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Clowns Smile wins Woodbine series finale
December 30, 2007
Clowns Smile was all business Saturday night, posting a sharp 1:52.4 win in the $43,000(C) Valedictory Series final for 3-year-old colt gelding pacers at Woodbine Racetrack. The round-one winner was defeated by Mr. Saratoga in last week's second leg in his first start for new trainer Casie Coleman,
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Hop Sing wins first-ever at Yonkers
December 30, 2007
It took Hop Sing 100 career starts--not to mention nearly $900,000 in career earnings--to get his first-ever picture taken at Yonkers Raceway, and he did so Saturday night, gutting it out as the odds-on fasvorite in the $30,000 Open Handicap Pace. With Eric Goodell driving for Team Annunziata
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Madhi breaks Pompano mark for 3-year-old pacers
December 30, 2007
Mahdi set the Pompano Park track record for a 3-year-old gelded pacer on Saturday when prevailing in the $6,500 non-winners pace in 1:51.1 to top the previous mark of 1:51.3 set by Spin Mogul on Aug. 3,  2002. Guided from post two by Anthony Napolitano, Mahdi was content to settle
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Kentuckiana named 2007 NJ Breeder of the Year
December 28, 2007
A quarter of all the 2007 divisional champions in harness racing were the product of the Kentuckiana Farms General Partnership and its founder, Tom Crouch. Hence, Kentuckiana Farms has been named the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey’s Breeder of the Year. Kent
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The Macy's parade pales to Yonkers' longshot parade
December 28, 2007
The season-ending driving colony at Yonkers Raceway might look a bit different, but those who invested in the invaders Thursday night were handsomely rewarded. In fact, those who found any of the 10 winners were paid, as the average win mutuel was a healthy $22.92 as not a single wagering favorite w
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Ryan Anderson out six months
December 28, 2007
Ryan Anderson, who was injured in a nasty spill in last Sunday’s first race at Balmoral Park, is expected to be out of action for up to six months after suffering a broken femur as well as cuts and bruises.    The 27-year-old reinsman, who was second in the Balmoral Park driver standing
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David Siegel named Amateur Driver of the Year
December 28, 2007
Since 1994, committee fronted by the president of the U.S. Harness Writers Association and the president of the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association along with the president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association has chosen the most outstanding amateur driver of the year.&n
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Del MacTavish dies
December 28, 2007
Veteran Canadian horseman Del MacTavish died Dec. 27 in Florida at age 63. MacTavish had battled cancer in recent years and until this year trained a stable of young horses at Spring Garden Ranch.   MacTavish is survived by his wife, Nita, and brother, Duncan.   Visitation will be held
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Pacer at White Birch under quarantine after bit by rabid raccoon
December 28, 2007
Master Hotspur, a 3-year-old gelding pacer stabled at White Birch Farm in New Jersey has been placed under quarantine after he was bitten Wednesday morning by a rabid raccoon. The horse was in a field at White Birch at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday when it walked up to the raccoon and subsequ
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HHI to honor Parenti, Harvey, Cramer
December 28, 2007
Anthony J. Parenti, Ellen Harvey and Carol Cramer will be honored for their service to the Standardbred industry by Harness Horsemen International during its annual meeting March 2-6 in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Parenti, the former longtime president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Associa
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Cohen's Wire To Wire wins Hervey Award
December 28, 2007
Andrew Cohen, a legal analyst and journalist by day, rediscovered harness racing a couple of years ago and turned his critical eye on issues that he feels the industry should confront, and combining his passion for racing and his training as a lawyer, he offered the "Commissioner's Inaugural Ad
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WEG honored with Hervey Broadcasters Award
December 28, 2007
A video chronicling the miraculous recovery of a horrifically injured pacer who captured the heart of Canada has captured the 24th edition of the John Hervey Broadcasters Award, it was announced by the United States Harness Writers Association.   The Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) wa
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Meadowlands replay show moving to SportsNet New York
December 28, 2007
The Meadowlands nightly replay program Racing From The Meadowlands will move to SportsNet New York (SNY) when the 2008 harness meet begins Jan. 2.The show will air at 12 midnight most racing nights, with a half-hour program Wednesday-Friday and hourlong show on Saturday. Each show recaps the night’s
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Talk Of The Tube takes Pompano trot
December 27, 2007
Talk Of The Tube, the lone mare in the field against eight male rivals, was able to give the fans something to talk about in capturing the $6,500 seventh race feature trot at the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park Wednesday by a nose in a lifetime mark of 1:56.4.   The race starte
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Monticello, drivers donate to local charity
December 27, 2007
With Monticello Raceway's top drivers Jimmy Devaux, Bruce Aldrich Jr., Jordan Stratton and Greg Merton leading the way, a group of local reinsmen donated their driving percentages from four races on the Dec. 24 race card to a local charity and their total was matched by Monticell
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D Train, Lisheen named Broodmares of the Year
December 27, 2007
D Train, the dam of likely Harness Horse of the Year Donato Hanover, and Lisheen, who numbered top free-for-aller Lis Mara among her breeding accomplishments this past year, have been elected as Trotting and Pacing Broodmares of the Year for 2007 in voting by the U.S. Harness Writers Association.&nb
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Adios probably moving to Pocono for 2008
December 27, 2007
The Meadows is working on an agreement to move its signature race, the Delvin Miller Adios, to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs for one year, while the new casino building is being constructed on the track's property. The new building is scheduled to open in early 2009, which would allow for the return o
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Horseman contributer Kim Rinker wins Hervey award
December 26, 2007
Illinois-based reporter Kimberly Rinker, a regular contributor to The Horseman And Fair World magazine, has been awarded the 2007 John Hervey Award for feature writing by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Herveys are presented to acknowledge the best in harness racing journal
