News Archive

Return Home

It's a wonder the winner paid $9.60 at Monticello
March 31, 2010
Neither wind, nor rain, nor gloom of day could keep DJ Wonder away from the winner's circle at Monticello raceway on Tuesday afternoon. With Bruce Aldrich Jr. once again at the controls the veteran Space Shuttle 7-year-old gelding rambled down the homestretch to collar the leaders and then draw
[read more]

Three straight March wins for Jessalilmixup
March 31, 2010
Jessalilmixup made it three straight in the month of March as the 6-year-old mare won the featured pace of the Wednesday card at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The mare's winning time was 1:54.   The track’s leading driver and trainer also continued on their winning ways. George Napol
[read more]

Shady Sabrina shines in the rain at Dover
March 31, 2010
Shady Sabrina, second last week and overlooked this time at 9-1, became Tim Tetrick's fifth consecutive victory on a rain-drenched Tuesday card, winning the $30,000 Mares Open Handicap at Dover Downs.   As a strong field of feature-race pacing distaff turned for home, Shady Sabrina had not
[read more]

First-leg Levy winners all return for round 2
March 31, 2010
Stakes action remains very much in vogue this weekend, with Yonkers Raceway offering 16 series events Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday night, it's round two of the popular George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. As was the case in last week's opener, a happy half dozen of $50,000 Free-For-All
[read more]

New York-based horseman Richard Ingrassia dies
March 31, 2010
After a four-month mysterious debilitating illness, Monticello Raceway trainer-driver Richard M. Ingrassia, died at his home in Hurleyville, N.Y., on Tuesday, March 30. He was 45.   At the time of his death, he was also employed as an assistant trainer for Ray Schnittker, 
[read more]

Butler Bulldog--the trotter--wins in Indy
March 31, 2010
As the Butler Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming NCAA Final Four games in Indianapolis, Butler Bulldog, the equine representative in the state of Indiana, was doing a little prep work of his own. Butler Bulldog, a 3-year-old trotter, set the winning tone Wednesday 31 at Hoosier Park Racing &
[read more]

Briteolive longshot winner in DSBF prelim at Dover
March 31, 2010
The 95-1 shot Briteolive lit up the toteboard while winning one of six $20,000 first leg Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) at Dover Downs Wednesday.   Briteolive put on a late race burst to overtake battling leaders Iosmio (Bryan Truitt), second, and race favorite Model Legs (Montrel
[read more]

Wallis closing in fast on 9,000 wins
March 31, 2010
Over the course of the past week it's looked a lot like Kevin Wallis doesn't want to waste any time getting to his next major career milestone. After a three-win performance on the Wednesday program at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, the 53-year-old driver stands at 8,983 wins. At the rate
[read more]

A winner at The Meadows after 19 tries
March 30, 2010
Global Winner K, an 18-race maiden entering Monday’s Triple Diamond Series, picked an opportune time to get his act together, as he captured a $28,200 race for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows.   Global Winner K had come close to graduating before, losing a win to d
[read more]

Longtime Ohio breeder-owner Elbridge Moxley dies
March 30, 2010
Northfield Park Wall of Fame inductee Elbridge Moxley of Westfield Center, Ohio, and Boca Raton, Fla., died Saturday, March 27, at his home in Florida. He was 96.   Mr. Moxley's early professional business career was forged with his uncle at Earl Gibbs Automobile Agency, and later he and
[read more]

Trips for Three Of Spades
March 30, 2010
Three Of Spaces made it three $40,000 Preferred Handicap Pace victories in a row while Solano, also leaving from an outside post, won the $37,000 Delaware Special on a rainy Monday at Dover Downs.   It apparently is getting to be a habit for Bill DeLodovico and Bib Roberts' Three Of Spades.
[read more]

Say there, Kleinhans joins Passover Pace
March 30, 2010
On Monday, April 5, when the marshall calls the pacers for Monticello Raceway’s 12th annual Passover Pace,  Peter Klienhans will be among the participants.   “I wanted to drive last year,” Kleinhans recalled ,” but I called in too late and all the mounts were promised to others. But
[read more]

Applications for 'Dewey Degree' due May 31
March 30, 2010
The Upstate New York Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association is looking for eligible high school seniors (or returning college students) from families of licensed owners, trainers, or drivers who participate full or part time in harness racing. They can now log on to www.upstatenyushwa.com&n
[read more]

Penn National to ban sellers for slaughter
March 30, 2010
Penn National Gaming Inc., North America’s largest pari-mutuel operator, Monday announced a company-wide policy addressing individuals competing at its pari-mutuel facilities who sell their horses to brokers for resale and slaughter.   The Company’s policy states “Any horsemen stabled at
[read more]

Gefilte Fish off the Passover Pace menu
March 30, 2010
A week ago the Monticello Raceway publicity department got a call from Canadian Sheldon Rose who asked if he entered his pacing mare, Gefilte Fish, in the track’s annual Passover Pace would he be able to participate  in the event relegated to drivers of Jewish  descent. He was told in no u
[read more]

TrackMaster to text re: post times
March 30, 2010
TrackMaster, the leading provider of electronic harness racing information in the United States and Canada, announced on tuesday that it has upgraded its Virtual Stable™ service. Virtual Stable™, a free service available at trackmaster.com, alerts users via e-mail when horses they are tracking
[read more]

Handicapping championship on April 24
March 30, 2010
The National Harness Handicapping Championship, harness racing's only tournament to feature $50,000 in prize money, will bring together the nation's top handicappers on Saturday, April 24, at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Players who have not qualified through a satellite tournament may buy d
[read more]

John Campbell on Thursday Big M show
March 30, 2010
John Campbell will talk about his Four Leaf Clover-Night Styles stakes double and more on Meadowlands Racetrack’s Thursday night pre-card broadcast.   Fans can e-mail questions for harness racing’s all-time leading driver to answer on-air to racing@thebigm.com.
[read more]

Pocono cancels due to snow
March 30, 2010
Due to heavy snow and deteriorating racing conditions, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs management made the decision to cancel the remainder of Tuesday night’s live harness racing card at the completion of the 6th race.  There were 13 races scheduled   Live racing is scheduled to resume on We
[read more]

Expensive Toy takes Meadows series final
March 30, 2010
Expensive Toy found the Lightning Lane just in time, charging through to erase a two-length deficit and capture Tuesday’s $25,600 final of the Wheel of Fortune series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding pacers at The Meadows.   Expensive Toy was racing in third when Up Front Mustang launch
[read more]

Claudius Augustus invades Hoosier Park and wins
March 29, 2010
Claudius Augustus is looking to rule over a new empire as he coasted home to victory in the $23,000 Invitational Trot Saturday, March 27 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.   Driven by Hoosier Park newcomer Lemoyne  “Moony” Svendsen, the 6-year-old stallion trotted under the w
[read more]

Bernie Waugh dies at 68
March 29, 2010
Bernard K. Waugh, 68, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, March 25, at his home in Vernon, NY.    "Bernie” was born on May 16, 1941, in Denmark, N.Y., a son of the late Cyril and Shirley (Griffis) Waugh, and attended Hermon Dekalb Central School.He proudly served his coun
[read more]

Callmecowboy wins at Dover
March 29, 2010
Callmecowboy won the $18,500 filly and mare pace, while Robindarch was placed first in the $16,500 filly division at Dover Downs on a rainy Sunday.   Brad Hanners drove the first of his two winners by directing Howard and Josh Kaufman's Callmecowboy to his first win for the owners who cl
[read more]

Badlands Hanover's book full and closed
March 29, 2010
Winbak Farm of Canada and the Badlands Hanover Syndicate has announced that the 2010 book of Badlands Hanover is full and closed.  He is best known as the sire of millionaires Badlands Nitro, Mr. Wiggles and 2008 Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year Tug River Princess.   “Ba
[read more]

Maryland legislator trying to help save Rosecroft
March 29, 2010
Legislation calling for separate Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing commissions in Maryland is facing opposition from the state’s Thoroughbred industry, according to the sponsor of the bill.   C. Anthony Muse, a Maryland state senator for the 26th legislative district—where Rosecroft Racewa
[read more]

Cammabis paces 1:50.1 at Pompano
March 28, 2010
By virtue of a 1:50.1 tour in the $15,000 Open Handicap Pace on the Saturday evening,the 7-year- old gelding Cammabis became the fastest pacing  performer of the 2009-2010 meet at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   Kevin Wallis had the Cambest-Majestic Lady career winner of $278
[read more]

Ohio voters to have their say on slots at tracks
March 28, 2010
The Ohio Secretary of State has certified enough valid signatures by LetOhioVote.org so that a statewide referendum approving slots at the state's racetracks will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.   Last April Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland approved slots at the tracks through his budge
[read more]

New York City OTB says it will close April 11
March 27, 2010
The winning ticket for the record payoff Pick 4 at the Meadowlands on Friday night was played at New York City OTB, but plans to keep the off-track betting operation open are looking dim. Negotiations on Friday to come up with a bailout plan to keep New York City OTB afloat while it deals with its m
[read more]

