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The Meadows to go dark for 2 weeks as casino nears opening
March 31, 2009
Live racing at The Meadows will be suspended from Wednesday, April 1, through Tuesday, April 14, to allow for completion of the track's permanent casino. During that two-week dark period, on-site simulcast racing also will be suspended. Patrons are invited to attend any of the track's four off-tra
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105 fillies nominated to 2009 Jugette
March 31, 2009
The $400,000 (est.) Jugette Filly pace may be the most wide open in years, with Pedigree Snob and Hawaiian Drink the slight preseason favorites among the 105 fillies eligible to the 39th Jugette to be raced Wednesday, Sept. 23. at the Delaware, Ohio County Fair.Steve Jones of Montgomery, N
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Ray's Big Bubba wins fastest Dover split in 1:53.4
March 31, 2009
Allamerican Idol won the $42,000 Open/Preferred Handicap, while four $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund colt pace second-leg events highlighted the racing on Monday at Dover Downs. Ray's Big Bubba went right to the front and Ross Wolfenden pointed him forward and the Badlands Hanove
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Florida steroid rules now in effect
March 31, 2009
Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering new rules banning the use of anabolic steroids in race horses went into effect on Monday.   “The adoption of these new rules ensures that Florida is keeping pace with the national racing commu
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Widger to drive at Hoosier Park 2 days a week
March 31, 2009
Several new names have graced Hoosier Park’s entry sheets during the first week of racing, including Sam Widger, a veteran of the Chicago circuit. Widger was on hand for the opening day program Tuesday, March 24, winning the $25,000 Invitational Handicap trot behind Speed N The Tunnel.  
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Second-leg divisions at Dover go to bettors' choices
March 30, 2009
Favorites Tom's Toy and AJ's Lilgamblingal took the $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund second leg preliminaries Sunday at Dover Downs, with chalk prevailing in the two $15,000 Go The Distance divisions. The favorites prevailed in the all-DSBF daily double where the 7-2 combinati
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Michigan adopts whipping rules
March 30, 2009
Racing commissioner Christine C. White on Monday gave notice to Michigan’s harness horse racing industry that effective May 1 strict penalties and suspensions will be awarded those harness drivers who excessively use a whip on a horse during a race. "The health, safety and welfare of the
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Ten-win weekend for 'The Orange Crush'
March 30, 2009
It was an Orange Crush weekend at the Big M as a day after winning five races on the Saturday night card, driver Andy Miller won five more Sunday afternoon. Miller drove Western Shore ($14.40) to victory in Saturday night’s Invitational and returned to the winner’s circle one race later after
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Thong to make 2009 debut on Pocono opener Wednesday
March 30, 2009
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is reintroducing night racing Wednesday (April 1) as the 2009 live harness racing season gets underway.  Post time is 6:30 pm for the season’s opener, and a filly and mare field that includes Thong will be the feature of the card.   There will be live action a
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Frank Ives, once managed Fair Winds Farm, dies
March 30, 2009
Frank T. Ives III, 65, who managed Fair Winds Farm during the 1980s and later Windswept Farm in New York, died Saturday. Ives, who was living in Delaware at the time of his death, had been working outside of horse racing at H & R Ewell Trucking Company.   Ives is survi
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Levy Series opens, Blueridge Western wins fastest split
March 29, 2009
Levy Series opens, Blueridge Western wins fastest split Thirty-one of the finest Free-For-Allers in training invaded Yonkers Raceway Saturday night (March 28)for the  opening round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. The series, with $1,000,000 in total purses, offers five prel
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Ruffled Tux, Lookout Hanover win at Dover
March 29, 2009
Ruffled Tux won the feature pace while Lookout Hanover took the top trot at Dover Downs on Saturday (March 28). Ruffled Tux was the first of two wins for driver Jon Roberts, which were both trained by Dylan Davis, who shares ownership with Erica Hanley and Warren Racing Stable. The gray altered
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Enough Talk wins second leg of Su Mac Lad
March 28, 2009
Enough Talk [$5.60, $3.00, $2.60] popped out of the pocket in the stretch and easily strode past Likeabatoutahell [$3.40, $2.80] to win the $50,000 second leg of the Su Mac Lad Series on Friday night (March 27) at The Meadowlands. Prayer I Am [$8.80] sat third the whole way and held off Knight
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Marty's Charm fashions front end win at The Meadows
March 28, 2009
Marty's Charm cruised to a front-end victory in the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace on Friday at The Meadows, lifting his career win percentage to an impressive 48.6 (18 wins in 37 starts). Randy Tharps gunned Marty's Charm to the front, where he easily fended off the first over thrust of Jagg
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Its A Good Thing, Allamerican Motive take Youthful Splits
March 28, 2009
Nineteen sophomores butted heads at Woodbine Racetrack on Friday evening as the Rexdale, Ontario oval played host to the opening leg of the Youthful Pacing Series, which featured a pair of $25,000 divisions. Trainer Bob McIntosh teamed up with WEG's dash-leading driver in 2009, Randy Waples, to t
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Mr Feelgood wins Inter Dominion
March 28, 2009
Mr Feelgood, the winner of the 2006 Little Brown Jug, completed what must surely be harness racing's most extraordinary treble Saturday night in Brisbane, Australia, when he won the $A1 million Inter Dominion..Six weeks ago he grabbed the richest harness racing handicap, the Hunter Cu
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Wrenn flying high in opening days at Hoosier
March 27, 2009
Peter Wrenn, winner of more than 7,800 career races, has emerged onto Hoosier Park’s playing field in the zone. The 46-year-old reinsman from Swartz Creek, Mich. leads the early driver standings with back to back four-win evenings in the first three nights of action for the 80-day Standardbred meet.
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Waples directs Designated Leader to Damsel final victory
March 27, 2009
Randy Waples orchestrated a perfect front-end steer for Murray Brethour pupil, Designated Leader, Thursday night to capture the $75,000(C) final of the Damsel Pacing Series. The 4-year-old daughter of No Pan Intended emerged victorious from a brief tussle for the lead from her outside post p
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Callahan enjoys some tacos at Dover
March 27, 2009
Tacos Du Ruisseau, one of four wins by Corey Callahan, and Hayley Taylor won the Thursday twin-features over a "sloppy" track at Dover Downs. In a $14,000 male pace, Callahan and Tacos Du Ruisseau were strongest in the stretch streaking to a 1:53.2 victory, his third of the year. C.A. Bonuccelli,
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Jersey Girls splits held at Big M; Don't Deny Me wins split
March 27, 2009
Two $20,000 divisions of the Jersey Girls Series highlighted the Thursday night program at the Meadowlands, raced under sloppy conditions. Autumn Magic won the first division while Don’t Deny Me captured the second split.   Brian Sears directed Autumn Magic to a come-from-behind victory in 1:
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Smedshammer sends out strong pair in Su Mac Lad opener
March 27, 2009
A new training regimen has helped Likeabatoutahell become the toast of the open trotting ranks this year. One of two entrants trained by Trond Smedshammer, the 6-year-old gelding bids for his fourth straight win in the $50,000 second leg of the Su Mac Lad series on Friday night at the Meadowlan
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A charismatic victory at Saratoga
March 27, 2009
Last year's Trainer of the Year at Saratoga, Colin Johnson, has picked up right where he left off. Starting out the year atop the trainer standings, Johnson has been dominant since coming to town midway through last season. On Thursday night, Johnson had a training double as Chasing Hope and Charism
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Likeabatoutofhell seems to like treadmill time on Horse Gym2000
March 27, 2009
A new training regimen has helped Likeabatoutahell become the toast of the open trotting ranks this year, and he's now bidding for his fourth straight win in the $50,000 second leg of the Su Mac Lad Series on Friday night at the Meadowlands.   One of two entrants trained by Trond Smedshamme
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Cal-Expo trainer wins in first-ever start
March 27, 2009
Conditioned distaffers, racing for a $4,000 purse, were featured at Cal-Expo on Thursday night, in which Tawny Reserve provided her trainer with a special win. Getting the lead a sixteenth of a mile past the start from post two in the field of eight, Tawny Reserve and driver Steve Wiseman reac
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Ont. announces $26 million Horse Improvement program
March 27, 2009
At its meeting on Wednesday, the Governing Board of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approved the $26.2 million(C) budget for the 2009 Standardbred Horse Improvement Program. This approval provides for increased purses for the 2009 Ontario Sires Stakes Program (OSS), future enhancements to the re
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Marohn wins St. Paddy Pace at Monticello
March 27, 2009
Due to unforeseen circumstances Monticello Raceway’s St. Paddy Pace went to post nine days after its initial schedule, but the wait didn’t make any difference to Jimmy Marohn Jr. who guided Ya Gotta Belief to an easy 1:59.3 triumph in the race for drivers of Irish descent on Thursday. That clocki
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Standardbred wagering conference early bird deadline this week