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At least 20 horses killed in barn fire
December 26, 2007
The Swedish trainer Ove Kristoffersson, once the groom for Dart Hanover, had at least 20 of his horses killed in a barn fire on Christmas Eve in Italy.   Kristoffersson had been working for Scuderia Sandra at their training center in Iesolo, but when the Sandra Stable discontinued their
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Bea Witten's HFW Tell All photo wins Smallsreed
December 25, 2007
After watching her husband, Dave, collect the George Smallsreed Award for photojournalism the last two years, the honor has finally fallen to Bea Witten in 2007, it was announced by the United States Harness Writers Association.    The Wittens, familiar photography partners at all
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Brickells named Pa. Owners of the Year
December 24, 2007
Ordinarily, this would be the time of year where owners who had success in their previous campaign would reminisce happily about the last year, and look forward to the next season, and Dave and Ronna Brickell certainly did have some success in 2007, with the multi-winning SB Quent’s Knight, DVC
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Ryan Anderson breaks leg in Balmoral spill
December 24, 2007
Ryan Anderson, the second-leading driver among the Balmoral Park driving colony in 2007, will be on the shelf through the start of the 2008 racing season after suffering a broken femur in a race spill Sunday night at the track.   The three-horse incident occurred toward the back of
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Track record falls in Florida feature
December 23, 2007
No Nonsense Yankee established the track record for a 4-year-old pacing gelding at Pompano Park on Saturday when crushing his rivals in the co-featured $14,000 Open Handicap Pace in 1:50.1 to better the previous mark of 1:50.2 set by The Paper Wazoo in December of 2000.   Starting from
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He's the king cat at Yonkers
December 23, 2007
King Cat Anvil N, who entered Saturday night's $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway two noses and one eight hole away from what may have been a five-race winning streak, wasn't about to let a first-over trip stand in his way. The father-son, trainer-driver tandem of David and Jordan
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Minnesota's Running Aces approved for '08 dates
December 23, 2007
The Minnesota Racing Commission has approved 2008 racing dates at the new Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus Township. The first season of harness racing at Running Aces will begin April 11 and go through July 6. Racing will be held Fridays through Mondays until mid-June, and then go to fi
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Pacer generates an open win at Meadowlands
December 23, 2007
Six year old Jilliby Generator led at every call to win the $46,500 Open Pace Saturday night at the Meadowlands, the closing card for the 2007 at the New Jersey track. Brian Sears was in the sulky behind Jilliby Generator, who held off a late charge by Lucky NZ to win by a half length in a career-be
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10 straight for Stylish Solution
December 22, 2007
Stylish Solution extended her winning streak to 10 in the $46,500 Fillies and Mares Open at the Meadowlands Friday night.   Taken back early by driver Brian Sears, Stylish Solution sat a third-over trip. At the head of the stretch, she was four lengths back and swooped past Free and West
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Meadowlands to lose $2.7 mil this year
December 22, 2007
A story in the Friday, Dec. 21 edition of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Meadowlands will lose $2.7 million this year and more than $5 million next year, and Dennis Robinson, the new CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) is looking for ways to keep the state's horse racing i
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A Harrah's Chester sweep for Before He Cheats
December 21, 2007
Sent off at odds of 1-5, Before He Cheats lived up to his expectations, completing a sweep of the Chester Series for trotters with a nine-length victory in Thursday’s final at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack, trotting the mile in 1:54.   The 3-year-old Valley Victor gelding settled in f
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Lear Jetta named Pa. Sire Stakes Horse of the Year
December 21, 2007
A son of Lindy Lane named Lear Jetta certainly jetted past his Pennsylvania Sire Stakes competition in the freshman trotting ranks in 2007, earning him distinction as not only Pa. Sire Stakes Trotter of the Year, but also Pa. Sire Stakes Horse of the Year overall. Owned by nonagenarian
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A big-league win at Dover
December 21, 2007
Big League Yankee, owned by members of the late baseball star Charley Keller, and Kilkerran Scot won the Thursday twin features at Dover Downs. Meet leading driver Tony Morgan steered Big League Yankee to one of his two wins, a 1:53.4 victory taking an $11,500 male pace. The Kellers and the
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WEG drivers donate to Santa Claus Fund
December 21, 2007
Continuing a tradition that was started back in 2004, several of Woodbine Entertainment's regular drivers have once again donned their Santa hats to help out with the Toronto Star's Santa Claus Fund. The initiative was spearheaded by Luc Ouellette four years ago and this year he was joined by fel
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Ohio harness tracks granted reduction in dates
December 21, 2007
The Ohio State Racing Commission on Thursday approved a reduction in harness racing dates in Ohio in 2008. The four harness tracks will race 56 less dates and 50 less programs than in 2007.   The year-round Northfield Park will race 207 dates in 2008, 10 less than this year. The Cleveland tra
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Connors 3-year-old colt trot returning to Hazel Park in '08
December 21, 2007
After an absence on the stakes schedule for several years, Hazel Park Raceway has announced it will once again host the William Connors Memorial Trot for 3-year-old colts in 2008 on Friday, July 4. Eliminations for the early-closing event, named for the suburban Detroit's late Hall of Fame
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Tetrick is USHWA's Rising Star, Elliott top trainer
December 20, 2007
Tim Tetrick, who came east at the end of last season as a hugely-promising but untested driver on the national scene, has parlayed a record total of dash victories into an earning of the Rising Star Award as voted by the U.S. Harness Writers Association, while Steve Elliott, 2007’s leader in trainin
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Khifra Hanover wins 16th of year in Dover feature
December 20, 2007