Kindly Poet best in Spring Pacing Championship
March 27, 2010
Kindly Poet is a pacer known for his off-the-pace prowess, but he used his front-stepping skills to capture the opening leg of the Spring Pacing Championship at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday evening, scoring in 1:51.   In rein to Sylvain Filion, the 7-year-old son of Western Ideal-Stonebridg
[read more]

Lisagain wins Four Leaf Clover by nose
March 27, 2010
You could say it took a bit of an Irish connection to win this year's Four Leaf Clover Final. In a wild rush to the finish, Lisagain, bred by Timothy J. Rooney, out-sprinted Alexie Mattosie and Golden Receiver to win the $132,000 final by a nose Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. &n
[read more]

Callahan, Teague win 2 Levy divisions
March 27, 2010
Yonkers Raceway's premier event for free-for-allers--the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing  Series--began its six-week odyssey on a brisk Saturday night with a half-dozen, $50,000 divisions. Nearly everyone came to play, with 43 of the 52 nominees peddling their wares.   Millionaire Blu
[read more]

OG's Si Bon earns a win at Cal-Expo
March 26, 2010
After a string a fine efforts, OG's Si Bon finally got through the door she had been knocking on. Conditioned-claimers were featured at Cal-Expo on Thursday night (March 25), on which OG's Si Bon never looked back. Leaving, but while out-left, driver James Kennedy accelerated his mare to the first
[read more]

Celebrity Playboy in Horse & Groom shocker
March 26, 2010
A photo was needed to declare the winner in both stakes races contested Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.Celebrity Playboy stopped the pacesetter Impel Hanover by a nose to pull off a 32-1 upset in the $96,000 Horse & Groom Final.  Driver Ron Pierce and Celebrity Playboy drafted behi
[read more]

Cats Meow wins Damsel Final
March 26, 2010
Cats Meow survived a close four-way photo to win the $80,000 Damsel Pacing Series Final for three and four-year-old fillies and mares on Thursday night at Woodbine Racetrack.With Randy Waples in the driver’s seat, the four-year-old daughter of Goliath Bayama - Cataclysm got away second in the first
[read more]

Sir Churchill wins at Hoosier
March 26, 2010
The 17th  season of Standardbred racing got underway Thursday, March 25 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino over a sloppy track surface with a newcomer to Indiana taking the first race of the night. Sir Churchhill, driven by Dan Shetler, won the season opener in a time of 2:01.2 to break his ma
[read more]

Announcer Huston heading to Truro
March 26, 2010
The Truro Harness Horse Owners Association (THHOA) has announced that Roger Huston, voice of The Meadows and the Little Brown Jug, and one of the most recognizable voices in harness racing history, will serve as guest speaker at its upcoming banquet on Saturday, April 24, at the Truro Horsemen's Clu
[read more]

More action on proposed Red Mile plan
March 26, 2010
Lexington's Urban County Council approved an ordinance Thursday that established the Red Mile Development Area, allowing the developer to apply to the state for $54 million in tax-increment funding.   Last spring The Red Mile began the process of having the zoning of its property changed
[read more]

Harness Eye Giwner's picks sharp at Big M Thursday
March 26, 2010
Harness Eye editor Derick Giwner got the weekend off to a good start at the Meadowlands with a three-win night on Thursday. Giwner started fast when an exacta box using his top three horses in the first race was a winning ticket returning $148.40, and he added five more exactas to his successful car
[read more]

Tioga approved to reduce takeout rates
March 26, 2010
Tioga Downs’ application to reduce the take-out on all wagers to the minimum allowable by New York State statute for the 2010 live racing season was approved at the New York State Racing & Wagering Board’s monthly meeting. The reduction for each pool is as follows: WPS from 18 percent to 15 perc
[read more]

Purse increase at Freehold
March 26, 2010
The month of March roars to a conclusion at Freehold Raceway with the second purse enhancement in six weeks, bringing the total increase to 60 percent, it was announced today by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey and Freehold Raceway.   Effective with the March 3
[read more]

Nominations up at Tioga, Vernon
March 26, 2010
The number of horses nominated to stakes at Tioga and Vernon Downs suggest a reversal to current industry trends, as indicated by the March 15 payments.   The inaugural Bettor’s Delight “Bred in New York to take on the World” for open pacers has commanded a response that will see the race excee
[read more]

Youthful action for 3YOs at Woodbine
March 26, 2010
Recent Apaches Fame Series winner Lil Bit Lil Bit extended his win streak to four with a narrow decision in one of two $25,000 splits in the first leg of the Youthful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings on Friday night at Woodbine Racetrack. Legal Justice posted a huge upset victory in t
[read more]

Larry Baron on Big M show Saturday
March 26, 2010
Two-time Meadowlands leading owner Larry Baron will sit In The Sulky on Meadowlands Racetrack's Saturday pre-card television show. Fans can e-mail questions for Baron to answer on-air to racing@thebigm.com. The broadcast begins at 6:30 pm.   Can't make it to the track? Watch the live video at
[read more]

Wrenn ready for marathon--literally!
March 26, 2010
Racing fans at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino got very familiar with Peter Wrenn’s new role as The Challenger Friday, March 26. Wrenn pulled in six wins on the 11-race program to catapult himself into the early lead among all drivers. Tagged as The Challenger to the popular Fab Five promotion from
[read more]

Daughter, mother both bred to Rocknroll
March 26, 2010
Me and My Baby, a longtime staple in the Brooke Nickells barn and a favorite at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, proved to be too tough for her opponents in the sixth race Friday, March 26. Now six, the daughter of Artiscape rolled to the top and never looked back, winning in a time of 1:54.1. Bu
[read more]

Ford sweeps first leg of Matchmaker
March 26, 2010
The opening round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series attracted 21 of the finest pacing mares in training, perfectly proportioned in three, $40,000 events.  A full third of the starters came from the Mark Ford Stable and his harem won them all.   Ubetterthink Think (Brandon Simpson) beat
[read more]

Broadway Schooner in foal to Muscle Hill
March 26, 2010
Broadway Schooner, queen of the 2009 three-year-old trotting filly class, and 2009 trotting king Muscle Hill, last year's Horse of the Year and Trotter of the Year, are now working on a joint production. Broadway Schooner, a daughter of Broadway Hall, has been pronounced in foal to Muscle
[read more]

Portland Meadows GM hopes to win "Clover"
March 26, 2010
Racetrack executives give out hundreds of stakes trophies each year, but few ever stand on the receiving end in the winner’s circle. Will Alempijevic, the 31-year-old general manager of Portland Meadows in Oregon, could experience that thrill if Alexie Mattosie wins the $132,000 Four Leaf Clover Fin
[read more]

Enough Talk scores in 1:52.2
March 26, 2010
Enough Talk made a strong statement in his return to the racetrack on Friday night at the Meadowlands. The 2008 Older Trotter of the Year crushed the field in the $32,000 invitational trot in his first start off an eight-month layoff, scoring in 1:52.2.   With regular pilot Ron Pierce at the
[read more]

Big M Pick 4 pays record $70,446
March 26, 2010
The Meadowlands Pick 4 paid a record $70,446 on Friday, March 26. The winning ticket, which was purchased at New York City OTB, correctly chose was LR Dancing Dream [$16.40], Ms Maggie [$28.40], Captain Primeau [$50] and Gottogetoutmore [$9.60] to take down the entire $83,364 pool.   Offered
[read more]

Rose Run Kevin; Valcyon Days win at Monticello
March 25, 2010
Woody Hoblitzell  is a happy man after his Rose run Kevin won a division of the daily trotting features at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon,  March 24. But then again so were Brenda Messenger and Dr. Scott Woogin when their Valcyon Days copped the other featured trot. Rose Run Ke
[read more]

This night was Solid Cromer
March 25, 2010
Don Cromer took a page out of baseball's Spring training manual in Florida when the long serving horseman at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park batted 1.000 with his starters on the mid-week program. The fine run of fortune for Cromer, originally from Troy, Ohio, began in a claiming pace with
[read more]

Expanded gaming in New Hampshire?
March 25, 2010
The Eagle Tribune is today reporting that the New Hampshire Senate passed a bill on March 24 permitting expanded gamling – in the form of slot machines and table games to be allowed at Rockingham Park, two dog tracks and a golf resort as well as two as yet to be determined locations. The Senate vot
[read more]

Kentucky Instant Racing bill appears dead
March 25, 2010
A bill that would have approved Instant Racing machines at racetracks in Kentucky is essentially dead after the senator who proposed the measure said Thursday he was no longer working on it and that only a "perfect storm" would allow it to proceed.   On Thursday, Sen. Damon Thayer was quoted
[read more]

Deo Volente buys into Holiday Road
March 25, 2010
Mike Gulotta, owner and operator of Deo Volente Farm in Flemington, NJ,  said Thursday that the farm had acquired a 20 percent interest in last year’s Peter Haughton Memorial Trot winner, Holiday Road, for an undisclosed sum. The 3-year-old Yankee Glide colt earned $312,530, while winning thre
[read more]