March 26, 2009
The early bird deadline for the 2009 Standardbred Wagering Conference is this Friday, March 27. The discounted delegate fee of $375 CND, which includes evening events, meals and conference sessions, will only be available up to that date.   The 2009 Standardbred Wagering Conference will
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Wigwam Baby wins top trot at Hoosier Park
March 26, 2009
Wigwam Baby, under the direction of driver Mark O’Mara, proved to be back to winning form in her first start of 2009 Wednesday, March 25. The six-year-old daughter of Padre Hanover won the $22,000 Fillies and Mares Open Invitational Trot in a time of 1:57.2, marking her 20th career win.   &nb
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Time running out to qualify for 2009 NHHC at Meadowlands
March 26, 2009
Only a few weeks remain to qualify for the 2009 National Harness Handicapping Championship.    Harness racing's only tournament to feature a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool, the NHHC will bring together the nation's top handicappers on Saturday, April 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack.  Pl
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Pick four pays record amount at Meadowlands
March 26, 2009
Long shots lit up the tote board in every leg, producing a record $55,410 Pick Four payout on Wednesday, March 25 at the Meadowlands.   The winner correctly chose Southern Comfort [$18.60], Not Quite Forty [$38.80], Riding The Rapids [$85.00] and Julie's Shadow [$13.00] to take down the entir
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A Soprano visits Pompano
March 26, 2009
Sopranos star Vincent Pastore, who portrayed Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on the hit TV series and recently completed a stint on the soap opera General Hospital, was at Pompano Park on Wednesday evening. Pastore came to the track to watch a friend of his compete, trainer/driver Raymond Vizzi,
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Triactor, superfecta rules changed in Ontario
March 26, 2009
The Ontario Racing Commission has released a notice to the industry regarding changes made to triactor and superfecta wagering stating that the ORC Board has approved new directives dealing with triactor and superfecta wagering, reducing the number of betting interests required for the fea
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All 12 races set for November 6, 2010
March 26, 2009
The Breeders Crown, harness racing’s $7 million year-end series, will race all 12 divisional championship events on the same night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in 2010 and at Woodbine in 2011. Next year's Pocono date has tentatively been set for Nov. 6. The 25-year-old series has typically crowned
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Mister Big nominated to defend Winbak Farms title
March 26, 2009
Mister Big, the best older pacer in North America and winner of both the Dan Patch and Nova awards in 2008, headlines an all-star cast of 36 free-for-allers eligible to the $100,000 (est.) Winbak Farms Pace, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, at the Delaware, Ohio County Fair. Mister Big
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Florida Senate says ok to no limits on Texas Hold'em
March 26, 2009
The Florida state Senate has passed a bill allowing for no limit on Texas Hold'em games at pari-mutuel operations, as well as Seminole tribal gaming facilities. Presently, card games at the pari-mutuels have a $100 limit, a stake players have complained is too small.   The Isle Pompano P
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New yearling sale in Pennsylvania
March 26, 2009
A new yearling sale, the Breeders Select Sales Company, has been formed and will be held at Pocono Downs on Monday, Oct. 12, and consignments from Nandi Farms, Winbak Farm, Walnridge of PA, Vieux Carre Farm, Fox Den Farm and others have already been accepted. The new sale, which will be li
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Books closed for stallions Mach Three, Jereme's Jet, Kadabra
March 26, 2009
Tara Hills Stud has announced that the 2009 books for its stallions Mach Three, Jereme's Jet and Kadabra are now full and closed. It is expected that the book on No Pan Intended will also be closing soon.   "We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support to our s
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A dame takes the Dover feature on pacing ladies day
March 25, 2009
It was pacing ladies day Tuesday at Dover Downs with Apache Dame winning the $32,500 Mares Open Pace and Wannahuckaloogi taking the $25,000 Jr. Mares Open. Apache Dame held off Lady Mach and Corey Callahan in deep stretch to score a 1:53.1 triumph with Ross Wolfenden holding t
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World champion Esmeralda Semalu wins again
March 25, 2009
She is not the newest world record holder in harness racing by chance as Esmeralda Semalu ($2.60) strutted her stuff once again, winning the $16,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace Tuesday at the Isle Pompano Park.   Racing again against rival world record holder, U All BB, Esmeralda Semalu and tra
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31 older pacers flavor opening round of Levy Series
March 25, 2009
A Baskin Robbins-approved 31 horses have entered the opening round of Yonkers Raceway's George  Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. That number necessitated four $50,0000 divisions Saturday night. The million-dollar (est.) series, the Raceway's premier free-for-all event, is comprised of five
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Gulotta talks slots with New Jersey committee
March 25, 2009
Owner-breeder Michael Gulotta told a panel of state senators that slots in New Jersey’s racetracks will be a winner for the state’s budget as well as horsemen. Gulotta presented 2,000 words of testimony at a public hearing of the New Jersey State Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee on
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Zahn to be remembered at Balmoral April 4
March 25, 2009
Right up until his death two months before his 80th birthday in 2002, Harold Zahn could be found in the second-floor clubhouse at Balmoral Park, watching and wagering on the harness races. It didn't take long for his son and daughter-in-law, Dale and LaVonne Zahn, to launch what has become an annual
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Balmoral photographer profiled in Chicago Tribune
March 25, 2009
Wednesday’s Chicago Tribune carries a story of David Baum, the 22-year-old college senior who is also the Balmoral Park track photographer. The Tribune story gives Baum’s insight on taking his finish-line shots at the racetrack located in Crete, Ill. To read the Chicago Tribune’s story on Baum click
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First Day of Racing with Indiana’s New Whipping Rule
March 25, 2009
Tuesday was opening day for season 15 of racing at Hoosier Park, but it was the first day of racing in compliance with Indiana’s stringent new whipping rule. The rule, recently adopted by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, is the first-of-its-kind regulation and requires handholds to be taut with
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Warrawee Koine sweeps Woodbine series
March 24, 2009
Even if she hadn’t gone to the gate at odds of 1-2, there would have been little question who was the filly to beat in the $45,800(C) final of the Silver Reign Pacing Series. Warrawee Koine, a strapping black filly sent out by Warrawee Farm in Rockwood, Ont., has been utterly dominant in this seri
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Ohio Attorney General says no to casino ballot
March 24, 2009
On Monday Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray refused Monday to certify a petition to place an issue authorizing casinos on the statewide ballot in November, saying the petition must be more specific in naming the locations of the casinos. The proposal calls for casinos in Cleveland, Col
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Pompano trot comes with a winning dash of salt
March 24, 2009
Too Salty ($14.80) proved to be at his best at the Isle Pompano Park Monday, taking it to race favorite Slave Dream in capturing the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot in 1:55.   The feature race started off with Keystone Empire (Wally Hennessey) shooting to the early lead from post five and cutting
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Purse increase set at Yonkers
March 24, 2009
Yonkers Raceway has announced an across-the-board purse increase, effective next Monday, March 30. The increases range from $1,000 for the bottom claiming/conditioned class to $9,000 for the weekly Open Handicaps--trotters, pacers and distaff pacers. That trio shall now race for $40,000 each.
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DSBF 3CP preliminaries underway at Dover
March 24, 2009
Ray's Big Bubba, Everlasting Pride, Al Ibad Spider and Three Ten won the four Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) 3-year-old preliminaries Monday at Dover Downs, while longshot Idle Hour won the $40,000 Open Preferred Handicap Trot and Art Director took the $37,500 Delaware Special. &
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Suit filed in New Jersey to gain sports betting
March 24, 2009
The Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey has joined a group headed by New Jersey State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak which filed suit in federal district court on Monday morning to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA) and open the door to l
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Two straight wins at Big M for Share The Delight
March 24, 2009
Trainer Linda Toscano says Share The Delight, a winner of two straight at the Meadowlands, will race at tracks not far from his home base at Showplace Farms this season.   “We learned a lot about him last year and how easily he gets stressed. He seems to really thrive on a routine. Every
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Michigan Hall of Famer Charlie Kline dies
March 24, 2009
Michigan Harness Racing Hall of Famer Charlie Kline died on Sunday at age 85. Mr. Kline was the presiding judge at county fairs in Michigan for more than 40 years. He was the speed secretary at the Midland County Fair since 1958 and was instrumental in starting the Spartan Futurity in 1996.  