Khifra Hanover and Grand Photo returned to the win column in $22,000 Jr. Open Trot victories on Wednesday at Dover Downs. Julianna Edwards' Khifra Hanover secured her 16th victory of the year as Frank Milby took the Lindy Lane late blossoming 5 year old took the lead early and sped to a 1:5
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Simmichacha tangos in $80,000 series final at Chester
December 20, 2007
Rating off a pressured early pace then grinding out a first-over journey, Harold Brocklehurst’s Simmichacha ($10.40) proved victorious in the $80,000 final of the Delaware County late-closing series on the Wednesday afternoon card at Harrah’s Chester, closing through the final strides for a hal
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Meadowlands announces 2008 stakes dates
December 20, 2007
The $1.5 million Hambletonian on Saturday, Aug. 2, and $1 million Meadowlands Pace on Saturday, July 19, headline more than $14 million in stakes scheduled for the 2008 harness meet at the Meadowlands.   "From our popular Winter Series to the rich Championship Meet stakes of the summer, the M
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Danzig ready for career finale--again
December 20, 2007
It was all set. On Thursday, Dec. 13, the veteran trotter Danzig was to make his final trip to post at Monticello Raceway, but the best-laid plans of mice and men sometimes go astray. A heavy snowstorm in the Catskill Mountains on that day forced The Mighty M to cancel its Thursday ra
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WEG/OHHA reach one-year agreement
December 20, 2007
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) proposed a one-year contract extension to the Ontario Harness Horse Association existing contract (OHHA) that was unanimously accepted by OHHA members at last night's meeting in Milton. For the past few months Woodbine and OHHA representatives have met in good
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Aminorex charges dropped in Ontario
December 20, 2007
The Ontario Racing Commission has reportedly dropped the charges against 11 Standardbred trainers who had Aminorex positives. Thursday's Globe And Mail said that although the trainers have been exonerated, the horses that received the positives will remain disqualified from the races involved a
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Daniel Maier found guilty of race fixing
December 20, 2007
The Sacramento Bee has reported that driver Daniel Maier was convicted of three felony counts Thursday in what is believed to be the first successful prosecution of a race-fixing case in California, while driver-trainer Todd Ratchford was cleared on three counts.   After two days of deli
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Woodbine moves Thurs., Fri., Sat. post to 7:30
December 19, 2007
Woodbine Entertainment Group today announced that post-time for its previously scheduled 7:40 p.m. Standardbred racing cards will be moved to 7:30 p.m. in 2008. "The Meadowlands has shifted its 2008 post times, so for the benefit of our customers, we moved our first race post on Thursday, Friday
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May June Character named Pa's Horse of Year
December 19, 2007
No matter the month, the 3-year-old pacer May June Character certainly loved racing--and winning--in the Keystone State, with his four Sire Stakes victories (including the Championship) along with other important victories in “open” stakes earning the gelding honors as both Pennsylvan
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Ladyfield best again in Dover open
December 19, 2007
For the second consecutive start Ladyfield proved the best in the $26,000 Filly and Mares Open Handicap Pace on Tuesday at Dover Downs. With meet leading driver Tony Morgan at the reins, Ladyfield racked up her 13th win of the season turning back five rivals in the top distaff event of the we
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Kentucky starts process to regulate steroids
December 19, 2007
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) has announced it will draft and adopt rules regulating the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses in the Bluegrass State. At an Authority meeting on Monday, KHRA executive director Lisa Underwood said that although there is no time frame to adopt the rule—o
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Four Starzzz Shark stud fee reduced
December 19, 2007
Brittany Stallion Management has announced a reduction in the stud fee for Four Starzzz Shark to $6,000. “We were extremely happy with how the Shark yearlings were received this year," said syndicate manager Art Zubrod. "They were a great looking group and there was some thought to persevere with
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**NEW**Wire To Wire
December 19, 2007
In this week's Wire To Wire, Andrew Cohen shows once again he doesn't need any help from Writers Guild members to write a monologue or compile a Top 10 list as he has put together a dandy of a column as he presents his 2nd annual Rosalind Awards to the sport's leading names
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Canada's O'Brien finalists announced
December 19, 2007
Standardbred Canada has announced the finalists for the 2007 O'Brien Awards, which honor Canada's best in harness racing over the past season. The awards are named in honor of the late Joe O'Brien, an outstanding horseman and a member of The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The winners will
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Snow White named NJ Standardbred of the Year
December 19, 2007
Snow White, winner of  the $650,000 Breeders Crown Championship for 2-year-old trotting fillies and $1,252,646 in purse money, has been named New Jersey Standardbred of the Year for 2007. This prestigious award to a New Jersey-sired Standardbred is presented annually by the Equine Advisory Boa
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Prince Of Luck surprises in Dover Preferred
December 18, 2007
Prince Of Luck, Art Director and Glass Pack won the top three events on another strong 15-race card on a windy Monday at Dover Downs. The result of the $35,000 Preferred Pace was as easy as one, two, through five. Prince Of Luck from post one pulled a 5-1 surprise as Ross Wolfenden
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Blanket finish in Pompano open
December 18, 2007
Three horses were separated by a minuscule margin at the conclusion of the featured $14,000 Open Handicap Trot at Pompano Park on Monday, with the Florida-bred Railee Possible holding sway in the final yards to come out on the winning end of a tight photo finish and prevail in 1:56.2.   Rail
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Donato, Dewey, named 2007's top colt trotters
December 18, 2007
Hambletonian winner Donato Hanover was named 3-year-old colt trotter of the year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association in Dan Patch Award voting announced Tuesday by the U.S. Trotting Association. Donato Hanover, the No. 1-ranked harness racing horse in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown po
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Mister Mystic N upsets in $120,000 final at Harrah's Chester
December 17, 2007