Tioga qualifier for handicapping contest set for Saturday
March 25, 2010
Vernon Downs wrapped up its 2010 Nation Harness Handicapping Championship (NHHC) qualifier on Saturday, March 20, with Earl Andrews from Edmeston, NY, winning the contest and qualifying for the final at the Meadowlands set for April 23.   Tioga Downs will host its NHHC qualifying ev
[read more]

CPMA upholds refund of Northlands race
March 25, 2010
A conference call between the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA), Horse Racing Alberta, AmTote and Northlands Park has resulted in the determination that since monies wagered late on the 10th race last Saturday at the Alberta racetrack the decision at the time to refund all the betting pools was the
[read more]

Callahan will win Dover dash title
March 25, 2010
The Dover Downs meet is heading down the homestretch with closing day on April 15, but Corey Callahan has sewn up the leading driver title.   Through Wednesday, Callahan, who is also second in 2010 North American standings, has driven 242 winners since meet opening day last Nov. 1.
[read more]

Armbro Dowry wins season opener at Pocono
March 24, 2010
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opened its 2010 harness racing season Tuesday (March 23) night with the first race of the year being won by Armbro Dowry.Driven by Yannick Gingras, Armbro Dowry stopped the timer in 1:53.3 in a $20,000 claiming pace. This marked the fifth win of the year for the seven-yea
[read more]

Oy vey! Gelfilte Fish in the Passover Pace
March 24, 2010
For the past three or four years Canadian Sheldon Rose has been seeking a mount in Monticello Raceway’s annual Passover Pace. He recently called the track's publicity office and once again inquired about driving in the event that is relegated to drivers of Jewish heritage.   “If I bring my ho
[read more]

Apache Dame wins at Dover
March 24, 2010
Apache Dame, the reigning Horse of the Meet, showed her class scoring an overland 1:53 victory in the $30,000 Mares Open/Handicap pace. Tug River Aussie won the $20,000 distaff sub-feature at Dover Downs on a partly rainy Tuesday, March 23. Three drivers, Ross Wolfenden, Jim Morand and Ron Pierce ha
[read more]

Brett Miller gets career win 5,000
March 24, 2010
Brett Miller drove the 5,000th winner of his career Tuesday when he guided Sure Duffy to victory in the sixth race at The Meadows. Miller achieved the milestone with a flourish, driving six winners on the 13-race card — including career victories 5,001 and 5,002. Miller, 36, a native of Columbu
[read more]

Jack Landis dies in Florida
March 24, 2010
Jack Landis, 84, of West Palm Beach, Fla., who won the 1982 Kentucky Futurity with Jazz Cosmos, died Monday, March 22.   Jazz Cosmos 3, 1:55 ($701,568), also captured a heat and finished second in summary in the 1982 Hambletonian at the Meadowlands. Racing under the name of Sunbird Stable,&nb
[read more]

Woodbine/Mohawk purses to drop by 15 percent
March 24, 2010
Effective Thursday, April 1, Standardbred purses on the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) circuit will be reduced by an overall average of 15 percent. The measure is necessary due to the decrease in wagering over the past year.   *There has been a general softening of Standardbred wagering
[read more]

Owner Parham In The Sulky at Meadowlands
March 24, 2010
Horse owner Dana Parham will sit In The Sulky on Meadowlands Racetrack’s Friday pre-card television show.   One of the biggest bettors in North America, Parham founded the large-scale racing and breeding operation Odds On Racing with trainer Robin Schadt a decade ago and it has developed into
[read more]

J M Vangogh wins at Dover
March 24, 2010
Veteran JM Vangogh moved over the $1.9-million mark in career earnings via a 1:54 victory in the $30,000 Open/Handicap trot feature on Wednesday, March 24. Tim Tetrick and Tony Morgan fashioned driving triples.With Tony Morgan handling the reins, JM Vangogh sat second nearly three lengths off a bris
[read more]

Nancy Irene wins Pocono feature
March 24, 2010
Jim Morrill Jr., and Nancy Irene took the short route coming down the stretch and won the featured race of the 13-race card Wednesday (March 24) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.Nancy Irene, a six-year-old Park Place mare, left from the one hole in the $20,000 claiming pace for fillies and mares and s
[read more]

Gaylewinds NY breezes to 2nd straight Meadows win
March 24, 2010
Gaylewinds NY breezed to the front past the quarter and drew off late to capture her second straight in the Double Trouble, a series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters, Wednesday at The Meadows. Lucky Charm took the other $15,000, second-leg split, giving Dave Palone a driving sweep of th
[read more]

Hoosier Park honors charitable donations
March 24, 2010
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and the Fab Five Standardbred drivers honored five local and Central Indiana charitable organizations with donations at the inaugural Champions for Charities luncheon held yesterday March 23, 2010. Hoosier Park's Fab Five Standardbred drivers raised the funds over th
[read more]

Chip Chip Mac holds on for Meadows series win
March 23, 2010
Chip Chip Mac made a confident quarter-pole move to the lead for Tony Hall, then hung on in the stretch to capture a division of the Triple Diamond at The Meadows. Staying Smooth was placed the winner in Monday’s other $15,000 division of the second leg of the series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and g
[read more]

McNichol recovering, heading to Pocono
March 23, 2010
There seems to be a new and strong resolve from Mickey McNichol when you hear him speak of his four-month road to recovery following heart bypass surgery.    "As I think back, I started to go downhill and was feeling overly tired last September, right after the Pennsylvani
[read more]

Sutton gets OK to resume driving at Hoosier Park
March 23, 2010
When Hoosier Park Racing & Casino opens for live racing Thursday, March 25, former leading driver Josh Sutton will be a part of the colony. Sutton, who was previously banned from racing in Indiana for two years, has been issued a probationary license by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC)
[read more]

Sportswriter, All Speed Hanover top Jug eligibles
March 23, 2010
Two-year-old North American pacing champion Sportswriter and his Breeders Crown nemesis All Speed Hanover are the early favorites in a wide-open 65th Little Brown Jug this year. A total of 148 three-year-old colts and geldings remain eligible to the $550,000 Classic which will be raced Thursday af
[read more]

Meadowlands drivers remember their first time
March 23, 2010
The first time racing under the lights at Meadowlands Racetrack is full of nervous excitement for any driver, whether he is a rising star or seasoned professional. In this video, harness racing's leading reinsmen recall how they felt during their first drives at Meadowlands Racetrack. Watch it now
[read more]

Double Dribble bounces to Meadows series win
March 23, 2010
Double Dribble did a double take at the top of the lane, didn’t like what he saw outside and bounced into the Lightning Lane to capture a division of the Wheel Of Fortune at The Meadows. Foolish Attempt also used a late brush Tuesday to take the other $15,000, second-leg split of the series for 3- a
[read more]

NJ Assembly passes measure supporting Hambo
March 23, 2010
The full New Jersey Assembly approved today [March 22, 2010] a measure encouraging the Hambletonian Triple Crown event to remain at the Meadowlands.Assemblyman Ron Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth, sponsored the resolution with hopes of keeping one of America’s oldest sporting events
[read more]

Odds are In Schadt’s favor in Night Styles
March 23, 2010
A three-horse entry from trainer Robin Schadt and Dana Parham’s Odds On Racing tops the field of pacing fillies to compete in the $60,000 Night Styles Final Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.Odds On Moinet, the best of the Odds On bunch, bids for her fourth straight win and second series crown
[read more]

Man In Motion moves into Dover winner's circle
March 22, 2010
Ron Pierce drove his fourth winner Man In Motion to win the $16,500 feature while Ross Wolfenden and Ms. Ed teamed for the $16,500 sub-feature distaff pace at Dover Downs on Sunday.   Baron Racing Stable's Man In Motion made good use of starting from the inside as Pierce orchestra
[read more]

NY horsemen reinforce support for Pretlow proposal
March 22, 2010
In response to Monday’s bankruptcy court ruling to uphold the proposed bankruptcy of New York City Off Track Betting, the Standardbred Owners Association of New York reinforced their support for a restructuring proposal released last week by NYS Assembly Racing & Wagering Committee chairman
[read more]

Harness Tracks of America offers scholarships
March 22, 2010
The Harness Tracks of America College Scholarship Fund is offering five, $5,000 scholarships for post-secondary education to students actively involved in the sport of harness racing or to the children of harness racing professionals (living or deceased), including licensed drivers, trainers, careta
[read more]

Kakaley ready to take on Pocono
March 22, 2010
Matt Kakaley, the youngest driver in harness racing history to surpass 1,000 wins, begins a new chapter in his life when Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opens its 2010 live harness racing meet Tuesday night. First post is 6:30 p.m.   It won’t be an easy task for Kakaley, whose hometown is Streets
[read more]

Pebble Creek rallies for Silver Reign win
March 22, 2010
Pebble Creek wins Silver Reign final. (New Image Media Photo)
[read more]

