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Luchento named NJ Co-horseperson of the year
January 31, 2011
Thomas Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey, was presented the Governor’s Trophy as co-Horseperson of the Year for 2010 at the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board’s 54th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Luncheon at Charley’s Other Brother Restaurant i
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Sams Treasure hits Dover's jackpot
January 31, 2011
Sams Treasure came on strongly in the stretch to win the $17,000 4&5-Year-Old pace in 1:54.2 on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Dover Downs.With Ron Pierce in the bike, Tom Ceraso and Foulk Stables’ Sams Treasure overtook race favorite Bryson Seelster (Corey Callahan) on the way to his third win of the meet
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NJSS payments due Feb. 15
January 31, 2011
The Feb. 15 deadline for New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS) first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of NJ-sired 2-year-old and 3-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to the 2011 Premier and Green Acres racing programs.   The NJSS Premier Division will be contested exclu
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Aldrich now president & COO of Northfield
January 31, 2011
Northfield Park  has announced the appointment of Thomas M. Aldrich, currently in his 26th year at the Cleveland-Akron metro area pari-mutuel facility, to president, filling a post left open by the retirement of Myron Charna last year.   Aldrich will retain his title of chief operating o
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NJ betting bills signed into law
January 31, 2011
Legislation authorizing exchange wagering and single pari-mutuel pools in New Jersey was signed into law Monday by Gov. Chris Christie. The legislation is expected to give the state's horse racing industry a shot in the arm. The law authorizes the New Jersey Racing Commission to issue a
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Saturday night Meadowlands handle near $3mil
January 30, 2011
The Meadowlands enjoyed a big Saturday night from a handle perspective as $2,991,548 was wagered on the 13-race card. The program featured the Complex, Clyde Hirt and Presidential Series finals, a Pick 4 with a $75,000 guarantee pool, and the Meadowlands-Woodbine handicapping challenge. The final ra
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Ready Cash tops Maharajah in Prix d'Amerique
January 30, 2011
The 2011 Prix d'Amerique lived up to its billing as a battle between France's Ready Cash and Sweden's Maharajah as the two horses finished a half-length apart, with Ready Cash winning the classic at the Vincennes track in Paris on a cold but sunny Sunday afternoon. A purse of 1 million euros (about
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Art Official filly born at Oldfield in Michigan
January 30, 2011
Shortly before Modern Connection finished as the runner-up to Idyllic as Canada's 2-Year-Old Filly Pacer of 2010, Modern Connection's dam, Cambest Connection, delivered a filly by Art Official at Oldfield Farm in Michigan.   The filly is believed to be the first foal by Art Official. Cambest
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Southwind Tabor upsets at Yonkers
January 29, 2011
Southwind Tabor (Jim Pantaleano) proved best from the pocket Saturday night, winning Yonkers  Raceway's $32,500 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position two, Southwind Tabor tracked Smellthecolornine (Jason Bartlett) around the oval. The latter put up intervals of :27.2, :56
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American blood wins Saturday Paris feature
January 29, 2011
The big Prix d’Amerique weekend got underway with excitement at the Vincennes racetrack on Saturday afternoon as a horse with American blood wowed trotting aficionados with a powerful victory timed in a mile rate of 1:54 in a 2,100 meter race. Rapide Lebel, a 6-year-old gelding by Ginger Somolli, t
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Wishing Stone to race at Cagnes-sur-Mer
January 29, 2011
Wishing Stone, the 2010 Kentucky Futurity champion, trained last week in France, but despite a satisfactory effort, his connections have decided to skip the one mile Prix de France at Vincennes in Paris next month and instead prepare for racing at Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera in March. &nbs
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23 for St. Elmo Hero; 6,000 for Tetrick
January 29, 2011
St. Elmo Hero made it 23 wins in a row and Tim Tetrick became the youngest driver to reach 6,000 career wins on a busy night of action Saturday at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   St. Elmo Hero won the $65,000 Complex Series final for pacers ages five and under, with Tetrick picking up win No. 6,
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Arriba Amigo finds Dover friendly
January 29, 2011
In his first local start since arriving from Canada, Arriba Amigo pulled away from eight rivals in 1:56.2 to win the $14,500 trot, one of six wins for driver Matt Kakaley, on Saturday at Dover Downs.    Arriba Amigo easily beat fast-finishing CC’s Fred (Sean Bier) and Iron Will
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Alexie Mattosie wins Presidential final
January 29, 2011
Alexie Mattosie won the $127,000 Presidential Series final for older pacers and Meirs Hanover won the $62,600 Clyde Hirt Series final for 4-year-old male pacers Saturday night at the Meadowlands.   In the Presidential, Alexie Mattosie used a first-over charge to overcome leader Vlos
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Dreamfair Eternal named Canada's HOY
January 29, 2011
On Saturday, Standardbred Canada hosted the 2010 O’Brien Awards to honor and recognize the horses and people that have made the greatest contribution to Canadian harness racing over the past season. The awards are named for the late Hall of Famer Joe O'Brien, a member of the Canadian Horse Raci
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Penn National buys Rosecroft; plans to reopen track
January 28, 2011
Penn National Gaming, which owns Raceway Park in Ohio, Bangor Raceway in Maine, part of Freehold Raceway, and Thoroughbred tracks in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, purchased Rosecroft Raceway on Friday in a bankruptcy auction, agreeing to pay $10.25 million in cash for the racetrack. Last ye
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Legal online poker through FL racetracks?