With driver Eric Goodell working out a perfect trip, 12-1 Mister Mystic N prevailed in the $120,000 final of the Commodore Barry late-closing series at Harrah’s Chester on Sunday afternoon, clearing by a length and a half in the final strides to secure a 1:52.2 victory.   The 5-year-old
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Tetrick takes both Dover features
December 17, 2007
Tim Tetrick continued his record breaking seasonal barrage driving the winners of both $16,500 and $14,500 co-feature races, Auto Pilot and Real Magician, at windy Dover Downs on Sunday.   "The Green Machine" launched a four-win attack guiding Foulk Stables' Auto Pilot to a 1:56.3 vict
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Nimrod Borealis wins French Grand Circuit final
December 17, 2007
Nimrod Borealis won the final of the French Grand Circuit-—the Grand National du Trot—-at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes on Sunday, easily making up a 25-meter handicap to score in a mile rate of 1:57.2 over the 2,875-meter distance (about 1 3/4 miles).   The Grand National du Trot is a series
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Ontario adds new alcohol and drug policy in 2008
December 17, 2007
The Ontario Racing Commission has announced that beginning Jan. 1 a new alcohol and drug policy will be instituted, which includes the addition of person who work in "safety sensitive positions" to also be tested.   The following is the list of those Standardbred participants who will be subj
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Brocious honored as Pa.'s Small Breeder of the Year
December 17, 2007
Harold Brocious, a feisty gentleman 74 years young, annually has a group of homebred colts race for him on the Pennsylvania fair circuit, and this past year the group did so well for him that he has been selected Pennsylvania Small Breeder of the Year. Among his charges, whom he christens with t
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Road from Iowa to New Jersey leads to winner's circle
December 16, 2007
It was a fairytale ending to a Cinderella-like story as Panaramic Art rolled to his 14th straight win in the $60,000 Oil Burner final on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. Panaramic Art followed Wynnfield Flash to the top in a :55.4 half and opened up to a 3 1/2-length lead as they entered the stret
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Pacer, trotter score 1st wins of Dover Downs' meet
December 16, 2007
Pacer Scylla Hanover and trotter Goodbye Daddy both posted their first wins of the meet during a light rain in the Saturday co-feature races at Dover Downs. In a $13,700 Delaware filly and mare pace, Scylla Hanover owned and trained by Bobby Rice, set a personal record of 1:55.4 as Jim King dro
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Just The Beginning fastest in Valedictory opener
December 16, 2007
Heavily favored Mr. Saratoga was an easy gate-to-wire winner in one of three $18,000 divisions in Saturday night's opening round of the Valedictory Pacing Series for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers at Woodbine Racetrack. The victory was the third in a row for the son of Million Dollar Cam-Mi
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Clock strikes 11 a.m. again at Pompano
December 16, 2007
Eleven AM tallied his second consecutive victory at Pompano Park on Saturday to remain atop the local aged pacing division, capturing the featured $14,000 Open Handicap Pace at the South Florida oval in 1:51.2.   Guided from post five by Bruce Ranger, Eleven AM settled briefly in
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A Down Under dirty battle in Yonkers open
December 16, 2007
It was down and dirty between a pair of Down Unders in Saturday night's $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway. The Flyin' Doctor N (Jeff Gregory) had his New Zealand nose on the line just before that of King Cat Anvil N (Jordan Stratton), getting the mile in 1:53.3. Leaving from post posit
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Stylish Solution wins ninth straight in Open
December 15, 2007
Stylish Solution extended her winning streak to nine wins Friday night in the $46,500 Fillies and Mares Open at the Meadowlands.   Brian Sears brushed Stylish Solution to the top in a :55.1 half and she gamely held off all challengers to win in 1:51:3. Stylish Solution paid $3.60 in the nigh
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Hypnotize has mares in a trance at Pompano
December 15, 2007
For the second consecutive week, Hypnotize proved to be the top female pacer in Florida, capturing the featured $14,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park on Friday in 1:53.   Guided from post five by Kevin Wallis, Hypnotize dropped back to fifth place through the opening
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Isle Of Capri gets $100,000 raise; Van Lennep Series added
December 15, 2007
The Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park has announced a $100,000 purse increase for its signature race, the Isle of Capri Pacing Series Final, while establishing a counterpart series for female pacers that will be named in honor of Frances Dodge Van Lennep.   The 10th annual Isle of Ca
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Polvinale top bidder in Glidemaster auction
December 15, 2007
Longtime horse owner John Polvinale of New Jersey was the winning bidder on the Glidemaster auction on eBay to benefit the Clyde Hirt Journalism Workshop.   Polvinale won a one-of-a-kind print autographed by drivers John Campbell and George Brennan, who guided Glidemaster to the Triple Crown
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Justice Hall closes career with victory at Yonkers
December 15, 2007
The classy Justice Hall left the racing ranks a popular winner Friday nigbt, easily handling the co-featured $30,000 Open Handicap Trot at Yonkers Raceway. With Jim Meittinis doing the honors for co-owners (trainer Kevin Thomas) and Mary Katz, Justice Hall--unhurried from post position four--watch
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Ohoka Jasper equals career mark at Cal Expo
December 15, 2007
A well-rated second-quarter in a competitive field turned out to be the difference for Ohoka Jasper. The best trotters on the Cal-Expo grounds met up on Friday night in an $8,000 Open Handicap l trot, in which Ohoka Jasper wouldn't be denied.   Prior to starting from post position
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Pretty Pacific wires Mares Open at Northfield
December 15, 2007
Ida Hardmnan's Pretty Pacific, a 4-year-old Pacific Fella mare, gave Andy Shetler his third win on the night when she won the $8,000 Mares Open Pace in 1:56.4 at Northfield Park.   The win was her sixthth this season as Pretty Pacific went coast-to-coast, defeating Summer Life N and Look To B
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2,000 wins for Don Currier Jr.
December 15, 2007
Going into the 12- race program at Northville Downs on Friday night driver Don Currier Jr. needed only four victories to reach the coveted 2,000 win plateau in his driving career and he hit the number before the night was over. Currier got off to a quick start winning the seco
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Meadowlands moves 2008 post to 7 p.m.