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Historic finish highlights Tuesday card in Pittsburgh
March 24, 2009
The Meadows had its first-ever triple dead heat Tuesday afternoon in the 10th race on the card as Tsm Goldenridge, Serious Damage and Teen Elvis all reached the wire simultaneously in 1:53.4. It was the first triple dead heat since Feb. 28, 2008, at Saratoga Raceway and the 25th overall in harn
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1990 Horse of the Year suffers colic in New Zealand
March 24, 2009
Beach Towel, the 1990 Harness Horse of the Year and the broodmare sire of 2008 Harness Horse of the Year Somebeachsomewhere, died Saturday following a severe attack of colic. The news was reported by Dr. Andrew Grierson of Woodlands Stud in New Zealand, where Beach Towel had stood for several years,
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Shetler wins four on opening day Hoosier card
March 24, 2009
Robin I Scoot, Indiana’s 2008 Horse of the Year, proved he hasn’t lost his touch, winning the season opener at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino Tuesday, March 24. The victory for Robin I Scoot and driver Bill Dailey was recorded in their first start of the season in the $23,000 Inaugural Pace for invi
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DSBF gets underway at Dover for 3-year-old fillies
March 23, 2009
The Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund 3-year-old preliminaries got underway with Tom's Toy, AJ's Lilgamblngal and Little Bit Tricky winning the three $20,000 first leg filly paces on Sunday at Dover Downs.   Tom's Toy, a Powerful Toy-Glowing Hans bay, the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund
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Hoosier Park celebrates Sweet 15
March 23, 2009
When Hoosier Park Racing & Casino opens its doors for a 15th season of harness racing on Tuesday, March 24, few aspects of the program will resemble what was offered in 2008. Much has changed since last July, with new officials overseeing the racing program, a new post time schedule and the prom
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Auckland Reactor draws poorly; still favored by bettors
March 23, 2009
Auckland Reactor became the favorite to win the $1A million Inter Dominion final on March 28 after he captured the last qualifying round on Saturday night, March 21, and not even the worst possible starting position--gate 13, outside the second tier--has stopped bettors from unloading their cas
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Big payoff at Monticello
March 23, 2009
Talk about winning a lot with just a little. How about this…some lucky off-track superfecta bettor raked down  $4,922.25 for a ten cent wager. It happened at Monticello Raceway in the seventh race on the Monday program after horses with the saddlecloth numbers 7-8-5-1 finished in that
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Ocean Downs contract agreement reached
March 22, 2009
Published reports state that an agreement has been reached between Ocean Downs and the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association that calls for the Maryland track to race 40 nights in 2009 with $900,000 for purses coming from the track, and for the backstretch to close in December. The three-year-a
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Southwestern Dream, Chasin Racin score in Big M features
March 22, 2009
Hall of Fame driver John Campbell scored a stakes double Saturday night at the Meadowlands, taking the $132,000 Four Leaf Clover with Southwestern Dream and $104,400 Matt’s Scooter with Chasin Racin.  Campbell and Southwestern Dream, who paid $108 to win the Aquarius last month, teamed for thei
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Anderlecht surprises in Cam Fella final
March 22, 2009
Anderlecht took advantage of a perfect inside trip, and a few breaks along the way, to post an upset victory in Saturday’s $77,500(C) Cam Fella Pacing Series final at Woodbine. Phil Hudon engineered the winning trip from post two with the 4-year-old son of Cam's Card Shark-Princess Chablis who got a
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Ranger doubles up in Pompano features
March 22, 2009
Driver Bruce Ranger was able to capture both feature races at the Isle Pompano Park Saturday.   Ranger, 49, started off the evening lead from start to finish with I Can Only Imagine ($2.60) in the first race $16,000 Open Pace. Cutting fractions of :28.1, :56.2 and 1:25, I Can Only Imagine ki
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King Cat rules at Yonkers; Sagamore Hill Series gets underway
March 22, 2009
Grinding his way to glory, King Cat Anvil N annexed Yonkers Raceway's featured $31,000 Open  Handicap Pace Saturday night. The Strattons--driver Jordan and trainer Dave--team up as King Cat Anvil N was patient from post position four. Inside assignee Cheyenne Hollywood  (Cat Manzi) broke
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Forward to represent Canada in World Driving Championship
March 22, 2009
Eight of Canada's best drivers converged at Fraser Downs on Saturday afternoon for a chance to represent the country in the World Driving Championship and with two wins, one second and three thirds, Brad Forward earned the 2009 National Driving Championship title with a total of 65 points. Goi
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Wholeftthegateopen closes door on Dover rivals
March 22, 2009
Buster Mee N, a 25-1 shot won the $17,000 feature, Enessee Ernie won a $16,500 trot, and Rare Bunny set a new North American record for the five-eighths mile distance winning one of four $10,000 Go The Distance II races on a longshot-filled Saturday at Dover Downs, where Mike Cole drove his 1,000th
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David Miller drives 9,000th winner
March 22, 2009
It’s 9,000 wins and counting for 44-year-old driver David Miller, who hit the milestone on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands, becoming the  third youngest driver to ever reach that mark. Both Walter Case Jr. and Dave Palone reached the 9,000-win milestone younger than Miller. With his win be
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Darlin's Delight takes series finale for pacing mares at Big M
March 21, 2009
Darlin’s Delight ($5.80) held off the late rally of Chancey Lady to win the $123,000 Overbid final for open pacing mares Friday night at the Meadowlands.An early scramble forced 6-5 favorite Martha Maxine three wide on the opening turn as she claimed the lead from Chancey Lady in :27.4. Da
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Su Mac Lad opener goes to Likeabatoutahell
March 21, 2009
Likeabatoutahell dug in under pressure to win the $50,000 opening leg of the Su Mac Lad Series for open trotters Friday night at the Meadowlands. The 2008 divisional champion Enough Talk was first to brush to the lead, but Brian Sears and Likeabatoutahell quickly stole command before the half.&
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Rushmore Hanover scores in Yonkers feature
March 21, 2009
Rushmore Hanover outdrew his seven rivals and made 'em all pay Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's featured $21,000 high-conditioned trot. With Brent Holland driving for trainer Larry Remmen, Rushmore Hanover stuffed 8-5 choice Stunt Man Hall (Jason Bartlett) into the pocket before a  29-
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A midnight romp at Woodbine
March 21, 2009
Rick Zeron and Midnite Romp came on strong with a :26.4 final quarter to capture the $48,200(C) final of the Apaches Fame Pacing Series at Woodbine Friday night. Herestopatrick and Luc Ouellette made a rush for the early lead from the outside post position, but by the quarter pole were overtaken by
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Gulotta to testify before NJ Budget and Appropriations Committee
March 20, 2009
A large turnout of trainers, drivers, breeders, owners and others who favor racetrack slots would be helpful to support the efforts of prominent horse owner and breeder Michael J. Gulotta, who will be testifying at a public hearing of the New Jersey State Senate Budget & Appropriations Committ
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High stakes for Card Dealer in Cam Fella Final
March 20, 2009
A Camluck gelding named Card Dealer will be playing for the biggest stakes of his career this Saturday night, March 21, when he makes a bid to win the $77,500 final of the Cam Fella Pacing Series at Woodbine.   At barely the age of four, Card Dealer already has 50 starts under his belt, but t
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New gate at The Meadows helps outside horses win more
March 20, 2009
In February, The Meadows introduced a new starting gate with a deeper slant to allow horses drawn outside to be closer to the gate at the start than those posted inside. The goal was to mitigate the disadvantages of an unfavorable draw, thereby creating more exciting racing for fans and a more level
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Red Mile development plan unveiled
March 20, 2009
Although construction in Lexington, KY has slowed to a crawl, just like in most parts of the country, The Red Mile unveiled plans on Thursday night to develop 68 acres of the track's property. The Red Mile Village Development Plan was presented to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commissi
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Jersey Girls series underway at Meadowlands
March 20, 2009
Don’t Deny Me sat second over and slingshot past tiring leaders to win the first of two divisions of the $20,000 Jersey Girls Series Thursday night at the Meadowlands.   Dave Miller and Don’t Deny Me [$5.20 $3.80 $3.00] followed Natalie up the backstretch as she tried to pass the leader, Say
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Allamerican Idol on the rise at the Meadowlands
March 20, 2009