Three Of Spades has winning hand again
March 22, 2010
Three Of Spades displayed his closing punch in a 1:50.3 victory in the $40,000 Preferred Handicap Pace while Proper Respect took no prisoners winning the $37,000 Delaware Special Handicap on a track labeled 'good," at Dover Downs on Monday.   After scoring a powerful 1:51 victory last we
[read more]

USTA continues stay of Brooks's suspension
March 21, 2010
In a full board session on Sunday morning, the board of directors of the U.S. Trotting Association agreed to continue the stay of its suspension of Standardbred owner and USTA member Jeffrey Brooks and family members and various stables associated with Brooks.   On Feb. 2 the USTA s
[read more]

She was Really Special
March 20, 2010
The first and final quarters of 26.4 pretty much told the story of the dominant performance by I'm Just Special in the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace on the Friday evening, March 19 program at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. With Kevin Wallis named for bike duty this week, I'
[read more]

Brent Holland drives 4,000th winner
March 20, 2010
Brent Holland, Call Me Yours and Winnin' Image engaged in March Marquee Madness as stars of Yonkers Raceway's Friday night fare.   Holland won the 4,000th race of hia career, guiding Bet to Win in the evening's $27,000, 10th-race Preferred Trot. The 6-year-old Credit Winner gelding, who owns
[read more]

Lil Bit Lil Bit wins Woodbine final
March 20, 2010
Lil Bit Lil Bit made short work of his six rivals in capturing Friday’s $60,000 Apaches Fame Pacing Series final for three-year-old colts and geldings at Woodbine Racetrack in 1:53.4.   The son of Rambaran - Little Bit Famous shot straight to the front from post six for driver Luc Ouellette
[read more]

Lucky Jim back; could go to Elitlopp
March 20, 2010
Trotting powerhouse Lucky Jim got his 5-year-old campaign off to a triumphant start in the $32,000 invitational trot Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   The 2009 Older Trotter of the Year got away fifth off the gate and was prompted to move around lagging cover mid-way down the backstret
[read more]

O Lucky Me overcomes post 9, wins Meadows series opener
March 20, 2010
Fresh off a second-place finish in the Hopeful final, a sharp O Lucky Me overcame post 9 and captured Friday’s $15,000 opening leg of the Quarter Mile, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare pacers, at The Meadows. O Lucky Me endured a tough first-over trip in the slop at
[read more]

USTA board begins meetings
March 20, 2010
The annual board of directors meeting of the U.S. Trotting Association got underway Saturday in  Columbus, Ohio. The board’s first action after convening was the election of Dick Brandt Jr. as treasurer of the organization. Brandt, a director representing Ohio, replaces Judy Roland of Iowa. Als
[read more]

Alexie Mattosie scores in 1:49.1 in "Clover"
March 20, 2010
The first day of spring produced heated battles in the second round of the Four Leaf Clover Series Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Alexie Mattosie stopped the teletimer in 1:49.1 after a tussle to the wire with Beeeyouuuuuu and Golden Receiver in the first of the $25,000 divisions
[read more]

Joey The Czar rules in Hopeful final
March 20, 2010
Odds-on favorite Joey The Czar (Jim Meittinis) ruled with an iron fist Saturday night, winning Yonkers  Raceway's week-delayed $49,700 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings   Leaving from post position two, "Joey" watched early as Vintage Fenom (John Sheeha
[read more]

Sixdaysontheroad takes Cam Fella final
March 20, 2010
Sixdaysontheroad turned in a dazzling victory in the opening leg of the Cam Fella Pacing Series earlier this month, but he was a disappointing third-place finisher in last week’s second leg.  That left some handicappers asking themselves which Sixdaysontheroad would show up in Saturday’s $80,00
[read more]

Jamieson sweeps Damsel splits
March 19, 2010
Dance With Me Dee and Village Java, both driven by Jody Jamieson, captured their respective $35,000(C) divisions in Thursday’s second leg of the Damsel Pacing Series for 3 and 4 year olds at Woodbine Racetrack.   Dance With Me Dee was making her first start of the season in the opening
[read more]

Frog Juice squeezes out Dover victory
March 19, 2010
Frog Juice picked up his first win of the year while Puppetandmee N made it two wins in a row in the $16,500 and $16,000 twin features at Dover Downs on Thursday. Jim Morand had a driving triple.   Gary and Barbara Iles' homebred Frog Juice, one of a handful of older horses in the George T
[read more]

Speed Bomb holds off Vivid Photo at The Meadows
March 19, 2010
Speed Bomb wrested the early lead from Vivid Photo, then held off his celebrated rival in a stirring, stretch-long duel to capture Thursday’s $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   Vivid Photo shot to the lead for Roger Hammer, leaving Speed Bomb and Dave Palone parked be
[read more]

Lucky Jim's debut, Overbid on tap at Big M
March 19, 2010
The $115,000 Overbid final and season debut of Lucky Jim in the $32,000 invitational trot highlight the Friday night card at Meadowlands Racetrack.   After a dominant victory in round two of the series, Ginger And Fred was installed the 9-5 morning line in the Overbid final for free for all
[read more]

Illinois House votes to fire all Racing Board members
March 19, 2010
The Illinois state House on Wednesday voted 89-24 in favor of a bill that would fire all 11 members of the state’s Racing Board over its handling of a labor dispute at Fairmount Park Thoroughbred racetrack earlier this year. The bill now goes to the Senate, and if approved in that chamber, the 11 Bo
[read more]

Cam Fella final set for Saturday at Woodbine
March 19, 2010
He did everything he needed to in Alberta, so the owners of Sixdaysontheroad, a live contender in Saturday’s $80,000 Cam Fella Stakes final, sent him to local trainer Gord Remmen to chase after the rich Woodbine purses.   Clearly, that decision has paid off. "He’s made quite a bit of money
[read more]

Ontario commission warns about alkalizing agent
March 19, 2010
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is advising all participants to be aware of the properties of calcium propionate. The white, powdery substance is used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, and is an alkalizing agent similar to baking soda.   Use of calcium propionate cou
[read more]

Bill Napier dies in Kentucky at 63
March 19, 2010
Bill Napier, the longtime executive secretary of the Kentucky Harness Horsemen's Association (KHHA), died late Friday afternoon, March 19, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington after a battle with cancer. He was 63.   Mr. Napier was a veteran Lexington police detective when he became involved
[read more]

5YO Ramona Disomma wins Overbid final
March 19, 2010
Ramona Disomma, a 5-year-old mare by Pacific Fella, gained the lead on the final turn and held off a pack of challengers in the stretch to win the $115,000 Overbid Final for older pacing mares Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Ramona Disomma and driver George Brennan slid int
[read more]

Qualifying action at Meadowlands
March 18, 2010
The top older trotters Arch Madness, Enough Talk and Classic Lane tuned up for the 2010 season with qualifying wins at the Meadowlands Thursday morning. Arch Madness was put on the point by trainer Trond Smedshammer and won in 1:55 over Enough Talk. The mare Classic Lane won by a whop
[read more]

Hoosier Park hosts qualifiers under the lights
March 18, 2010
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino played host to a set of 17 qualifiers Wednesday night, March 17 that attracted 113 trotters and pacers. A dress rehearsal for the March 25 season opener, the Anderson oval carded six qualifying races for trotters and 11 for pacers. It was the third qualifying opportu
[read more]

Trotting mares in series action at The Meadows
March 18, 2010
Sporting a hood for the first time, RT Sun Poco atoned for a break last week when she came first-over to capture a division of Wednesday's (March 17) opening leg of the Double Trouble, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters, at The Meadows. Gaylewinds NY took the other
[read more]

John Gilmour wins the St. Paddy Pace at Monticello
March 18, 2010
When Monticello Raceway presented its 10th Annual St. Paddy Pace on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 Irish eyes were smiling  and  mostly they were smiling on John Gilmour who reined Gemini Jon, a rare free-legged pacer, to a head victory over 27-1 shot Bolero Artifice and driver Curtis Carey i
[read more]

Sophomore trotters to start season at Pompano Friday
March 18, 2010
Based on the increasing number of young horses arriving at the races for their early career starts,spring has arrived in earnest at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   Jan Johnson will be gunning for a second straight win with his young charges in 2010 when he sends out 3-year-old&nbs
[read more]

Move Over Mrs. Markham set for 18-show run at Mohawk
March 18, 2010
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and Working Reel Productions today released the details of its dinner theatre collaboration this spring. Mohawk, the mid-season home of Standardbred racing, will host a limited engagement run of shows from April 9 through May 29.  The schedule is a mix of
[read more]

Second qualifiers of 2010 season at Pocono on Tuesday
March 18, 2010
Under sunny skies and seasonable temperatures, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs held its second qualifying races of the 2010 season Tuesday (March 16) morning. And Jim Morrill Jr., last year’s leading percentage driver, picked up where he left off last season as he won his initial qualifying race of the
[read more]