December 15, 2007
The Meadowlands will move its first race post time to 7 p.m. when the 2008 Harness Meet kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 2. The 133-date meet runs Jan. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 2, with live racing four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, at 7 p.m.  A limited engagement of Sunday matinees will b
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Woodbine cancels Sunday
December 15, 2007
Due to the worst of the winter storm forecast to hit the Toronto area later Saturday evening and into Sunday, Woodbine has cancelled its Sunday afternoon Standardbred card. Live racing is scheduled to resume on Monday evening at 7:20 pm. (WEG)
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Filly finds pot of gold in Auturm Series
December 14, 2007
Vanilla Rainbow converted off a pocket trip to capture Thursday night's $47,500(C) Ontario-sired Autumn Series for 3-year-old filly trotters at Woodbine Racetrack. In reign to Paul MacDonell, the daughter of Mr. Lavec-Miss Vanilla was able to work out a perfect trip behind pacesetting Conch U Cat
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Twin B Tween takes top trot
December 14, 2007
Twin B Tween closed strongly to win the $12,500 Delaware trot, while Eoos made his local debut a winning one over a "sloppy" track on Thursday at Dover Downs. Twin B Tween corralled Sir Pete (Jim Morand) after a head-to-head duel through half the stretch before pulling off to a 1:58 triumph
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Before He Cheats rallies to Chester victory
December 14, 2007
After winning by nearly four lengths in last week’s leg of the Chester late-closer at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack, Before He Cheats ($3.40) showed his versatility—this time winning from off the pace.   The 3-year-old Valley Victor gelding scored his 20th career win in the third leg
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Meg Jewett Leavitt receives USHWA's President's Award
December 14, 2007
Meg Jewett Leavitt, owner of the Kentucky-based farm Walnut Hall Ltd. and gift store L.V. Harkness and Company, and known for her tireless and unheralded efforts on behalf of unwanted horses, has been honored with the 2007 U.S. Harness Writers Association’s (USHWA) President’s Award, bestowed by
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No Down Under trip for Total Truth
December 14, 2007
Trainer George Teague Jr. told harnessracing.com Friday that he has decided to decline the invitation to send the 2006 Pacer of the Year Total Truth to Australia to compete in the Inter Dominion Series that starts in February and runs through the final on March 1.   “It was the (five-week) qu
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7-win day brings Tetrick's win total to 1,145
December 13, 2007
Six wins on the Wednesday card at Harrah’s Chester brought Tim Tetrick’s newly set record for single-season victories to 1,144, and with one win later at Dover Downs he finished the day at 1,145. Two of those winning drives at Harrah's Chester came in the Delaware County late-closing series, wi
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Three straight for Team Lavec
December 13, 2007
Don and Shirley Heck’s Team Lavec tallied his third consecutive victory at Pompano Park on Wednesday when leading every step of the way to capture the featured $7,200 seventh-race trot in 1:57.4.   Driven from post six by Wally Hennessey, Team Lavec was moved aggressively off the gate to cla
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Mighty Moses wins Dover trot
December 13, 2007
Mighty Moses made the winner's circle for the first time since last meet while Rose Run Flash won his second straight in the two $22,000 Jr. Open Trot sections on Wednesday at Dover Downs, with Jim Morand driving six winners on the card. In the first of two $22,000 Jr. Open Trots, Migh
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Gingras, Lachance & Jamieson prevail in Italy
December 13, 2007
Yannick Gingras phoned the Meadowlands on Wednesday afternoon to say that Team North America has clinched the title in the World Trotting Master international driving competition in Italy.      In the final round of competition held Wednesday at Treviso, Italy, Gingras, Mike Lac
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Monticello, Yonkers cancels Thursday due to storm
December 13, 2007
The major snowstorm in the Northeast has prompted the cancellation of Monticello Raceway's Thursday afternoon card as well as the nighttime program at Yonkers Raceway.   Monticello is now rescheduled to re-open for live racing on Monday, Dec. 17, with a first post time of 12:40 p.m. Yonkers,
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Ladyfield wins filly and mare open at Dover
December 12, 2007
Ladyfield, one of the local season's top rags-to-riches stories, won the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace on a distaff loaded, foggy Tuesday, Dec. 11, program at Dover Downs.   Purchased late last season with only around $3,500 on her card, Ladyfield won for the 12th time this season, br
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Many NJ lawmakers in favor of VLTs at tracks
December 12, 2007
A poll of current members of the New Jersey Legislature indicates that legislation to install video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the state’s racetracks would pass both houses, if the bill were put up for a floor vote. Results of a survey conducted by the New Jersey Standardbred Horse Industry showed
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Meadows to be bought by Australian company
December 12, 2007
Crown Limited (ASX: CWN) announced today that it had signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the equity interests in Cannery Casino Resorts LLC (“CCR”), owner of The Meadows racetrack, on a cash and debt free basis for $1.752 billion plus acquisition costs (estimated to be approximately $49.6
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Wynnfield Flash-Panaramic Art to square off
December 12, 2007
Wynnfield Flash could pose the biggest threat to Panaramic Art’s 13-race streak in the $60,000 Oil Burner Final on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. The prolific pair of 3-year-old pacers square off in the featured fifth race on the card.   Panaramic Art bids for his 14th straight win from p
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***New***Wire To Wire
December 12, 2007
In this week's Wire To Wire, Andrew Cohen laments the fact that racinos have not yet been a panacea for harness racing in New York. He wonders why industry leaders there cannot get together and show good leadership. "Folks all over were counting their money before it had even come into the same zip
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Meadowlands to stay on TVG
December 12, 2007
According to reports, TVG has renewed its exclusive television distribution and account wagering rights agreement with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) for the Meadowlands. TVG made the announcement on Dec. 12.   TVG is a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International
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Hanover honored in Pennsylvania
December 12, 2007
Hanover Shoe Farms, located in south central Pennsylvania, has become the leading Standardbred breeding farm in the world, and its offspring have led the North American race earnings column every year since records began to be kept in the 1950s. So it is no surprise that some of the trophies to be
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Big Business rallies in 1:50
December 11, 2007
Big Business, the highest priced racehorse sold at the recent Harrisburg sale, paid a big dividend on Monday, Dec. 10, winning the $236,726 Matron 3-Year-Old Colt Pace at Dover Downs by hitting the wire first in 1:50.   Record-breaking driver Tim Tetrick drove Big Business to the score.