Allamerican Idol, a bargain purchase who has blossomed under patient handling, bids for his second Meadowlands stakes title this season in the $132,000 Four Leaf Clover Final on Saturday night, March 21. The Complex Series champion, trained by Tom Fanning, is rated at 10-1 on the morning line from
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Buter stablemates take two of three in Damsel Series divisions
March 20, 2009
Stablemates Park Avenue and Gottogetoutmore delivered a one-two punch in the first of two $35,000(C) divisions of the Damsel Pacing Series second leg at Woodbine Thursday evening. Seven lasses went postward in the initial split, with Todd Buter pupils Park Avenue and Gottogetoutmore going as
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McFlirty sets career best in Dover feature
March 20, 2009
McFlirty notched her first win of the year while Blowout Hanover won his third straight in the Thursday double feature paces at Dover Downs. Trainer Bobby Reeser sent out his second winner of the day when Bonnie Benson's McFlirty reduced her lifetime mark to 1:55.2 in a $10,500 fillies and mares
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Apaches Fame final down to six
March 20, 2009
Just six sophomore colts will be going postward in the $48,200 final of the Apaches Fame Pacing Series on Friday night at Woodbine … but the race is anything but a foregone conclusion. Three strong candidates for the championship have emerged in this series:  Bob McIntosh trainee, Its A Good T
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Classic Series supplements due Monday
March 20, 2009
Supplemental entries for the 2009 edition of The Classic Series (TCS) must be received in the office of The Hambletonian Society by the close of business on Monday, March 23. The payment levels, along with a list of nominees, may be accessed at www.theclassicseries.com. TCS starts the season at Dov
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Possess The Magic, P-Glide, Flirtin Miss deliver at Brittany
March 20, 2009
It was a week that had been highly anticipated by Brittany Farms since the end of last breeding season, and the results started coming Saturday, March 14, when Possess The Magic delivered her first foal, a filly by 2006 trotting Triple Crown winner Glidemaster.   Then on Thursday night
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Announcement expected soon regarding Breeders Crown format
March 20, 2009
The Breeders Crown, harness racing’s $7 million year-end series is considering changes to format and venue after the 2009 series. Since 1999, the Breeders Crown events have been divided into four races for open horses in late summer and eight for 2 and 3 year olds in the fall, a format that flo
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TrackMaster announces handicapping contest
March 20, 2009
TrackMaster, in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association and BetAmerica, announced that their spring handicapping contest is open, with the first race date for selections on Saturday, March 21.Over $3,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded during the contest.  The grand priz
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Florida legislature wants to rein in table games
March 20, 2009
According to reports, legislation will be introduced in the Florida House of Representatives next week that will limit tribal casinos, such as the Seminole Tribe operations in South Florida, to slots, and prohibit their present table game business.   In 2007 Florida Gov. Charlie Cri
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Red Mile announces it has
March 20, 2009
The Red Mile has issued a press release in which it announced that it has "resolved all differences with Jan Johnson, Bob McIntosh, Jim Arledge and Joe Seekman," and that each of the trainers plans to race horses at the historic track this year.   The Red Mile's press release issued Friday, M
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Meadows permanent casino set for April 15 opening
March 19, 2009
The Meadows will not be racing April 1 through April 14, and during that time the finishing touches will be put on the new Meadows Racetrack & Casino, which is now scheduled to have its grand opening at 10 am on Wednesday, April 14. The new $175 million permanent casino is one of the largest on
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Copeland steers 7-1 upset winner in Delaware feature
March 19, 2009
LT's best won the $32,000 Open Trot and Jobo Da'Shabra took the $21,000 trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday, while Tony Morgan had four winning drives. Razor-sharp LT's Best, driven by Vince Copeland, held off a strong stretch drive by Joey The Jet JT and Ross Wolfenden by half a length to win
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Diva rules in top trot at The Meadows
March 19, 2009
Dynamite Diva controlled the field with a measured first half but had to dig in late to preserve her victory in the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot on Wednesday at The Meadows. When Aaron Merriman sent Dynamite Diva through early fractions of :28.1 and :58, she had plenty left in
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Booze Cruzin to make 2009 debut Friday
March 19, 2009
Broekhuis Stables' Booze Cruzin, the 2007 winner of the Windy City Pace at Maywood Park, will make his 2009 debut on Friday night when he takes on seven rivals in a $9,500 conditioned event. The multiple stakes winning son of Art’s Conquest is the 2-1 morning line favorite despite coming back from a
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Flurry of finals on tap at the Meadowlands
March 19, 2009
The action gets underway Friday (March 20) with the $123,000 Overbid Final and $50,000 opening leg of the Su Mac Lad Series on the card. Martha Maxine bids for her second series crown in the Overbid for open pacing mares. She is rated as the 8-5 morning line favorite from post nine (head number eigh
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SRF has additional breedings for sale
March 19, 2009
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) has announced that it has an updated list of breedings available, and among the stallions new to the list are Western Ideal and Valley Victor. Others available include Conway Hall and Rocknroll Hanover.   For a complete lis
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Poker Shark goes from first to last at Dover
March 19, 2009
In an example of a not often imposed penalty, driver Kevin Sizer was disqualified from first and placed last for a too-slow second quarter  in the second race at Dover Downs on Wednesday, March 18.  Sizer and pacer Poker Shark wrestled the lead from Grab The Fortune and driver Tony Morga
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Ohio commission ready to present VLT plan to legislature
March 19, 2009
The Ohio State Racing Commission unanimously endorsed a proposal outlined by commissioner Thomas Zaino for VLTs at Ohio’s seven tracks at its monthly meeting on Thursday, and the proposal will now be forwarded to the Ohio General Assembly for consideration.   Zaino, who served as Ohio’s tax c
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The score is now Jans Luck 8, Spring Break 5
March 19, 2009
Jans Luck let her archrival Spring Break do all the heavy lifting, then surged by in the “Lightning Lane” on Thursday at The Meadows to capture the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace. Spring Break rolled through the first three panels in 1:24.2, swift enough to thwart the first-over
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Stroll in the Pompano park for U All BB
March 18, 2009
World record holder U All BB ($2.60) strolled to an easy victory Tuesday at the Isle Pompano Park, leading from start to finish in the $14,000 Mares Open II Pace.   Trained and driven to victory by Bruce Ranger for the Fred Monteleone Stable of Pompano Beach, U All BB cut all the fractions i
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Mare rallies from behind to win St. Patrick's Day feature
March 18, 2009
Hopefull N circled the field to score a 1:53.2 victory in the $32,000 Mares Jr. Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on the St. Patrick's Day program Tuesday.   With two of the eight listed starters scratched, Hopefull N sat last at the half and was still last but outside following cover
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Special Report set to defend Levy championship
March 18, 2009
Thirty-four of the finest free-for-allers in training have been nominated to the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series, a staple of Yonkers Raceway’s stakes schedule. The 2009 Levy, with an estimated total purse of $1 million, begins with the first of five preliminary legs--each race wort
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Purdon receives six-week suspension for Auckland Reactor drive
March 18, 2009
Mark Purdon, the trainer-driver of Down-Under star pacer Auckland Reactor, has been given a six-week suspension from the Queensland Harness Racing Stewards as a result of a questionable drive in last Saturday's opening round of the $1 million Inter Dominion Series at Parklands Raceway. Although Auck
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Harness Racing Museum looking for relatives of Immortals
March 18, 2009
The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame will induct eight significant contributors to the sport into its Hall of Immortals this coming Hall of Fame Day, Sunday, July 5. The inductees are artist Nicholas Winfield Scott Leighton (1847-1898), equine photographer George Francis Schreiber (1803-1892
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Pompano cancels Wednesday card due to weather
March 18, 2009
Due to inclement weather, live harness racing at the Isle Pompano Park has been canceled for Wednesday, March 18. The track will be open for simulcasting. Live racing will resume on Saturday, March 21.  