RT Sun Poco, Gaylewinds NY win Meadows series openers
March 18, 2010
Sporting a hood for the first time, RT Sun Poco atoned for a break last week when she came first over to capture a division of Wednesday’s opening leg of the Double Trouble, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters, at The Meadows. Gaylewinds NY took the other $15,000 op
[read more]

Johnson seeking two straight
March 18, 2010
Based on the increasing number of young horses arriving at the races for their early career starts, Spring has arrived in earnest at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Jan Johnson will be gunning for a second straight win with his young charges in 2010 when he sends out three year old Yankee Glid
[read more]

Joey The Jet still flying high
March 18, 2010
For the second straight week, Joey The Jet JT trotted home in 1:55.4, good enough to get the winner's circle again to win the Wednesday feature race, the $30,000 St. Patrick's day Open/Handicap trot at Dover Downs on March 17. Joey The Jet JT sat patiently as Chosen Voyageur and Ron Pierce cut out
[read more]

Rosecroft to host NHHC qualifier Saturday night
March 18, 2010
Rosecroft Raceway will be hosting a qualifying round for the NHHC this Saturday, March 20, starting at 7 pm. The fee to enter is $200 ($100 registration fee/$100 bankroll). The contest will consist of win/place wagers and the tracks being used for the contest include Dover (In-progress), Meadow
[read more]

Cohen has commentary on NJ racing industry
March 18, 2010
Standardbred owner and former harnessracing.com blogger Andrew Cohen has written an opinion piece on New Jersey's racing industry that appears on the Newark Star-Ledger's nj.com web site.   Cohen writes, "It seems to me that your state’s leaders can no longer afford to talk and wait
[read more]

Fund-raiser held for KY candidate Andy Roberts
March 18, 2010
A fund-raiser was held at The Red Mile clubhouse on Wednesday night for Kentucky veterinarian and Standardbred owner and breeder Andy Roberts. Roberts is running for the Kentucky state Senate and must face an incumbent in a May primary to be the Republican party's name on the ballot in Nov
[read more]

Odds On Moinet now 4 for 5 this year
March 18, 2010
Odds On Moinet wins her third straight. (Michael Lisa/Lisa Photo)
[read more]

Boots Place returns to Dover winner's circle
March 17, 2010
After a second-place finish last week, Boots Place returned to the winner's circle for the third time in four weeks in the $30,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday.   Eric Goodell got Boots Place away sitting second behind front-pacing Apache Dame until deep stretch when
[read more]

Dam of Jenna's Beach Boy dies
March 17, 2010
Five O’Clock Cindy, the dam of two-time Pacer of the Year Jenna’s Beach Boy, died Feb. 25 at Peninsula Farm in Kentucky at the age of 23.   A daughter of Cam Fella and the Windshield Wiper mare Eyewash, Five O’Clock Cindy was bred by JEF’s Standardbred Country Club and raced for Rose Guida’s
[read more]

Kentucky Instant Racing appears back on track
March 17, 2010
The Kentucky legislature will apparently leave it to Gov. Steve Beshear or the state’s racing commission to authorize Instant Racing machines at racetracks after Senate president David Williams announced Tuesday a change to the proposed bill would now require a 1.5 percent tax on wagering to go
[read more]

Dougs Fame wins after 11-week layoff
March 17, 2010
Dismissed at 10-1 and returning from an 11-week layoff, Dougs Fame scored in a sizzling 1:51.1--fastest mile this year at The Meadows--in Tuesday’s $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace.   Sitting second down the backside, Dougs Fame and Dave Palone confidently brushed past the leade
[read more]

Callahan in freak accident; to return later this week
March 17, 2010
Corey Callahan, driving pacer Elizabeth Ann, was injured in a freak accident in the first race at Dover Downs on Tuesday night. Callahan was standing up in his bike trying to help his horse by untangling her hobbles, when a horse directly behind bumped into Callahan's sulky, throwing him to the
[read more]

SOA New York states position on OTB restructuring
March 17, 2010
The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOA) has submitted the following document expressing support for the plan to restructure New York City OTB. It is being posted in its entirety.   We have reviewed the proposed New York City OTB (NYCOTB) restructuring plan released by Assembly R
[read more]

Update! Callahan says he hopes to return Saturday
March 17, 2010
Dover Downs’ leading driver Corey Callahan told harnessracing.com Wednesday morning that his return to racing is on a day-to-day basis after a pre-race accident before the first race on Tuesday sent him to the hospital. Callahan said in a best-case scenario he hoping to resume driving on Saturday, M
[read more]

Whoa! Kentucky Instant Racing bill stalls
March 17, 2010
Although early indications were that a bill that would allow Instant Racing machines at Kentucky Racetracks appeared on track for approval, the measure stalled Wednesday in a state Senate Committee. Reports from Frankfort stated that Sen. Damon Thayer decided against bringing the bill to a vote in t
[read more]

Windsor paddock judge Lew Clark dies
March 17, 2010
Windsor Raceway paddock judge Lew Clark, who also had a successful career training horses and served as an Ontario Harness Horse Association director, died Tuesday, March 16. He was 66.   Mr. Clark was a leading trainer at Windsor Raceway and Hazel Park in the 1970s and ‘80s, winning dash tit
[read more]

Indiana third in gaming revenue in 2009
March 17, 2010
The Associated Press (AP) has reported that Indiana has climbed to third in the nation in terms of adjusted gross revenues from commercial gaming. Nevada and New Jersey are first and second.   The AP report said Nevada held the top spot in 2009 with $9.76 billion and New Jersey was second at
[read more]

Handicapping qualifiers added at The Meadows
March 17, 2010
Can’t make it to Meadowlands Racetrack? National Harness Handicapping Chanpionship qualifiers are still being held across the country.   Dates were just added for The Meadows (March 25 and April 5) in Pennsylvania. Tournaments are also coming up at Buffalo, Harrington, Hawthorne, Rosecroft, T
[read more]

Kims Quest upsets in Silver Reign leg
March 16, 2010
Kims Quest and driver Simon Allard scored a huge upset in Monday’s second leg of the of the Silver Reign Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine Racetrack with a lifetime-best 1:54 clocking.   The daughter of Royal Mattjesty-Michelle's Destiny got away third and then moved up to ch
[read more]

Staying Smooth is smooth in Meadows victory
March 16, 2010
Staying Smooth, his gait smoothed by hobbles, cruised to an effortless victory in Monday's opening leg of the Triple Diamond, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows. Boiler Spur Blur captured the other $15,000 opening-leg division.   Staying Smo
[read more]

Three Of Spaces trumps Badlands Nitro's return
March 16, 2010
Three Of Spades spoiled the return of Badlands Nitro to the races by scoring a 1:51 victory in the $40,000 feature over a "sloppy" track at Dover Downs on Monday. Southwind Lynx also tasted defeat at the hands of Kentucky Rebel in the $37,000 Delaware Special.   In the featured race, Jon
[read more]

HFL Sport Sciences to test in Kentucky in 2011
March 16, 2010
Following the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Horse Racing, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Tuesday approved an agreement with HFL Sport Sciences to provide drug testing for Kentucky race tracks. It is anticipated the laboratory will begin processing samples no later
[read more]

Fox Stakes day moved to Friday, Aug. 20
March 16, 2010
The Fox Stakes and Grand Circuit day at the Indiana State Fair have been moved from their traditional Saturday slot for 2010. The Grand Circuit program is slated for Friday, Aug. 20, this year, one of many adjustments the State Fair is making during a transition period it is currently undergoing.
[read more]

Perretti purchases interest in Lucky Chucky
March 15, 2010
Bob Marks of Perretti Farms told harnessracing.com Monday morning that Perretti Farms, in association with Lindy Farms of Conn., has purchased a significant interest in Lucky Chucky, the reigning Dan Patch Award winner as the 2009 Two-Year-Old Colt Trotter of the Year.    A son of Windso
[read more]

Arrangements set for publicist Joe Hartmann
March 15, 2010
Joe Hartmann, the former communications director at Pompano Park, Pocono Downs and Foxboro Raceway, and a recent nominee to be placed on the ballot for the sport’s Communicator’s Corner of the Hall of Fame, died Sunday evening, March 13, at his home in Deefield Beach, Fla. He was 59.   A
[read more]

Looking Hanover strong in Horse & Groom split
March 14, 2010
After an epic storm washed out the Saturday card, racing resumed Sunday afternoon at Meadowlands Racetrack with the $20,000 second leg of the Horse & Groom Series as the featured event.   Looking Hanover certainly looks like the one to beat in next week’s final after breezing to victory i
[read more]

Cam Fella division winners splash to victory
March 14, 2010
Greystone Cash and Allamerican Motive both emerged victorious in their respective divisions of the second leg of the Cam Fella Pacing Series for 4 year olds over a rain-soaked Woodbine oval on Saturday night.   Greystone Cash made an impressive brush around heavily favoured Sixdaysontheroad
[read more]