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The Terminator strikes at Pompano Park
December 11, 2007
Terminator Hall utilized a methodical first-over march to overtake Guy Gets Girl in the final yards of the featured $14,000 Open Handicap Trot at Pompano Park on Monday, scoring by a neck while covering the mile in a seasonal best 1:55.1.   Guided from post six by Wally Hennessey, Terminator
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Anonymous caller says stallion in Montegiorgio
December 11, 2007
Equinox Bi, who was kidnapped from the Biasuzzi farm near Padua, Italy, in early November, may have been found near the town of Montegiorgio, about four hours from the farm. A horse that appears to be Equinox Bi was indeed found at the location identified by an anonymous caller.   As of Tues
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Glidemaster subject of unique art
December 11, 2007
You can grab a piece of harness racing history on eBay, where a specially commissioned artist’s print of the journal cover from the 2006 Night of Champions, at which Triple Crown-winning trotter Glidemaster was named Horse of the Year, is being offered for sale.   The cover has been rewo
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Two-time NY Sire Stakes champ just misses a million
December 11, 2007
With mid-September victories in the $150,000 New York Sire Stakes final and a $93,000 Bluegrass division, the 3-year-old colt pacer Kenneth J appeared to be well on his way to a $1 million season. However, a roadblock developed when Kenneth J developed a quarter crack, and the end result was the son
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Meadowlands adds live card on Tuesday, Dec. 18
December 11, 2007
The Meadowlands has announced it has added an additional live race night to its Holiday Harness Meet on Tuesday, Dec. 18, with a post time of 7:30 p.m. The 2007 racing season will continue throughout the week until closing day on Saturday, Dec. 22.
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Cole wins five at Dover, including Chivalrous N
December 10, 2007
Mike Cole rung up his fourth of five wins driving Chivalrous N to a 1:53.1 win in a $17,000 featured pace Sunday at Dover Downs, while Tony Morgan drove four winners while haltered three training wins. Harry Von Knoblauch's Chivalrous N, trained by Peter Tritton, took the lead for 
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LBJ winner wins first since Delaware score
December 10, 2007
The 2006 Little Brown Jug winner Mr. Feelgood won his first race since capturing the pacing jewel, reaching the wire first in a division of the William Penn late-closing series Sunday at Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack.   Mr. Feelgood had been retired following his sophomore seas
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Bazire-Souloy sweep in Paris
December 10, 2007
The 2007 season has been a clear success for the duo of driver Jean-Michele Bazire and trainer Fabrice Souloy, and it continued Sunday afternoon at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes as they upset the sensational 3-year-old filly Qualita Bourbon, who was looking for her 14th straight win.  
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Prix prep in Paris
December 10, 2007
The second of four preps for the Prix d'Amerique took place at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes Saturday afternoon. And the winner was one that has been expected for a while.   Nouba Saptel has been unfortunate in some previous races--bad trips, bad drives. bad luck-- but now she took a
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Jamieson, Gingras, Lachance 1-2-3 in Italy tournament
December 10, 2007
The first round of the World Trotting Master, a tripartite driving competition being raced in Italy, which matches three-man teams representing Italy, Europe, and North America, was contested on Sunday at Ippodromo Arcoveggio in Bologna, Italy. The North American team, consisting of Yannick G
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Illinos Democrats propose slots for racetracks
December 10, 2007
Illinois House Democrats said Monday they will introduce an expanded gaming bill to help pay for a state capital construction plan that would include putting 3,600 slot machines at five racetracks.   Illinois legislative leaders from both parties have had meetings with Gov. Rod Blagojevich fo
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Dennis Marchand killed in truck/car accident
December 10, 2007
Michigan-based horseman Dennis Marchand was killed Sunday while driving his pickup truck hauling two broodmares when he was struck broadside by a teenage driver. Marchand, 52, was killed instantly in the accident that occurred about 2:20 p.m. near Swartz Creek. The horses escaped serious injury exce
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Breeders Crown winner Liberty Balance dies
December 10, 2007
Liberty Balance, who won the 2001 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Colt Trot and was named Canada’s Horse of the Year that season, died Sunday at the University of Guelph after reportedly being found in a field suffering from suspected neurological damage and hypothermia. After appearing to be recovering,
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Stylish Solution wins mares open in 1:51.2
December 08, 2007
Stylish Solution made it eight straight wins in the $46,500 featured mares open on Friday night at the Meadowlands. She popped off the cover of the leader, Miss Galvinator, in the stretch and rolled to a 1 1/4-length win in 1:51.2.  Free finished third after a first-over bid for the lead.&
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Mare has them Hypnotized in Pompano feature
December 08, 2007
Hypnotize had the lead when it mattered most in the featured $14,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park on Friday, powering her way to the front in the final yards to score by a neck in 1:53.   Driven from post two by Kevin Wallis, Hypnotize settled comfortably along the p
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Longshots prevail in features at Yonkers
December 08, 2007
Lislea Bell (Pat Berry), went down the road from her inside post at nearly 37-1, and Stan (Jordan Stratton), put up at exactly 42-1, stuffed a lot more than  stockings with less than three weeks of shopping before Christmas.   In the Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace, Lislea Bella
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Wynnfield Flash wins Oil Burner split