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166 nominated to 2009 Little Brown Jug
March 17, 2009
Two-year-old colt pacing champions Major In Art and Nebupanezzar are early co-favorites to win the 64th Little Brown Jug, with the $650,000 (est.) Classic scheduled for Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, at the Delaware, Ohio County Fairgrounds.A total of 166 three-year-old colts and geldings r
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Filly notches third straight win in Silver Reign
March 17, 2009
The undefeated Warrawee Koine extended her win streak to three on Monday night in the $20,000(C) second leg of the Silver Reign Pacing Series, setting herself up for a series sweep. Mike Saftic positioned the black Astreos filly, who went off at 1-2 odds, comfortably behind early pacesetter
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Seven straight deserves front page star
March 17, 2009
Front Page Star ($2.80) certainly deserves front page coverage as the winningest horse at the Isle Pompano Park in 2009 posted his seventh straight win Monday.   Driven by Anthony Napolitano, Front Page Star started from post four in the $4,500 pace and got away in fifth place as Leuten
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Rebel with an upset cause at Dover
March 17, 2009
Unheralded Kentucky Rebel pulled a 25-1 upset in the $37,500 Delaware Special Handicap at Dover Downs on Monday while Ron Pierce had a five-win night. Rodney Mitchell and trainer Johnny Waite's Kentucky Rebel stepped up in class after a 9-1 surprise last week to win for the third time in fo
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Vernon, Tioga holding qualifiers for Handicapping Contest
March 17, 2009
Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs are gearing up for their National Harness Handicapping Qualifying Championships.   Vernon Downs will be the first on the schedule, which will be held on Saturday, March 28, starting at 6 pm. The format for the handicapping championship will be the first five races
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Youbet.com launches Conditional Wagering
March 17, 2009
Youbet.com announced Tuesday that the company has launched an exciting new feature for its Youbet Express customers–Conditional Wagering. The new feature launched last week, and customers are already able to take advantage when wagering at their favorite racetracks.  “Conditional Wagering is e
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Lollique sets 1:53.4 track mark at Meadows; Vivid Photo races
March 17, 2009
Lolique confidently pulled the pocket early and didn’t stop pouring it on until he had won the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot on Tuesday at The Meadows in 1:53.4, setting a track record for older geldings. Vivid Photo, the 2005 Hambletonian champion, made his 2009 debut but was raced conservat
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150 3YO pacing colts eligible to Adios
March 16, 2009
Following the Feb. 15 payment, 150 three-year-old colts and geldings remain eligible for the “Pace for the Orchids,” a nearly 55 percent increase over last year’s pool of eligibles. World champion Sheer Desire, the fastest freshman of 2008, and Well Said, winner of the 2008 Breeders Crown 2-Year-O
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Monticello owner facing losses, big loan payments
March 16, 2009
Empire Resorts, the owner of Monticello Gaming & Raceway, has told its shareholders it might not survive the summer, and it has a $7.15 million payment due to a bank on May 29.   Monticello Gaming & Raceway is scheduled to race through Dec. 31.   According to a story on the web
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Monticello cancels Monday race card
March 16, 2009
Due to continued thawing track conditions, Monticello Raceway has canceled its Monday race card. Track conditions permitting, racing will resume on Tuesday, March 17, with first post slated at 1:10 p.m.
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Odds On Artist posts easy win in Hopeful
March 15, 2009
Artists Rally, to the surprise of very few, won Saturday night's (March 14) $49,400 final of Yonkers Raceway's Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings. With Ryan Anderson driving for trainer Mark Ford, Artists Rally -- a winner in both of his series prelim events -- outdrew his
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Lucky Jim follows up world record with 1:53 win
March 15, 2009
The lucky streak continued for Lucky Jim as he completed a series sweep with a 1:53 stakes record in the $96,000 Horse & Groom Final Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands. Starting from the outside post, driver Andy Miller floated Lucky Jim off the starting gate and settled fifth before picking up
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It's an easy win for Its That Time
March 15, 2009
Its That Time utilized a perfect third-over trip to take the $25,000 second leg of the Four Leaf Clover Series on Saturday night (March 14) at the Meadowlands. Driven by Daniel Dube, Its That Time ($21.00, $7.80, $5.80) was relaxed in seventh as the field moved down the backstretch, but moved t
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Hellava Hush retired at Pompano
March 15, 2009
A special blanket presentation was made after the third race on Saturday (March 14) at the Isle Pompano Park to the owner and trainer of the great trotter, Hellava Hush, who due to injury has been retired from racing. A 9-year-old gelding by Lindy Lane, from the Arndon mare Kindava Hush, Hellav
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McGibson wins Hopeful; Jordan's Jewell defeated
March 14, 2009
McGibson went the distance on Friday night, March 13, winning Yonkers Raceway's $47,400 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies. With Brent Holland taking a seat for trainer Linda Toscano, McGibson, a daughter of McArdle, made short work of her seven rivals, prevailin
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George Hempt dies at age 65
March 14, 2009
Pennsylvania breeder George Hempt, who has operated Hempt Farms and campaigned such notables as last year's top stakes performer Keystone Horatio, died Friday at age 65 after a battle with cancer.   Hempt's father, Max, a Hall of Famer, founded Hempt Farms and George continued the family
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Martha Maxines maxes out in Overbid
March 14, 2009
Martha Maxine ($7.80, $4.20, $3.20) employed her signature late kick to win the $50,000 second leg of the Overbid Series for open pacing mares on Friday night (March 13) at the Meadowlands. Martha Maxine, with Andy Miller at the lines, angled in fifth as Go On BB led the field in a single-file
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Good Things happened in Apaches Fame
March 14, 2009
It might have been Friday the 13th, but the news evidently didn't reach a colt named Its A Good Thing, who paced to a 1-1/4 length victory in the C$20,000 second leg of the Apaches Fame Series at Woodbine. Last week's opening round winner, Herestopatrick, set the early pace in the sequel, ca
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Bunny's Legacy wins again
March 14, 2009
The first foal of the world champion mare Bunny Lake won for the second consecutive week at Saratoga as Bunny's Legacy coasted to a front running win for trainer-driver John Stark, Jr. on Friday night. The filly reminded the fans of her mother when she flashed early speed, going wire-to-wire to
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Lighting Treasure pulls off upset at 13-1
March 13, 2009
Lightning Treasure, a 13-1 long shot, created an upset after firing out of the gate and leading all the way home to win the $72,400 Night Styles final on Thursday night at the Meadowlands. With regular driver Ron Pierce serving suspension days, Yannick Gingras picked up the catch drive and piloted L
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Commissioner proposes slots at the tracks through Lottery
March 13, 2009
An Ohio racing commissioner says that tracks in the Buckeye State can get slot machines without asking the state’s voters for approval.   Thomas M. Zaino, a former Ohio tax commissioner and now member of the racing commission, said that each track could install 2,000 slot machines, working in
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Raceway Park announces late closers
March 13, 2009
Raceway Park, which opens its harness meet on April 18, has announced its late-closer schedule for the 2009 racing season. One event for trotters, and three pacing events are scheduled.  Each event will consist of two legs and a final, with nominating fees of $50 for each event.   T
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Grismore drives 7 winners at Yonkers Thursday
March 13, 2009
The night before "unlucky" Friday the 13th, Greg Grismore rolled a lucky seven, winning that many  Yonkers Raceway dashes from 11 drives. Grismore-driven horses made momey in all of his races. "It's by far the best night I've had since moving east,:" Grismore said. The Ohio expatriate matched
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Damsel Series opener at Woodbine
March 13, 2009
Rip Rockin Lady came from way off the pace to win by a neck in the first of two $20,000 divisions of the Damsel Pacing series opener on Thursday night at Woodbine, while Designated Leader took the faster second split in 1:54. With favorite The Three Of Us scratched due to lameness, the
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Walter Case planning to resume driving at Plainridge
March 13, 2009
Walter Case Jr. will return to driving once again at Plainridge Racecourse during the 2009 Spring Meet which begins next Monday, March 16. Case, who recently located to New York from Ohio, is working on the final details of a release from the New York State Parole Board which will allow hi
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Goodtimes to be first big stakes for Federal Flex
March 13, 2009
Less than eight weeks ago, their owners were accepting O’Brien Award trophies for their accomplishments in their two-year-old years. Suddenly, it’s March, and Canada’s champion freshman trotters, one filly and one colt, are gearing up for the biggest year of their lives.   On the distaff side
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SBOA/NJ saves $600,000 for NJ Sire Stakes purses
March 12, 2009
The efforts of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOA/NJ) have saved $600,000 in New Jersey Sire Stakes funds which had been frozen by the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget.   SBOANJ president Tom Luchento spearheaded a drive to reach out to nearly a d
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Vallandingham on the road to recovery
March 12, 2009
Gene Vallandingham can laugh about it now, but the 68-year-old driver and trainer escaped a scary accident at Cal Expo.        "I must have been in 300-plus wrecks," said the veteran. "Pylons are the best thing that ever happened to racetracks. People have a chanc
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Drivers injured in Woodbine spill moving forward in recovery
March 12, 2009
The three drivers who were the most severely injured of the eight involved in a chain-reaction pile-up at Woodbine on March 2 are all on the mend and looking forward to being back in the bike. Roger Mayotte, who sustained a broken right arm, dislocated shoulder, and torn ligaments in his pelvis w
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Indiana adopts new whipping regulations
March 12, 2009
The most stringent regulations in North America harness racing regarding the use of the whip are now in place in Indiana. The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously at its March 12, 2009 public meeting to adopt whipping reform measures. The first-of-its-kind regulation requires handholds
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Ontario group issues discussion paper on whipping
March 11, 2009
  The Standardbred Working Group under the Use of the Whip Initiative is considering a number of proposals to change the rules that would lead to restrictions to the use of the whip. The Group is interested in receiving your comments and opinions on one of the proposed solutions. This propos
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World record set by Esmeralda Semalu
March 11, 2009
Esmeralda Semalu became the world’s fastest older pacing mare on a five-eighths mile track Tuesday at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, winning the third race $16,000 Open in 1:49.4. It was the first time ever that an older mare has broken the sub 1:50 mark for a one mile race.  The five-ye
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Pacific Philly, Apache Dame, First Draw win at Dover
March 11, 2009
Pacific Philly, after five seconds this season, broke into the win column in the top distaff event of the week the $32,000 Open, while Apache Dame won the $25,000 Jr. Open and First Draw, a $21,000 female pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, March 10. Tim Tetrick drove five winners; Ross Wolfenden won th
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New Pocono paddock to be ready March 19
March 11, 2009
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will open the 2009 season with a brand new, state-of-the-art paddock area.  The $6.2 million project is scheduled to be operational in time for the track’s first qualifiers on March 19 in preparation for opening night on April 1.   To accommodate the construct
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Monticello cancels Wednesday card
March 11, 2009
Monticello Raceway has cancelled its Wednesday card because of unsafe track conditions, which marks the third straight day the track has cancelled live racing. Current track conditions are the results of a very cold winter in which the frost has been has permeated deep into the ground.  