January 28, 2011
Florida lawmakers are talking about allowing legal online poker through card rooms at pari-mutuel racetracks and jai lai frontons. The card rooms would act as a portal.  "It's common sense," Florida Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D), who proposed the bill, told the Sun-Sentinel. "There are hundreds of
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St. Elmo Hero makes Complex look simple
January 28, 2011
St. Elmo Hero, who is undefeated in 22 career starts, looks to keep his streak alive in the $65,000 Complex Series Final on Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Rated as the prohibitive 1-2 favorite in the field, St. Elmo Hero will start from post five for driver Tim Tetrick and trai
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Oosting excluded at Balmoral and Maywood
January 28, 2011
Following his arrest early Sunday morning, Jan. 23, on a domestic battery charge, Illinois-based driver Mike Oosting has been excluded from driving at Balmoral Park and Maywood Park by the Illlinois Racing Commission stewards until his court appearance scheduled for late February. The 48-year-old O
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Andy Miller drives 7,000th winner
January 28, 2011
Driver Andy Miller hit the 7,000-win milestone in the second race Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. Miller steered Odds On Riesling to victory in 1:53.3 for trainer Carl Porcelli.   A 42-year-old Illinois native, Miller moved to New Jersey in 2006 and has ranked as one of the leadin
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St. Elmo Hero's trainer on In The Sulky Saturday
January 28, 2011
Charles Eustis III, trainer of the undefeated St Elmo Hero, will be the featured In The Sulky guest on Meadowlands Racetrack's Saturday night pre-card broadcast.   St Elmo Hero bids for his 23rd consecutive victory in the $65,000 Complex Series Final on Saturday night.  Fans can e-mail q
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Jasperthat A takes Yonkers feature in 1:55.1
January 28, 2011
Jasperthat A (Cat Manzi) upset the Friday night apple cart, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured  $32,500 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Bling (Eric Goodell) garnered all the early attention, taking over from inside assignee Celtic Danser (Jordan Stratton) just after a :27.3 openi
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Brad Kramer wins four and Stratton wins big
January 27, 2011
Late last fall Brad Kramer moved his base of operations to the Mighty M and not being well known on the east coast he caught on slowly but  once again his talent is speaking for itself.On the Wednesday card of January 26 Kramer reined four winners.He won the first race with Jack & Rose Delu
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Starsel shines in Dover feature
January 27, 2011
Starsel caught Cold Winner in the final strides to win the $26,000 Open trot on a speeded-up card Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Dover Downs due to rain and Weather Bureau assumptions.  Daryl Bier driving Starsel sat behind Cold Winner (Ron Pierce) from the start the came to the outside turning for home
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Brainard trotters dominate at Pompano
January 27, 2011
A pair of veteran trotters sent out owner and trainer Tracy Brainard overwhelmed the competition on the Wednesday evening, January 26 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   "I knew it was a good night but I didn't even realize both Fancy Shot and Lord Burghley had tied their lif
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Diamond Hunter wins Meadows Preferred
January 27, 2011
Following a cozy pocket trip, Diamond Hunter charged through the Lightning Lane to capture Wednesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. Sporting newly added blinkers, Diamond Hunter shot to the lead for Brett Miller before yielding to the 6-5 favorite, Bettis, who was seeking his
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Idyllic a fantasy come true for owner
January 27, 2011
Winning a fantasy sports contest gave Joe LaCova the thrill of a lifetime. Now, he’ll look for another thrill ride in the form of Idyllic, the first horse he has ever owned and one who could pace away with a prestigious award.   Idyllic is a finalist for this year’s O’Brien Award for Canada
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Donato's book full and closed for 2011
January 27, 2011
Hanover Shoe Farm president Jim Simpson has announced that the book of trotting champion Donato Hanover is now full and closed. Donato Hanover joins Well Said among the Hanover stallions with full books.   “The fact that both of these horses have strong and loyal syndicates is
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Teague Stable's Cugle named Groom of Year
January 27, 2011
Tommy Cugle, an energetic veteran groom who is currently employed at Teague Stables, has been named 2010 Groom of the Year in the annual competition sponsored by HTA and Hanover Shoe Farms.   Cugle told his nominator, Delaware-based publicist and TV racing show producer and host Heather Moffe
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Late bloomer leads Presidential candidates
January 27, 2011
Vlos started his racing career later than most, but he has certainly made up for lost time. The 7-year-old is one of the leading candidates in the field for the $127,000 Presidential Final, the first major stake race of the year for older pacers, on Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.  Ca
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Freehold cancels Thurs./Fri.; Yonkers cancels Thurs.