Gurf is fine in Dover feature
March 14, 2010
Meet-leading driver Corey Callahan had another hot hand Saturday at Dover Downs, racking up his fourth win piloting Gurf to a 1:58 score in the $16,500 trot, while Cosmos Madness and Teika Rose packed away Delaware-sired series wins.   In the feature, Callahan pulled Gurf to the out
[read more]

Daley Deposit Only wins Pompano feature
March 14, 2010
He was overlooked to the tune of 5-1 after the favorites Four Starz Bling and Where's Waldo, but Daley Deposit Only got the last laugh again in the $15,000 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday evening at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.    On the breezy 68 degree evening in South Flor
[read more]

Ginger And Fred dances to Overbid victory
March 13, 2010
Ginger And Fred displayed some fancy footwork as she glided to victory over a sloppy track in the $50,000 second round of the Overbid Series Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.    With Tim Tetrick in tow, Ginger And Fred swung up to take the lead from BC’s Jesse after a 29.3 opening q
[read more]

Redneck Outlaw ready to ride into Four Leaf Clover
March 13, 2010
Redneck Outlaw has already proven to be a lucky find for trainer Dan Altman. The 4-year-old pacer was a bargain yearling who has earned back his purchase price more than 10 times over for Altman and co-owners Mgm Racing and Kevin Ciarpelli. On Saturday night, Redneck Outlaw bids for his fi
[read more]

Meadowlands stakes payments due March 15
March 13, 2010
Stake payments for Meadowlands Racetrack's early closing program are due Monday, March 15.  Payments are due for the Countess Adios, Niatross, Oliver Wendell Holmes and Tarport Hap. Stakes applications are available online at: http://www.meadowlandsracetrack.com/stakesStallApplication
[read more]

Lil Bit big again in Apaches Fame Series
March 13, 2010
Lil Bit Lil Bit wired the field over a sloppy track on Friday night at Woodbine Racetrack to make it two straight wins in the Apaches Fame Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings.   Driver Luc Ouellette sent the son of Rambaran-Little Bit Famous straight to command from post six in t
[read more]

Esmeralda Semalu sensational in 1:50.2 win
March 13, 2010
The two fastest pacing miles of the 2009-2010 meet at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park are the exclusive domain of the Joe Pavia Jr. Stable.   Esmeralda Semalu was just sensational in a 1:50.2 tour of the South Florida oval on the Friday evening program over a track that certainly gave no
[read more]

Rev Me Up fastest In Hopeful filly final
March 13, 2010
Odds-on favorite Rev Me Up won Friday night's sloppy $46,900 final of the Hopeful  Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies, earning Yonkers Raceway's first series finale of the season.   With Jason Bartlett--five winners on the 12-race card--driving for trainer Ron Burke, the daughter of Pa
[read more]

Wind Surfer cruises to Meadows win
March 13, 2010
Waiting patiently behind the dueling leaders, Wind Surfer gobbled them up with a third-quarter burst and went on to a comfortable victory in Friday's $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   While Vivid Photo and Speed Bomb exchanged the lead over a wicked front half in :26.4 and :55
[read more]

Sears scores win number 7,000
March 13, 2010
Harness racing’s 2009 Driver of the Year Brian Sears reached career win No. 7,000 on Friday night at the Meadowlands.    Sears guided trotter Muscles Marinara to an easy score in the $14,400 first race to reach the victory milestone. On the earnings side, he surpassed $100 million i
[read more]

Meadowlands, Yonkers cancel Saturday cards
March 13, 2010
Due to high winds and unsafe racing conditions, the Meadowlands and Yonkers both cancelled its Saturday night live racing programs. The Meadowlands is scheduled to resume live racing Sunday afternoon at 1:10 p.m., with racing at Yonkers resuming Monday night at 7:10 p.m.   At Yonkers, the&nbs
[read more]

Night Styles underway at Meadowlands
March 12, 2010
Odds On Moinet wins her Night Styles division. (Lisa Photo)
[read more]

Cats Meow fastest in Damsel splits
March 12, 2010
Cats Meow used off-the-pace tactics while Yankeelicious wired the field in respective $35,000(C) divisions in the opening leg of the Damsel Pacing Series for 3 -and 4-year-old fillies and mares on Thursday night at Woodbine Racetrack.   Cats Meow rallied from fifth to first in the first spl
[read more]

Melvin's Dream scores in 1:52.4 at Dover
March 12, 2010
Bad Rusty, Melvin's Dream and I'm Outtahair cane through with impressive victories in the tri-feature at Dover Downs as heavy fog crept in early in the Thursday card before lifting for the last two races.   In the $16,500 pace, Rodney Long's Bad Rusty, one of four Ross Wolfenden w
[read more]

Meadowlands draw and stakes schedules amended
March 12, 2010
The Meadowlands has moved several dates on its Standardbred racing schedule starting next week.    There is no longer racing on the following dates: Wednesday, March 17; Sunday, March 21; Wednesday, March 24; Sunday, March 28; Wednesday, March 31; Sunday, April 11; Sunday, April
[read more]

Aldrich stays hot at Monticello
March 12, 2010
When you’re hot, you’re hot---and Bruce Aldrich Jr. is and has been hot. The former New Englander reined four more winners on the Thursday card  at Monticello Raceway and now has 78 for the meeting.   Aldrich began the afternoon with a one- win lead over Billy Dobson and after
[read more]

Speed prevails in Pocono qualifiers
March 12, 2010
With temperatures in the high 50s and a lightning fast track, speed was the order of the day as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs held its first qualifying races of the 2010 harness racing season Thursday morning. Of the 10 qualifying races conducted, the initial race produced the fastest clocking of 1:55
[read more]

Instant Racing appears headed to Kentucky
March 12, 2010
A Kentucky Senate committee on Thursday approved a proposal by a vote of 11-1 that would allow “Instant Racing” machines at racetracks in the state. The bill is expected to head to the Senate next week with bipartisan support, which was confirmed by Senate president David Williams, who has been an a
[read more]

Woodbine to guarantee Pick 4 pool on Mondays
March 12, 2010
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has added a new twist to the early Pick-4 wager on Monday nights by offering a guaranteed pool of $35,000 starting this Monday, March 15.   The early Pick-4, which asks fans to pick the winners of four consecutive races beginning in Race 4, is one of the t
[read more]

Giwner's Harness Eye picks hot; $30 winner Thursday
March 12, 2010
After a five-win night on Wednesday and a pair of longshot winners on Thursday at the Meadowlands, Harness Eye editor Derick Giwner is off to a strong start this week and he is confident his good fortune at the Big M will continue through the weekend. Giwner’s picks are available by clicking th
[read more]

Illinois horseman Paul Dudzik dies
March 12, 2010
Paul Arthur Dudzik, 62, of Sandwich, Ill., died Friday, Feb. 26, at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Ill.   Dudzik trained horses for over 40 years, and at the time of his death at the Sandwich fairgrounds, along with his son Jerry. He mainly raced at the Chicago tracks and t
[read more]

When he's a jet he's a jet all the way
March 11, 2010
Joey The Jet JT won a three-horse photo to take the $20,000 trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday at Dover Downs.   Racing third from the start following leader Jeter Marvel (Daryl Bier) and Early Shirley (Jack Parker Jr.), driver Ross Wolfenden took advantage of the opportunity to trot down the
[read more]

Kakaley leaving Florida, heading to Pocono
March 11, 2010
Matt Kakaley, the youngest driver in harness racing history to surpass 1,000 wins, has wrapped up his first season in the driving colony in South Florida and he's on the move for the next phase of his career.   "I'm leaving Florida on Thursday morning to go to Streetsboro, Ohio, to
[read more]

Sells scores a pair at Pompano
March 11, 2010
Tom Sells turned in a pair of superb come-from-behind wins on the Wednesday night card at Isle Pompano Park.   Sells was at his crafty best in a field sweeping win with $6,000 claiming trotter Southern Beauty. Sells had his charge away last in the field of eight start
[read more]

Rockingham cancels 2010 race meet
March 11, 2010
Rockingham Park, the home of Thoroughbred and harness racing in the state of New Hampshire for the past 104 years, will not host a live horse racing meeting in 2010.   The New Hampshire legislature passed legislation in the final minutes of the 2009 session which eliminated funding for the Ne
[read more]

Sears one win from reaching 7,000
March 11, 2010
Five-time leading driver Brian Sears is just one win shy of the 7,000-career mark entering the Thursday night card at Meadowlands Racetrack. He is listed to drive in all 10 races on the program, which kicks off at 7 p.m.    The U.S. Harness Writers Association named Sears the 2009 D
[read more]

$4 million in stakes lined up for Tioga, Vernon
March 11, 2010
Tioga and Vernon Downs will offer over $4 million in stakes over the course of the 2010 racing season and the time is upon us to secure eligibility for those lucrative races.   The $1 million Empire Breeders Classic for New York-sired 3 year olds kicks off the season for state breds on M
[read more]

