJs Caviar gelding scored a three-quarter-length victory over Red Dragon. It was another length and a half to Penny Dream in third. Likeabatoutahell, driven by Bri
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Spriggs wins Gold Cup
December 02, 2006
Dein Spriggs drove his own Byzanz to a 2:21.2 win in the $30,000 Gold Cup final in the Delvin Miller Memorial Driving Chakpionship Friday night at the Meadowlands. The race was contested at a mile and 3/16ths. Byzanz finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Michelle Ruvola and Sorce Of Victory, with Thoma
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Christoforou hits 5,000
December 02, 2006
Driver Chris Christoforou, 35, won his 5,000th career race Friday night at Woodbine, reaching the milestone number with a 1:55.1 effort behind Kristins Joy for trainer Joe Stutzman. Christoforou is a three-time O'Brien winner for leading driver and has won many major stakes, including the Breeder
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Race me to winner's circle
December 02, 2006
Owner Basil Kellis was able to make the 1,551 mile trek from his home in Wells, Maine, despite inclement weather, to Pompano Park just in time to see his horse, Race Me Valerie score a 7-1 upset win by a neck over Townline Lily in the $10,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace Friday. The feature started
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Tetrick hat trick at Yonkers
December 02, 2006
December and driver Tim Tetrick both made their debut at Yonkers Raceway Friday night and both figure to hang around for a while after he won his first three drives, all with favored pacing mares. Tetrick, who made a name for himself in home state of Illinois before relocating to Delaware earlier th
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Isabella sets track record
December 02, 2006
With Sutter Hanover annexing the $450,000 Governor’s Cup, driver David Miller guided the winners of three of the four stakes that comprise the $1.7 million Fall Final Four on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. Miller also won the $432,700 Valley Victory with Ogham and the $439,000 Three Diamonds wit
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Snow Angels at Big M
December 01, 2006
Heavenly Beauty and Enhance The Night, both trained by Erv Miller, accounted for victories in two of the three $15,000 divisions of the opening round of the Snow Angel Series on Thursday night at the Meadowlands. The top 10 money-earners in the first two rounds of the series for 3-year-old pacing fi
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Records set at Chester
December 01, 2006
Trotters and track records were in the spotlight Thursday at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack as Sir Perseverance and Party Lad took first leg divisions of the Richie Prospect, and Solveig and Stonetag captured second leg divisions of the Shep’s Pride late-closer series. Libfeld, Katz, and Go
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Hodes leaving Meadowlands
December 01, 2006
Meadowlands’ director of media relations Carol Hodes has told harnessracing.com she will be leaving the track sometime early in 2007 after taking the buyout offered by the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. Hodes, a graduate of George Washington University with a BA in journalism, has work
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Calling all 14 year olds
December 01, 2006
Last year, for the first time in over a decade, Monticello Raceway was able to secure enough 14 year olds to present a race strictly for harness racing’s senior citizens just days before they turned 15 years old and were forced into mandatory retirement. Called the Au ReVoir Pace, despite the fac
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Mares to meet at Pompano
December 01, 2006
Two of the top mares to have raced at Pompano Park this year, Chip And Gale A and Evere’s Connection, square off in the $10,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace Friday, with both coming off victories in their last start. Chip And Gale A starts from post five for driver Daryl Bier and last week won the Op
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Move on into winner's circle
December 01, 2006
Move On, handled by Allan Davis, posted a 16-1 upset in Thursday's $40,000 claiming allowance feature at Dover Downs. Claimed a week ago by Davis and trainer Andy Fulton, Move On came through with a 1:53 front-end win. This is the 5-year-old Artsplace gelding's third ownership change in three weeks.
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Pacer goes to bus stop
December 01, 2006
Trainer Greg Peck promised his 8-year-old son, Brendan, that if Palone Ranger won the Messenger last Saturday night at Yonkers he would bring the colt pacer to Brendan’s school bus stop. Palone Ranger did win the $546,830 Messenger, and Peck showed up with the victor at Brendan’s bus stop Thursday a
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Sharky Spur hits $1 million
December 01, 2006
Sharky Spur, a $19,000 yearling purchase, reached $1 million in career earnings Thursday night at The Meadows after a second-place finish in a conditioned pace. A winner of the Dan Patch Invitational, the 10-year-old son of Cam's Card Shark has started 232 times in his racing career and finished on
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Winbak Farm stud news
December 01, 2006
Winbak Farm has added the pacer Quik Pulse Mindale p,3, 1:48 to its stallion roster. Also, Winbak’s stallion Holy Guacamolie, a trotter with a mark of 1:52.3, will be moving to Winbak of Canada for the 2007 breeding season. Quik Pulse Mindale, one of the fastest 3 year olds in harness history, jo
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New scholarship winners
December 01, 2006
Cornell University pre-vet student Ariana Peluso was selected the $15,000 Gallo Blue Chip Scholarship winner for 2006 and will receive her check from sponsor Martin Scharf in the Meadowlands winner’s circle on Saturday night, Dec. 2. Three sons of New Jersey racetrack employees were also named recip
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Horner appointed at WEG
December 01, 2006
Woodbine Entertainment Group has announced Clay Horner, a longtime owner whose horses include this year's Ontario Sire Stakes-standout Doonbeg and top filly pacer Lady Mattgalane, was elected vice-chairman of the board of directors. Also, Nick Eaves was elected a director of the corporation and also
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Manzi is 'Mr. Monticello'
December 01, 2006
John Manzi, Monticello Gaming & Raceway’s longtime director of publicity and public relations, was recently honored by the management of Empire Resorts, Monticello Gaming & Raceway’s parent company, for his outstanding work over the past 26 years. “I was absolutely floored; it felt so good,” Manz
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Harder suspended 30 days
December 01, 2006
Trainer Mark Harder has received a 30-day suspension and $500 fine after a positive test on his horse, 2005 Indiana Sire Stakes champion Alittlemore Action, at Harrah's Chester Downs Oct. 16. Harder received the penalties from the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission after Alittlemore Action
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Frosh gear up for finals
December 01, 2006
Sutter Hanover, possessing the fire of the dragon within him, rates as one of the favorites in Saturday night’s $450,000 Governor’s Cup at the Meadowlands. "I've never had a bad Dragon Again,” said trainer Mark Harder, referring to the sire of Sutter Hanover. “They've all done well--good attitude, g
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