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Standardbred Canada has $1 million budget already lined up
March 11, 2009
Standardbred Canada on Wednesday announced a multi-year initiative to help re-energize horse racing across Canada through the launch of Adrenaline-Canada's Racing Festival, an event that will present four days of events to generate awareness of harness racing.Speaking at Sarnia's
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Artists Rally draws pole, favoriite for Hopeful final
March 11, 2009
Artists Rally drew the pylons and was made the 6-5 morning-line favorite for Yonkers Raceway's $49,400 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings on Saturday night. The feature will go as the ninth race.   Artists Rally, a Real Artist colt, missed the first week
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Harrah's Chester announces nomination numbers
March 11, 2009
The 2009 early-closers at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack has attracted 1,352 nominations in the 10 events, which includes nominations to the Final Four, the races for 2 year olds previously held on a rotating basis between the Meadowlands and Woodbine.   Last year’s Dan Patch Ol
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Group describes its plans for casinos in Ohio
March 11, 2009
A group behind the "Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan" has issued a news release in which it explains its plan for full-fledged casinos in Ohio. The group includes Penn National Gaming, which owns Raceway Park, but the Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan's only benefit to horse racing would be that the 
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Indiana to consider tougher whipping rule
March 10, 2009
Indiana is well-known as being a strict jurisdiction when it comes to rules enforcement, and on Thursday, March 12, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) will consider new emergency rules that will drastically change the way drivers use the whip in competition at Hoosier Park and Indi
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Silver Reign Series for 3YOs underway
March 10, 2009
Warrawee Koine survived a close finish to prevail as the favorite in Monday night’s single division in the opening leg of the Silver Reign Pacing Series for 3-year-olds at Woodbine Racetrack. Mike Saftic guided the daughter of Astreos - My Gal Hunter, who was making her second career start, from
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Blessed Victory wins at Pompano
March 10, 2009
It was a “blessed victory” to those patrons who played him at the windows as Blessed Victory, a 23-1 long shot, upset the field in winning the $16,000 Open Trot Monday at the Isle Pompano Park. He paid $48.80 to win.   It was the 3/5 favorite, No Pain No Gain, the lone mare in the field agai
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Monticello cancels Tuesday card
March 10, 2009
Monticello Raceway has canceled its Tuesday racing program due to thawing conditions which have made the racing surface unsafe for racing. The track is scheduled to race a live program at Wednesday afternoon.
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Jordan's Jewell draws post 3 for Hopeful filly final
March 10, 2009
Jordan's Jewell, 9-for-9 in her young career, is the 9-5 early choice for Yonkers Raceway $47,700 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies, set for Friday night at Yonkers Raceway.   Jordan's Jewell, a daughter of Mantese, won both of her Hopeful legs right after a
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Four Starz Speed 1:54.4 winner at The Meadows
March 10, 2009
Four Starz Speed reeled off a back half in :56.4 but still had to fend off two late challengers to capture the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot with a 1:54.4 performance Tuesday afternoon at The Meadows. The clocking was the fastest this year by a 4-year-old gelding on a five-eighths mile track.
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Racsan John wins Dover feature in 1:53.3
March 09, 2009
While NASCAR was stopped in Atlanta for another big race, Racsan John won the $14,000 feature at Dover Downs Sunday. Don Hawk and trainer Dan Warrington bred and own the veteran gelding and gave him the first name of Racsan, NASCAR spelled backwards. Hawk worked for legendary driver Dale E
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Monticello cancels Monday card
March 09, 2009
Due to thawing track conditions, Monticello Raceway has canceled its Monday, March 9, racing program. Weather and track conditions permitting, the track will race on Tuesday, March 10, with post time at 1:10 pm.
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Four Leaf Clover series underway at Big M
March 08, 2009
Odds-on favorite Rocknroll Band regained his winning ways by capturing the first division of the first leg of the $25,000 Four Leaf Clover Saturday night at the Meadowlands, and Southwestern Dream followedu p his score in the Aquarius with a win in the second division. Despite just a scratched-reduc
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Lucky Jim trots 1:51.3 in Horse & Groom Series
March 08, 2009
Lucky Jim equaled the world record for a 4-year-old trotting gelding on a mile track with a dazzling 1:51.3 mile in the $20,000 second leg of the Horse & Groom Series on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands. Lucky Jim sat far off the early pace set by Sauce Two K and Knight Of Intrigue (27.1, 55.
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Chasin Racin, Hypnotic Bue Chip win in Matt's Scooter action
March 07, 2009
After taking the first leg of the Overbid with Sportsfancy on Friday night, driver Brian Sears also steered Chasin Racin to a 1:52.1 victory in the first of two $16,000 Matt’s Scooter Series divisions for 3-year-old pacers on the card, with the other split going to Hypnotic Blue Chip in 1:51.3. &nb
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Friday recap from Yonkers includes Hopefuls
March 07, 2009
Pancleefandarpels and Beach Nut Brand took the plaudits Friday night at Yonkers Raceway, winning a pair of $31,000 Open Handicaps.   Pancleefandarpels (Jordan Stratton), last week's champ and this week's eight-hole assignee, was prudently patient early. Nip N Attack (Cat
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The Three Of U takes lifetime mark with Woodbine series win
March 07, 2009
The Three Of Us, a daughter of Mach Three, rebounded from defeat last week in the second leg of the Ontario Girls Pacing series to take the $54,500 final Friday night at Woodbine with a 1:51.4 effort.   Sent off as the betting third choice, The Three Of Us, with Mike Saftic in the bike,
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Cole Muffler battling lameness, can't service mares
March 07, 2009
Cottonwood Farm owner Terry Hunt has announced that his prolific stallion Cole Muffler, who has sired such top performers as Loyal Opposition and Big Tom while standing at stud at the Illinois farm, will not be able to service mares for at least the next 30 day period because of lamen
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Camluck son Card Dealer takes Cam Fella split
March 07, 2009
Card Dealer dealt a winning hand Saturdany night at Woodbine, going wire-to-wire in the rain to capture the first of two $35,000 splits of the Cam Fella Pacing Series opening leg, for 3- and 4-year-olds. The winning time was 1:53.1.   Jody Jamieson sent Card Dealer out to take command of
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Vapor In The Wind wins eighth race in last nine starts
March 07, 2009
Vapor In The Wind is the fastest horse this season at the Isle Pompano Park, he is also the fastest horse on a five-eighths mile track in North America this year, and he has now won eight of his last nine starts, with the latest coming Saturday night at Pompano when he scored in 1:51.3.  