December 08, 2007
Wynnfield Flash worked hard to seize the lead in mid-stretch and fought gamely to a 1:51.1 win in the second of two $23,000 Oil Burner Series divisions for 3-year-old colt pacers on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.   Driver Tim Tetrick sat Wynnfield Flash off dueling leaders Noble’s Gr
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Hatfield is the Billings champ
December 08, 2007
Bud Hatfield of Columbus, Ohio picked up his first-ever Billings championship driving his own Like Nothing Else in the featured $25,000 Gold Cup final Saturday night at the Meadowlands.  The duo held off the late charge of Ego Sum and Anthony Verruso by a neck in 2:13.1 for the 1 1/8 mile
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A Dover win with spunk
December 07, 2007
Spunky Vic came from behind for a 1:55.3 victory in the $13,000 Delaware trot feature on Thursday at Dover Downs while Mike Cole and Corey Callahan had a big night driving four winners each. Tony Morgan left with Spunky Vic to get the lead before the quarter. Sandys Attitude came on to take
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Race secretaries meet; Charters elected president
December 07, 2007
The American Harness Racing Secretaries (AHRS) held their 43rd annual business meeting in conjunction with the annual stakes scheduling sessions and in addition to planning the 2008 calendar, the group also gave its first honorary membership of the AHRS to Carol Cramer, who for m
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Van Ness Hanover fastest in three series splits
December 07, 2007
Three $23,000 divisions of the opening round of the Snow Angel Series for 3-year-old filly pacers were contested Thursday night at the Meadowlands, with Van Ness Hanover coming up with speed badge honors among the trio of events. Before Dawn and Sail Away were victorious in the other two Snow Angel
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TV Mom cooks up a Cal Expo jog-burger
December 07, 2007
Rain all day and night in Sacramento didn't stop TV Mom and Ed Hensley from performing superbly Thursday night at Cal Expo, with the trotter winning for the 14th time on the year in the $6,000 race.   In advance of starting from post-position one in the field of seven over a sloppy t
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Trotter puts them all on hold at Dover
December 06, 2007
Put Them On Hold could not be denied in a 1:56.1 victory in $23,000 Jr. Open Trot on Wednesday at Dover Downs over a racetrack labeled as "good" as snow grew in intensity as the night wore on.   After spending most of last week's Jr. Open parked outside racing for the front, this time
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A thrill a minute and 53 at Harrah's Chester
December 06, 2007
Tracking pacesetter Day After Day the entire mile, Missthrill ($46.60) again proved her affinity for an off track, scoring in her division of the Delaware County late-closer for pacing mares at Harrah's Chester on a snowy Wednesday afternoon. The 8-year-old JB Stena mare left alertly before yield
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The Meadows adds Dec. 28 race card
December 06, 2007
The Meadows has announced it will add a live racing program on Friday, December 28, with a post time of 12:15 p.m.
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Flirtin Man heading to Sweden
December 06, 2007
According to reports from Sweden, the 3-year-old trotter Flirtin Man is being purchased by Bengt-Åke Nyberg of Brettefors Stud, home of Spotlite Lobell and Rotation. Mats "Borga" Andersson, who has horses in both the US (with Jonas Czernyson) and Sweden, is also among the
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Change in post time Sunday at Woodbine
December 06, 2007
Post time for Woodbine's Sunday night harness racing card has been moved back to 8 pm, 30 minutes later than usual, and will feature just nine races. The reason is because the final card of the 2007 Woodbine Thoroughbred season was drawn today with a season-high 13 races and a whopping 1
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Tetrick adds four, now up to 1,113 wins
December 05, 2007
Pacific Filly, overlooked at 6-1, could not be caught in the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace on another windy and chilly card Tuesday at Dover Downs, with Tony Morgan having a four-bagger and Tim Tetrick also winning four races to bring his record total of w
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JD's Dragon named Batavia's Horse of the Year
December 05, 2007
Batavia Downs' vice president of racing and gaming Michael D. Kane announced Wednesday that by unanimous vote, J D’s Dragon has been selected as Horse of the Year at the recently concluded 2007 harness meet at Batavia Downs Gaming.   In 18 Batavia starts, JD’s Dragon won 10, with four se
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Top Garden State Sire Stakes horses are named
December 05, 2007
Deweycheatumnhowe, the undefeated 2-year-old trotting colt who dominated his opposition in New Jersey and nationally, has been selected New Jersey Sire Stakes Horse of the Year for 2007.   The award, which is voted annually by the Sire Stakes Board of Trustees, is based only on performances i
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Watta Hotshot wins 1st of year, Arts Mattjesty surprises
December 04, 2007
Watta Hotshot found the winner's circle for the first time in 2007 while longshot Arts Mattjesty pulled a surprise to win their respective $35,287 Matron 3-Year-Old Colt Pace eliminations Monday at Dover Downs.   Before his Matron elim, Watta Hotshot, second in the Breeders Crown
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Master Pine trots to lifetime best at Chester
December 04, 2007
Master Pine ($2.80), driven by Tim Tetrick, found the lead early and never looked back, holding off all competitors in the Liberty Bell late-closing series for trotters Monday afternoon at Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack. Leaving aggressively for early contention, as did nearly the entire f
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Gale warning post in Pompano winner's circle
December 04, 2007
After having a four-race winning streak snapped last week when beaten a half-length by top local trotter Tweedle Dum, Gale Warning returned to his winning ways on Monday when scoring impressively in the featured $14,000 Open Handicap Trot at Pompano Park, covering the mile in 1:55.3.  