Tioga WPS takeout lowered to 15 percent
March 11, 2010
Tioga Downs, in its relatively short history, has consistently been on the cutting edge of adapting the racing model toward a more positive result. In a direct response to the vocal concerns of horseplayers, Tioga Downs will reduce its takeout rate across the board to the state minimum allowed by Ne
[read more]

Meadowlands announces schedule changes
March 11, 2010
Meadowlands Racetrack has moved several dates on its Standardbred racing schedule starting next week.    There is no longer racing on the following dates: Wednesday, March 17; Sunday, March 21; Wednesday, March 24; Sunday, March 28; Wednesday, March 31; Sunday, April 11; Sunday, Ap
[read more]

Pennsylvania Sire Stakes payments due March 15
March 11, 2010
Horsemen are reminded that several payments into the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes program must be sent in and postmarked by this Monday, March 15.   TWO YEAR OLDS: If a 2 year old was not paid in as a yearling, the horse can still be supplemented to the Sire Stakes at a cost of $1,500 f
[read more]

Hambo Society's March 15 stakes deadline nears
March 11, 2010
March sustaining and nominating payments for Hambletonian Society stake events are due Monday, March 15 and per USTA Rule 12 section 4, must be postmarked by midnight on Tuesday, March 16. The Hambletonian Society services 109 of harness racing’s richest and most prestigious events. The website
[read more]

Kentucky horseman James Buchanan Jr. dies
March 10, 2010
James "Bucky" Buchanan Jr., a trainer-driver on the Kentucky circuit, died this past weekend. He was 61. Mr. Buchanan was born in Danville, Ky. and was active in the sport for more than 20 years. As a driver, he piloted 83 horses to $160,178 in earnings, while his trainees won 33 times and ca
[read more]

World Trotting Derby's future in doubt
March 10, 2010
The 2010 World Trotting Derby is in jeopardy following the announcement Wednesday by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn that proposed budget cuts to alleviate a $13 billion deficit include eliminating state funding for the race for 3-year-old trotters at the Du Quoin, Ill. fairgrounds.   “It hasn’t offi
[read more]

Apache Dame back on winning track
March 10, 2010
Apache Dame got back on the winning ledger scoring a 1:51.1 triumph in the $30,00 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, while Sherri On Ice took the $20,000 distaff sub-feature. Ross Wolfenden had four trips to the winner's circle.   After starting from the outside in her
[read more]

Marohn returns to action at Monticello
March 10, 2010
Two years ago Jimmy Marohn Jr. won the Rising Star Award at Monticello Raceway and in the following years he was well on his way to prominence as an outstanding catch-driver. But his rise toward the top was stalled earlier this year on Jan. 13 when he sustained a broken collarbone in a freak acciden
[read more]

Mystery Chase rebounds at Meadows
March 10, 2010
Rebounding from a rare out-of-the-money finish, Mystery Chase roared to the front and never faced a serious challenge in capturing Tuesday's $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Although he had won two straight in wire-to-wire fashion, Mystery Chase ducked last week and tired fro
[read more]

Sale of eight Bulletproof horses cancelled
March 10, 2010
Wayne Preszcator, Bob Dickenson and Robert Burgess have announced that Bulletproof Enterprises has paid, in full, the monies to satisfy the specific lien forming the basis of the sale previously advertised for today at Victory Lane Farms. As a result of payment, the sale has been cancelled. Eight h
[read more]

Rags-to-riches story continues at Dover
March 09, 2010
Gottaservesomebody, Southwind Lynx, Dontloseyourday Job, Wambam Sam, Escapefromalcatraz and Life Up Front won on the power-packed Monday program at Dover Downs.   In the top race for a $40,000 purse, Gottaservesomebody continued his rags-to-riches climb up the ladder of success as Tony Mor
[read more]

Nick Callahan hurt in training accident
March 09, 2010
Veteran trainer Nick Callahan has returned to his home in Greenwood, Del., following a weekend training accident and pelvis surgery.   Callahan was completing a training trip behind Tom's Toy, a 4-year-old pacing mare recentty added to the stable. When coming around the final turn his sulky
[read more]

McGibson powers to Meadows victory
March 09, 2010
McGibson powered to a front-end score in 1:52.1, the fastest mile this year by a 4-year-old pacing mare on a five-eighths-mile track, in Monday's $25,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace at The Meadows.   As she did in her victory last week, McGibson vaulted to the lead for Dave Palone, cutt
[read more]

A Bigmizndrstnding at Western Fair
March 09, 2010
Bigmizndrstnding scored the first victory of his 2010 campaign in Monday’s $13,500(C) Preferred Pace at Western Fair Raceway.   Mike Sumner put the 5-year-old son of No Pan Intended on the front from the start and never looked back to win in 1:57.3. Oakley Seelster, the winner in this class l
[read more]

CHHA stallion auction in progress
March 09, 2010
The Christian Harness Horseman’s Association Annual Stallion Auction is in progress at www.ongait.com through Friday March 12th.   Breedings to 29 stallions in Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario have been donated to benefit CHHA’s ministry.&
[read more]

Paragon claimed again at Pompano
March 09, 2010
The claiming tug of war for pacer Paragon continued on the Monday evening card at the Isle of Capri Pompano Park.   For this start he was dropped from the Open-3 class back to a $15,000 price tag and scooping up the Cambest-Lola 8-year-old pacer this time was Melvin Fink of Michigan. After tw
[read more]

Schadt featured on Big M broadcast
March 09, 2010
Robin Schadt, trainer for the Odds On Racing Stable, will be the featured guest on Meadowlands Racetrack’s Wednesday night pre-card television broadcast.    Schadt will talk about her recent claiming activity, Odds On Moinet’s Tender Loving Care win and more.  Fans can e-mail questi
[read more]

Bellamy reaches $2 million
March 09, 2010
Well traveled and focused trainer Ryan Bellamy, 25, is taking in stride the news that he's just surpassed $2 million in career earnings.   "That's a nice number to accomplish at my age but I've already been at it long enough to know the valleys are out there and they seem to come more often t
[read more]

Harness Racing Museum needs your help
March 09, 2010
It’s time to update the timeline reader board located in the Delvin Miller Historic Timeline at The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y. The last historical reference is for 2001 and we invite harness racing fans to help us bring the exhibit up to the present.   Send
[read more]

Expenses fraud detailed in Brooks trial
March 09, 2010
Newsday is reporting that the chief financial officer for David Brooks' body-armor company said Monday, March 8, that while Brooks ran the company with an iron fist, including making all financial decisions, he worked with her on a number of schemes to avoid revealing that the company illegally had
[read more]

Charles Dillander Jr. dies
March 09, 2010
Charles William Dillander Jr., 64, of Vine Grove, Ky., died March 7, 2010, at Veterans Administration Medical Center in Louisville. Mr. Dillander was a driver, trainer and owner and competed at Louisville Downs and The Red Mile. His last start was in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Becky; sons,
[read more]

Meadowlands may be racing only Standardbreds
March 09, 2010
It appears that there will only be Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands in 2010 under an agreement reached Monday night between New Jersey officials and the racing industry. The agreement calls for the elimination of Thoroughbred racing at that track and raced solely at Monmouth Park, which w
[read more]

Kentucky Hall of Famer David Goatley dies
March 09, 2010
Kentucky Hall of Fame horseman David Milton Goatley died Saturday, March 6, in Bardstown. He was 91. Mr. Goatley was an elder in the Springfield Presbyterian Church, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #50 F&AM. Mr. Goatley and his
[read more]

Looking Hanover a Horse & Groom winner
March 08, 2010
Looking Hanover looked Celebrity Playboy in the eye at the top of the stretch and edged away to win the first of three $20,000 Horse & Groom Series divisions in 1:54.4 Sunday afternoon at Meadowlands Racetrack.  Driven and co-owned by Yannick Gingras, Looking Hanover came first up to pressu
[read more]

American Hot Rod upsets in General Brock
March 08, 2010
Despite going up against a heavily-favoured four-horse entry in Sunday’s $67,200 General Brock Trotting Series Final at Woodbine Racetrack, American Hot Rod took his game to a whole new level and played the role of spoiler by upsetting his four-year-old counterparts in a career-best clocking of 1:55
[read more]

Blacks A Fake wins fourth Inter Dominion
March 07, 2010
Blacks A Fake was positioned in a perfect second-over trip by driver Natalie Rasmussen and then tipped out on the last turn before pacing on to a victory in the $1 million Inter Dominion Championship Sunday afternoon at the Tabcorp Park Menangle track. The mile rate time for the 2,300 meters (just s
[read more]

Golden Receiver, Alexie Mattosie fire at big M
March 07, 2010
Golden Receiver prevailed by a neck over Lisagain after a lengthy battle in the $25,000 opening leg of the Four Leaf Clover Series Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.Golden Receiver fired to the front in a :26.4 opening quarter and matched strides with Lisagain through middle fractions of :57 a
[read more]

Wrenn, Deters score four at Pompano
March 07, 2010
On the eve of their induction into the Florida Hall Of Fame by the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), it only seemed fitting that driver Peter Wrenn and trainer Mike Deters turned out to be the focus of attention on the Saturday evening, March 6, program at the Isle Casino Racing Pom
[read more]