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Perfect Sport, Teenage Paige capture divisions at Big M
March 06, 2009
Perfect Sport set soft fractions and coasted wire to wire to take the first division of the $16,000 Night Styles Pace at the Meadowlands Thursday night, with Teenage Paige capturing the second split. With driver Brian Sears in tow, Perfect Sport ($7.80) dug in gamely down the stretch, keeping the le
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A squeaky win by Minor Supernover in General Brock
March 06, 2009
Minor Supernover, one of a three-horse entry from trainer Ira Fisher, captured the $56,000(C) final of the General Brock Trotting Series for 4 year olds at Woodbine Thursday night by the squeakiest of margins. The lone mare in the field, Frenchfrysnvinegar, took command of the field ear
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Castin springs another surprise in Ideal Society final
March 06, 2009
Despite pulling off an impressive 18-1 shocker in round two of the Ideal Society Series last week at Balmoral Park, Castin was once again overlooked in the wagering in Thursday’s $9,000 finale of this non-winners of four series at Maywood Park. Once again the altered 4 year old made his doubters pay
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Whythehellnot N wins at Dover
March 06, 2009
Whythehellnot N and driver Tim Curtin won the stretch battle in one of two features at Dover Downs on Thursday, March 5. Longshot Halima took the other and Tony Morgan had a driving triple.   Tim Curtin drove Whythehellnot N to a second straight victory in the $14,500 Open Pace for Neil Ches
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Auckland Reactor wins Auckland Cup in New Zealand
March 06, 2009
Auckland Reactor, purchased last year by a North American-based partnership for $3.5 million, won the $385,000 Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park in New Zealand Friday, overcoming an early 15-length deficit to win the 2,700-meter (approximately 1 2/3 miles) race in a mile rate of 1:58.4.   Trave
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Graceful Sister answers the Closing Bell at Meadows
March 06, 2009
Passed before the three-quarter pole and seemingly racing for a minor check, Graceful Sister rallied in the lane to capture the $32,000 final of the Closing Bell Trot, a series for 3-and 4-year-old fillies and mares, on Thursday at The Meadows. The track has staged three series finals so far this we
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Purses reduced at the Meadowlands
March 06, 2009
Purses at the Meadowlands have been reduced by 10 percent, effective last Sunday, with the reduction coming as a result of a recent decline in wagering. A Meadowlands official told harnessracing.com the track is trying to avoid an overpayment; in 2008, the Meadowlands had nearly $1 million in purse
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NJ governor appoints commission on horse racing
March 06, 2009
On Friday New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine signed an Executive Order creating the Governor’s Commission on the Horse Racing Industry.  The commission is to identify, assess, and recommend possible funding solutions for horse racing meets after 2010 and propose long-term funding solutions
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133 colt pacers nominated for $1.5 million North America Cup
March 06, 2009
A record 133 horses have been nominated to the 26th edition of the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, set for Saturday, June 27, at Mohawk Racetrack. The previous high came in 2005, when 112 three-year-old pacers were named. The 133 total is 41 more than last year when 92 were kept eligible, re
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Buffalo adds two racing days
March 06, 2009
Buffalo Raceway is pleased to announce two additional racing days, Sunday, March 22, and Sunday, March 29. The first of 13 races will go off at 1:05 p.m. at the Hamburg oval on the extra racing days. The cancellations due to winter weather has caused the bonus racing days. (Buffalo)
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Is Pangiorno another vincitore for Kleinhans?
March 06, 2009
With the help of his racing manager, Anthony Altomonte, trainer Peter Kleinhans has carved a niche for himself by acquiring green horses with great potential. Wearable Art, the 2007 Berry’s Creek winner, and current winter series standout Oliver Cleo are among their shrewd purchases and on Frid
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Bunny Lake's Bunny's Legacy wins in debut
March 06, 2009
The 3-year-old filly pacer Bunny’s Legacy, the first foal of 2001 Pacer of the Year Bunny Lake, won her career debut Thursday night at Saratoga Harness Raceway, capturing a maiden event by 1 1/2 lengths in 2:01.4.   With trainer-driver John Stark Jr., Bunny's Legacy dropped in fifth early fro
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Sportsfancy joins sub-1:50 club
March 06, 2009
Sportsfancy became a sub-1:50 performer on Friday night when she won the $50,000 first leg of the Overbid Series with a 1:49.4 score over Cape & Cutter champion Martha Maxine. Sportsfancy had finished a fading fifth in the Cape & Cutter final two weeks earlier, hence she slipped by most of t
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Likeabatoutahell trots in 1:52.2
March 06, 2009
Michael Andrew's homebred Likeabatoutahell continued to show his best form on Friday night at the Meadowlands as he picked up his third victory in nine starts and lowered his lifetime mark to 1:52.2 by winning the $31,500 Invitational Trot.   Brian Sears drove Likeabatoutahell, a 6-year-old g
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JK Reunited sweeps series for fillies/mares at The Meadows
March 06, 2009
JK Reunited completed her sweep of the Early Call series for 3- and 4-year-old filly pacers Friday at The Meadows, capturing the $28,700 final in 1:52.2, the fastest mile this year for a 4-year-old mare on a five-eighths mile track. The daughter of Bettors Delight-JK On Broadway so dominated the ser
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Spunky Vic captures top Delaware trot
March 05, 2009
While LT's Best and Vince Copeland and JM Vangogh with Tony Morgan continued a head-to-head battle that began on the backstretch, Ross Wolfenden sped down the passing lane with Spunky Vic to overtake the battling pair plus other contenders to notch a 1:55.1 lifetime best in the $32,000 Open Trot.
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Dingy's Model shocks in Balmoral Park series
March 05, 2009
After two legs of preliminary action a group of seven filly and mare pacers gathered in Wednesday’s ninth race at Balmoral Park to contest the $9,000 final of the Fox Valley Redhot Series.   With preliminary winners Smiling Angel, Haylie Sue and Not So Slim taking most of the betting action&
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Scooterlastchamp upsets in Bret Hanover final
March 05, 2009
Scooterslastchamp, a 6-year old Direct Scooter gelding out of the Beach Towel mare Gene’s Last Ride, won the $20,000 Bret Hanover final, for horses who have raced for a $10,000 claiming tag, in 1:56.4, for owner Barbara Russo, at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night.   Driven by reins
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$40,010 Pick Four Thursday at Big M
March 05, 2009
A hefty $40,010 Pick Four carryover tops the Thursday night card at the Meadowlands. Offered nightly on races six through nine, the Pick 4 features a low 15 percent takeout and nightly guaranteed pools ($25,000 Wednesday–Friday and $50,000 Saturday).   The Thursday night Pick Four begins with
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Major In Art leads Meadowlands Pace nominees
March 05, 2009
Major In Art tops a list of 73 colts nominated to the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on Saturday, July 18, and the total represents a 7 percent increase from last year's nominations (68).   Elimination races on July 11 will determine the 10 finalists who advance to the 2009 Meadowlands Pace.The
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Trotter gets all the money at Monticello
March 05, 2009
This winter at Monticello Raceway the winners-over classes have been dominated by two horses. On the pacing side where the weekly feature is presented on Tuesdays, Southbound Trucker notched his fifth win in six starts, and on Wednesday Getthemoney won the winners-over trot and now he has three
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Darlin's Delight makes 2009 debut on Friday
March 05, 2009
Darlin’s Delight makes her 2009 debut in the $50,000 opening round of the Overbid Series on Friday night at the Meadowlands. The 6-year-old mare, trained by Jeff Stafford, is rated 9-2 from post eight in the sixth race field, which includes Cape & Cutter winner Martha Maxine. A winner of $2.5 m
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Magna files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
March 05, 2009
Magna Entertainment Corporation (MEC), which owns Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Thistledown Racetrack, and manages the harness racing operation at The Meadows, announced early Thursday afternoon that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and has agreed to sell Gulfstream, Golden Ga
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Pocket-rocket trip scores in Pompano feature
March 04, 2009
Fred Monteleone’s U All BB ($14.80) was the pocket-rocket at the Isle Pompano Park Tuesday, using perfect cover in capturing the $16,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace.   Pasta Lavista and driver Dan Clements went right to the lead at the start of the feature with U All BB and driver Bruce Ra
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Still Electric wins at Dover; Pierce thrown from sulky
March 04, 2009
For the third time in her last four starts, Still Electric won the $32,000 Mares Open Pace impressively on Tuesday at Dover Downs, while Hall of Fame driver Ron Pierce was thrown from his sulky in the second race. Taken to a nearby hospital, he was checked and released, complaining only of a so
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Should he or shouldn't he be paid?