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Down Under trip possible for Total Truth
December 04, 2007
Trainer George Teague Jr. confirmed to harnessracing.com Tuesday morning that he is considering accepting an invitation to bring Total Truth to Australia to compete in the Inter Dominion Series that begins next February and runs through the final on March 1.   “I was approached by a represent
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Trotting colt Laddie going to Sweden
December 04, 2007
Laddie, the third-place finisher in the 2007 Hambletonian, was recently examined in Canada by Swedish trainer Olle Goop and approved for purchase by Knutsson Trotting AB of Sweden.   Laddie, a son of Angus Hall and the Valley Victory mare Victory Dreamer, has a record of 1:53
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Entries still being taken for Meadowlands mixed sale
December 04, 2007
Entries are being taken through Friday, Dec. 7, for the Jan. 21 Meadowlands Select Mixed Sale. On Monday the Garden State Sales Company announced that its Jan. 14 Harrisburg Super Sale was cancelled, so the Meadowlands Select Mixed Sale is now the only mixed auction scheduled for January. &nbs
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Tetrick's year makes New York Times
December 04, 2007
Tim Tetrick’s record-breaking year in the sulky--most wins, most earnings and most drives, just to mention three--has already garnered him national attention that included ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today, and in Tuesday’s New York Times writer Bill Finley profiles the 26 year old’s
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Georgian Downs cancels Tuesday
December 04, 2007
Because of snow and ice that have blanketed the region the past three days, Georgian Downs has announced it has canceled its Tuesday night program because of poor track conditions. The track will also remain closed for training Wednesday. The next live program is scheduled for Saturday night.
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Woodbine's Autumn Series 2FP rescheduled for Friday
December 04, 2007
Woodbine’s $39,600(C) Ontario-Sired Autumn Series for 2-year-old filly pacers was not contested Monday night after the card was canceled due to poor track conditions, but the race has been rescheduled for Friday night. The post positions will remain the same:   PP Horse (driver
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Badlands Jaden fastest in DSBF splits
December 03, 2007
Despite a steady light rain and a track labeled as "sloppy," fast competitive racing highlighted four $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund finals for 2 year olds on Sunday at Dover Downs, with Westgate Mike and Juanita, winning the trot finals. Dover Dolly withstood a judges' inquiry
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Three Of Spades rallies with late all-in move
December 03, 2007
Eight lengths separated Three Of Spades ($3.80) from leader Dark Sign through the far turn, but a :27.3 final quarter was enough for Three Of Spades to prevail in his second consecutive Commodore Barry late-closer division Sunday afternoon at Harrah’s Chester.   The 4-year-old Cam’s Card
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Batavia's 'win machine' notches 18th of the year
December 03, 2007
For the third time in his last five starts, William Varney’s Pembroke Cushy took home the top prize in the $9,000 Open Pace on Saturday night at Batavia Downs Gaming. The closing night feature was named in honor of Taco Bell restaurants, the sponsor of the 2007 Caring for Kids Toy drive pr
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Campbell honored by home town
December 03, 2007
Should you take a 25 minute drive northwest of London, Ontario, across highway 7, you’ll notice something different as you approach the village of Ailsa Craig as on all three major roads leading into the municipality from the east, west or south, you’ll be greeted by a huge sign bearing the picture
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Scarborough cancels Monday due to winter storm
December 03, 2007
Scarborough Downs’ Monday live harness card became the latest victim of the nation’s first major winter storm as the slow moving low pressure system transformed the seaside oval into a scene straight out of Currier and Ives, necessitating the cancellation of the afternoon program. “The foreca
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Tetrick sets busiest-driver record as he surpasses Filion
December 03, 2007
With wins in the first two races at Harrah's Chester Monday afternoon, Tim Tetrick increased his record-setting victory total in 2007 to 1,102, and he also became the all-time leader in single-season drives as he broke Herve Filion's previous mark of 4,356 drives in 1988.   Tetrick, who turne
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Awards at Saratoga Harness
December 03, 2007
Top human and equine stars were honored Sunday night as the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, in conjunction with the Saratoga chapter of the US Harness Writers Association, held its annual awards dinner at the Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.   Gimmebackmybullets won 20
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Always A Virgin to race in 2008
December 03, 2007
The owners of Always A Virgin have announced that he will race again in 2008 and Bob Boni of Northwood Bloodstock, one of the owners of Always A Virgin, is optimistic that the colt will come back even stronger.   "We are all very excited about racing again next year and adding to hi
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Varenne frozen semen available
December 03, 2007
Preferred Equine Marketing, in conjunction with Southwind Farms, has announced it will be the exclusive agent for the frozen semen of world champion Varenne in 2008.   Varenne 1:51.1-1:51.3f, who turned in one of the most memorable Breeders Crown victories in recent memory, retired as th
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Harrah's Chester to feature 2008 Super Stakes Sunday
December 03, 2007
Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack has been awarded 140 live racing days for its 2008 season, track officials have announced. The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission approved the venue’s dates request at its Nov. 20 meeting.   Under the schedule filed with the state, the Chestermeet w
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Four Oil Burner divisions held at Big M
December 02, 2007
Prolific 3-year-old pacer Panaramic Art extended his winning streak to 13 races in a $23,000 division of the Oil Burner Series on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.George Brennan steered the son of Hot Pans to a career mark of 1:50.3 in the evening’s fifth race. Panaramic Art paid $2.60. I
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Two receive Gallo Blue Chip scholarships
December 02, 2007
Horseowner and New York real estate manager Martin Scharf presented Gallo Blue Chip Scholarship awards to college students Andrea Nickerson and Te’neisha Washington on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.Andrea Nickerson, a pre-med student at Elmira College, received the $15,000 first prize scholarshi
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A no nonsense win at Pompano
December 02, 2007
After three consecutive defeats where he was beaten a neck or less for everything, No Nonsense Yankee was at his very best on Saturday when capturing the featured $14,000 Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park, stopping the timer in a lifetime-best 1:51.1.   Driven from post
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Just The Beginning wins fourth straight
December 02, 2007
Just The Begrinning ran his current win streak to four while Clowns Smile turned in the fastest mile in Saturday night's trio of $20,000 Ontario Sired Autumn Series eliminations for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers at Woodbine Racetrack.   With regular driver Jody Jamieson at the controls,
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