Pacific Admiral in a nail-biter at Cal-Expo
March 07, 2010
Digging down for everything he had was what was needed for Pacific Admiral to prevail.A mixture of conditioned & claiming ($20,000) pacers, racing for a purse of $5,200, were featured at Cal-Expo on Saturday night (March 6), on which Pacific Admiral scored in dramatic fashion.In advance of start
[read more]

Hoosier Park owner Centaur files for bankruptcy
March 07, 2010
Centaur LLC, owner of Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, announced Sunday, March 7 that the company has filed for bankruptcy in an effort to restructure and emerge with less debt. According to a company press release, Centaur and its subsidiaries, which include Hoosier Park, Fortune Valley Hotel &
[read more]

Owner Sherman Steinberg dies
March 06, 2010
Sherman Steinberg, 78, of Holmdel, and Fort Plain, N.Y., died Thursday, March 4, 2010, in Cooperstown. Mr. Steinberg was born in New York City and taught Chemistry at NYU before becoming owner of an industrial paint manufacturing company, North American Technologies, Ocean Township. His true love wa
[read more]

Odds On Moinet wins Tender Loving Care
March 06, 2010
Odds On Moinet tracked down Rev Me Up in the final strides to win the $61,000 Tender Loving Care Final for pacing fillies on Friday night at Meadowlands. Odds On Moinet and driver George Brennan made the top in a brisk :27.2 opening quarter until Tryst and Ron Pierce reclaimed the lead from them bef
[read more]

Pavia's Friday streak continues
March 06, 2010
The latest streak of winning at least one race each Friday night in South Florida now stands at three for Joe Pavia Jr. The March 5th program saw him rein in the winners of the top two races on the card at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. In the $15,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, Pavia's Flo
[read more]

Swan Image takes $25,000 Meadows Trot
March 06, 2010
First over forever, Swan Image persevered until he collared the front-ending Wind Surfer and captured Friday’s $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. With Wind Surfer enjoying a moderate 58-second front half, victory seemed like mission impossible for Swan Image, who was 6 lengths back
[read more]

Claudius Augustus reigns at Cal-Expo
March 06, 2010
The task turned out to be tougher, but the result was the same - - another triumph for Claudius Augustus.Open Handicap trotters, racing for a purse of $6,100, were featured at Cal-Expo on Friday night (March 5), on which Claudius Augustus got the hat-trick.Despite being assigned post-nine in the fie
[read more]

Ninety nominated to Pepsi NA Cup
March 06, 2010
An impressive group of 90 horses has been nominated to the 27th edition of the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, one of standardbred racing's most prestigious events, set for Saturday, June 26 at Mohawk Racetrack. Headlining this year's group of nominees is 2009 O'Brien Award two-year-old champi
[read more]

Games of skill at KY tracks?
March 06, 2010
A recent story in the Lexington Herald Leader reported that legislation was filed this week to allow "electronic games of skill" at Kentucky racetracks and supporters say it could generate more than $28 million for Kentucky purses and $3.14 million in purse supplements, breeders awards and other inc
[read more]

Master Pine still perfect in 2010
March 06, 2010
"Hobbles?! I don't need no stinkin' hobbles!"If Master Pine could talk, that's what we surmise he would have said Friday night after easily winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $32,000 Open Handicap Trot.The win maintained Master Pine's perfect 2010 resume and gave Jason Bartlett a sweep of the eve
[read more]

Harness Horse Youth Foundation's summer schedule
March 05, 2010
Family Days – for ages 9 and up and their familiesJune 5 – Harrington RacewayJune 6 – Goshen Historic Track Harness Racing Youth League – for ages 12 to 14June 16 to 20 – Odds On Racing/Balmoral Park, Crete, ILJuly 6 to 10 – Vernon Downs, Vernon NYJuly 18 to 22  - Goshen Historic Track, Goshen
[read more]

Race fixing probe underway in Michigan
March 05, 2010
The Detroit Free Press today is carrying a story about a year-long investigation into possible race fixing at all three Michigan tracks - Hazel Park Raceway, Northville Downs and Sports Creek Raceway. The story said that as many as 30 drivers, trainers and owners may be implicated and that three hom
[read more]

Biggest Big Bertha is in Top-Flite
March 05, 2010
It came down to the draw and strategy, and both were to the advantage of Biggest Big Bertha. Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pacers, racing for a purse of $6,100, were featured at Cal-Expo on Thursday night (March 4), on which Biggest Big Bertha won for the 51st time in her fine career. Before star
[read more]

NJ sophomores dominate speed ratings
March 05, 2010
New Jersey-sired trotters, led by Il Villaggio, dominate the sport’s speed ratings for 2010 by capturing five of the top seven spots on a list of the projected fastest three-year-old trotters in the nation. According to the latest Experimental Championship ratings compiled by harness racing authori
[read more]

Gaming legislation to be filed in Massachusetts
March 05, 2010
Gary T. Piontkowski, President of Plainridge Racecourse, today applauded Speaker DeLeo's plan to file gaming legislation that includes the 100 acre horse track in Plainville, Massachusetts, located at the intersection of Routes 1 and 495. "Speaker DeLeo's vision and continuing support of the blue c
[read more]

Dover's open winner the chosen one
March 04, 2010
Chosen Voyageur made it two-in-a-row winning the $30,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday. Corey Callahan left sharply with Chosen Voyageur and cut out all the fractions to score his third win of the year in five starts posting a 1:54.1 victory in the week's top trot.   Owned
[read more]

Busy weekend on tap for Wrenn in Florida
March 04, 2010
The red carpet will be out this weekend for horseman Peter Wrenn in Florida both off and on the track. Preceding his induction into the Florida Hall Of Fame by the State's chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) at Sunday's banquet, Wrenn has an busy evening awaiting on
[read more]

Michigan slashes dates; Hazel down to just 29
March 04, 2010
Because of reduced funding, the Michigan Gaming Control Board on Thursday issued a mandate that all racetracks significantly decrease the number of live racing dates in 2010, including cutting the dates at the state’s flagship harness track, Hazel Park, to just 29 programs. The Michigan Harness Hors
[read more]

Boots Place wins again at Dover
March 03, 2010
For the second consecutive week, Boots Place chalked up an impressive 1:52.2 win in the $30,000 Mares Open Handicap pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, March 3.  Eric Goodell ushered Boots Place quickly to the lead and never looked back registering a lifetime mark of 1:52.2. It was Goodell's seco
[read more]

Witness: Brooks had DHB pay for porn, dry cleaning
March 03, 2010
Newsday’s Tuesday, March 2 coverage of the David Brooks’ trial, written by reporter Robert Kessler, revealed that the prosecution is contending that Brooks illegally had his company pay for much of his life-style, ranging from the ordinary to the over the top, from the lighting bill on his Old Westb
[read more]

NJSEA seeks $30M state subsidy as losses mount
March 03, 2010
The Newark Star Ledger (at nj.com) is carrying a report about the details of testimony given on Wednesday, March 3 by Dennis Robinson President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority as he testified before the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee at the State
[read more]

Pelling testimony in Brooks' trial
March 02, 2010
Steve Kallas, a New York attorney, longtime Standardbred owner, and correspondent for The Horseman and Fair World magazine, is covering the trial of David Brooks, and offers the final analysis of testimony given by trainer Brett Pelling:   On Thursday afternoon, Feb. 25, Brett 
[read more]

Stanley Banks dies
March 02, 2010
Stanley E. Banks, a longtime fixture among the driving colony on the Chicagoland racing circuit, died Monday, March 1, at his home in Dwight, Ill. after a long illness. He was 73.   Mr. Banks, who was always among the leading drivers at all Chicagoland harness tracks throughout
[read more]

Strada Memorial canceled
March 02, 2010
The Meadowlands has announced that the Strada Memorial for older pacing mares scheduled for Saturday, April 3, has been canceled.
[read more]

Mr. Feelgood draws post 9 for ID final
March 01, 2010
The field is set for the $1 million (Aus.) Inter Dominion championship, set for Sunday at the Tabcorp Menangle Park outside of Sydney, and Mr. Feelgood, the defending champion and 2006 Little Brown Jug winner, will be starting from post nine in the field of 10 on the seven-eighths mile oval.  
[read more]

Team Baillargeon dominates in General Brock
March 01, 2010
The tandem of Ben and Mario Baillargeon once again dominated the General Brock Trotting Series for 4 year olds on Sunday afternoon at Woodbine as they captured two of the three divisions that went postward. The pair had swept all four divisions in the first leg last weekend.   Jilted Pride
[read more]

Legislation introduced for VLTs at Big M
March 01, 2010
Assemblyman Ralph Caputo on Monday announced he and several other Assembly Democrats have introduced legislation that would seek voter approval to place video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands horse racing track.   "Let's face it - times have changed and so must we if Meadowlands racing an
[read more]