March 04, 2009
A bettor in New Zealand says it was a “bloody rip-off” after discovering that because a race he had pre-bet was postponed one day that his winning tickets worth $530 were declared invalid. The bettor, Ray Browne, a 77-year-old former apprentice jockey, reportedly placed his bets last Friday on the
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Peninsula Farm has new Pa. location
March 04, 2009
Peninsula Farm has announced that effective March 1, it moved the stallion Chip Chip Hooray and its base of operations in Pennsylvania to Peninsula Farm of PA, 415 Mundis Mill Rd, York, Pa. The new farm is 10 miles southwest of the former location.    You can visit t
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Pacer keeps on truckin' to Mighty M winner's circle
March 04, 2009
Monticello Raceway’s announcer Howard Oil often cites the phrase, “If you can’t catch’em you can’t beat’em,” when calling a horse that has opened a big lead on the field and is heading for victory. He used that expression again Tuesday when calling another breakaway victory by the hottest
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Artiscape's book full and closed
March 04, 2009
Artiscape is the latest stallion managed by Brittany Farms Stallion Management whose book is full and closed for the 2009 breeding season. Earlier this week Brittany Farms Stallion Management announced that Real Desire's book was full and closed.   Artiscape is the sire of six millionair
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Winbak-breds receive honors
March 04, 2009
The Maryland Standardbred Breeder’s Association held their annual awards ceremony at Rosecroft Raceway on February 28, and Winbak Farm took home four  breeder awards that night. In addition, Tejano, who who stood at Winbak Farm through 2008, received the award for the Outstanding
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Champion filly Stienam dies at age 27
March 04, 2009
Stienam p,3,1:53.4 ($1,355,474), the champion 3-year-old pacing filly of 1985 who waged thrilling battles with another champion filly, Amneris, was euthanized this past week at Hawk’s Cry Farm in Springboro, Ohio, where she had been living as a pensioner. An infected left front hoof, first diagnos
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Warp Speed to be out months after Woodbine accident
March 04, 2009
Trainer Ben Wallace offered an update Wednesday morning on the condition of Warp Speed, the 4-year-old Mach Three gelding whose fall in the final of the Ontario Boys Series final at Woodbine on Monday night set off a chain-reaction accident involving eight of the 10 horses in the field, and s
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Tanner joins HHYF board
March 04, 2009
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner to the Board of Trustees.     “I’m thrilled to be part of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. Harness racing is a wonderful sport, and I love the fact that HHYF provi
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Winbak to host open houses in Canada, Delaware
March 04, 2009
Winbak Farm of Canada and Winbak Farm of Delaware both will be holding open houses soon to showcase the farms and their stallions. Winbak Farm of Canada’s open house will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 10 am to 2:30 pm with guest speakers on equine nutrition.  Winbak Farm of D
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SRF has breedings for sale
March 04, 2009
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) is now offering breedings for sale to some of harness racing’s top stallions, including Deweycheatumnhowe, Badlands Hanover, Conway Hall, SJ’s Caviar and Broadway Hall. For information on prices and availability, call (609) 324-1500.   Additio
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Trotter scores first of year in Pompano open
March 03, 2009
Lanson ($2.80) made a triumphant return to the races in 2009, winning his seasonal debut with a five-length romp Monday at the Isle Pompano Park in the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot.   The feature saw Cicsco Hall (Dan Clements) leave from the outside in post eight and take the lead away from Ke
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Drivers hurt in accident-marred Ontario Boys final
March 03, 2009
A horrific eight-horse accident marred Monday night's $55,400(C) Ontario Boys Pacing Series final for 4 year olds at Woodbine Racetrack, with drivers Roger Mayotte, Robert Shepherd and Mario Baillargeon transported to a local hospital. The event went to Windsun Twister, who ove
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Foggy Lane K coasts in TARP final
March 03, 2009
A headstrong Foggy Lane K opened a huge lead, then coasted home Monday at The Meadows to capture the $31,400 final of the Big TARP series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Foggy Lane K got the early lead from post position seven and took them through a first half in :58.2, swift fra
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Freehold cancels Tuesday card due to winter storm
March 03, 2009
Freehold Raceway has canceled their live racing program on Tuesday due to the winter storm on the East Coast.
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Tuesday afternoon update on injured Woodbine drivers
March 03, 2009
Longtime WEG reinsman Roger Mayotte (driving Shiny Mach) and Robert Shepherd (in the sulky of Rust Belt) are in Etobicoke General Hospital Tuesday afternoon as a result of injuries suffered in an eight-horse accident that marred Monday night's $55,400(C) Ontario Boys Pacing Series final at Woodbin
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Dancing With Fire comes a nose from sweeping Meadows series
March 03, 2009
Mike Wilder tipped Dancing With Fire from fifth at the half and despite having to race first-over the rest of the distance, the Norm Parker trainee had enough left to draw clear by open lengths to win the $31,100 Opening Bell Series final Tuesday afternoon at The Meadows.   Wilder sent Dancin
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Gordon Dickerson dies
March 03, 2009
Paul Gordon Dickerson, 69, who produced programs for many racetracks over the years and was involved in the creation of the March of Dimes Invitational Trot, died suddenly at home on Sunday, February 22.   Born in Centerville, Ind., Gordon produced the first harness racing prog
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Morgan scores four on Delaware Sunday card
March 02, 2009
With the snow steadily increasing for the final event on the 15-race card Sunday at Dover Downs, Gary and Barbara Iles' homebred Lather Machine paid no mind as Mike Cole drove the Badlands Hanover-Pocket Comb gelding to his second straight comeback win in 1:55.2 to win the $14,500 pace giving
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Lucky Jim stretches streak to four in series opener
March 02, 2009
Lucky Jim extended his streak to four wins in the $20,000 opening round of the Horse & Groom Series for trotters on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands.   Spice Queen was first to the front, but Sauce Two K quickly headed her in a :55.4 half. Driver Andy Miller and Lucky Jim launched
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Noel Daley now training Major In Art
March 02, 2009
The 2008 Two-Year-Old Colt Pacer of the Year Major In Art is now being trained by Noel Daley, according to a report by Woodbine announcer Ken Middleton. Justin Lebo, the son of Chester Lebo, who co-owns the son of Art Major as part of the Major In Art Stable with Jerry Silva and Tina Martinez, was u
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Yonkers, Dover cancel Monday due to snowstorm
March 02, 2009
Yonkers Raceway and Dover Downs have canceled their Monday live racing programs due to the severe snowstorm blanketing the East Coast. Yonkers is expected to resume live racing Tuesday at 7:10 p.m., while Dover's Tuesday card is scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m.
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Real Desire's book full and closed
March 02, 2009
Brittany Farms Stallion Management has announced that the 2009 book of Real Desire, who is standing his third year in Pennsylvania, is full and has been closed. Real Desire's first crop of Pennsylvania-breds will be available at yearling sales in 2009.   In 2008
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Beware of so-called ‘powdered EPO’
March 02, 2009
Investigators attached to the Equine Medication Control and Drug Task Force have received information about individuals offering for sale and/or using so-called ‘powdered EPO.’ It also has been referred to as a powdered blood builder. Acquisition, possession or use of EPO in any form is illegal and
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Chicago-based Hall of Famer reaches milestone
March 01, 2009
Hall of Famer Dave Magee became only the sixth driver in North American harness racing history to record 11,000 driving victories when he guided Capture The Magic to a head decision in the 13th race at Balmoral Park Saturday night).   The always humble 55 year old, who has been a staple on t
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The Quiet Mon makes some noise in Big M invite
March 01, 2009
The Quiet Mon sat a perfect trip behind leader Race Track Ruler, popped the pocket down the stretch, and hurried home to win the $35,000 Invitational Pace Saturday night at The Meadowlands.   With driver Andy Miller in tow, The Quiet Mon ($20.60 $8, $7.40) go
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Art McIlmurray scores win number 3,000
March 01, 2009
Art McIlmurray captured his 3,000th driving win at Northville Downs on Friday night, in a wire-to-wire performance aboard Jinni’s Fantasy N, trained by Rob Harmon and owned by Chuck Campbell. McIlmurray drove the favorite to a 1 ½-length victory in 1:59; fractional times for the mile wer
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Fox Valley Gambler overcomes outside post at Balmoral
March 01, 2009
The first Free For All of the 2009 Chicago racing season was contested on Saturday night at Balmoral Park as a field of nine lined up behind the gate to battle for a purse of $18,000, and despite being assigned the outside post position in this tussle, Sawgrass Farms' classy 5-year-old Fox
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Stratton hits the jackpot at Yonkers
March 01, 2009
JP Jackpot and driver Jordan Stratton won the $31,000 Open Handicap Pace in 1:55 Saturday night at Yonkers Raceway. JP Jackpot--assigned post five--went right to the lead, stepping around Noble's Grand Slam (Greg Grismore) and rolling right along. JP Jackpot led the octet through fractions of :27.
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It took some imagination to win Pompano feature
March 01, 2009
I Can Only Imagine ($3) scored a 5 1/2- length romp in capturing the $16,000 Open Handicap Pace at the Isle Pompano Park Saturday in 1:51.2.   The feature saw Mahdi (Joe Pavia Jr.) shoot to the early lead but by the opening quarter mile in :26.4 it was a determined Gotta Go Moe (Ricky M
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