January 27, 2011
Yonkers Raceway and Freehold Raceway have cancelled their Thursday (Jan. 27) live programs due to a snowstorm. Freehold also announced that Friday afternoon's card has also been cancelled and that live racing hopefully will resume on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Simulcasting will remain open at
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Watch The Prix d’Amerique live on RTN
January 27, 2011
Live simulcasting of the Prix d’Amerique will be available via RTN on channel 9740 on the Dish Network, with the estimated post time 9:20 am (EST). Also, the Meadowlands will open at 9 a.m. and simulcast the race, with free programs and wagering. Wagering will also be available through New Jers
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Two trotting stars die in Lindy barn collapse
January 27, 2011
A barn collapse at Lindy Farms in Somers, Conn., early Thursday morning killed two horses—trotting stars on the racetrack who both went on to become successful broodmares—but it could have been worse.  There were a total of 15 horses in the barn, and no person was injured in the disaster. &nbs
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New Vocations Stallion Auction set to open
January 27, 2011
Breedings to Deweycheatumnhowe, Conway Hall, Dragon Again, Cam’s Card Shark and Jailhouse Jesse are among the 82 seasons donated to New Vocations 13th annual Stallion Auction. The auction starts at 2 pm Feb. 2 and runs through 2 pm Feb. 8 at ww.ongait.com.   The auction is conducted in an "Op
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Upsets in Meadowlands series finals
January 27, 2011
Alcarine parlayed a second-over trip into a Super Bowl upset in the $58,000 series final for 4-year-old trotters on Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.     Driven and trained by Daryl Bier, Alcarine sat off the early pace set by Zeitgeist and followed favorite Dolce Ducci as th
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Sportswriter's book full and closed
January 27, 2011
Tara Hills Stud and Southwind Farms have announced that world champion Sportswriter p,2,1:49.2, 3,1:48.3 ($1,566,460) (Artsplace – Precious Beauty), who will stand his first season at stud at Tara Hills in Port Perry, Ont., is fully booked for his initial season. The Metro Pace and North
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High Joltage repeats at Dover
January 27, 2011
High Joltage won his second straight and Elijah Hanover his first of the meet in a $14,000 pace double-feature on Thursday at Dover Downs.   High Joltage won for the third time in his last four races speeding to a 1:54.4 victory in the first of the co-features. The sophomore al
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Tony Hall gets 3,000
January 26, 2011
Tony Hall drove the 3,000th winner of his career Tuesday at The Meadows when he guided Online Auction to victory in the fourth race. “I’m pretty excited about this; I was really looking forward to it,” Hall said. “In my opinion, The Meadows has one of the best, one of the toughest driver coloni
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Freehold cancels Wednesday card
January 26, 2011
Freehold Raceway has cancelled its Wednesday (Jan. 26) live racing card due to inclement weather. The track is still open on Wednesday for simulcasting. 
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Former harness player talks about betting
January 26, 2011
The Paulick Report, a website about Thoroughbred horse racing news, has an interview with a former harness bettor about playing the races today. Racing  journalist Ray Paulick said he met Barry Meadow (nicknamed Barry Meadow Skipper by a mutual friend in honor of the Standardbred grea
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Jug & Jugette payments due Feb. 15
January 26, 2011
Sustaining payments for the 66th Little Brown Jug and the 41st Jugette are due February 15.  These are for foals of 2008.And, there’s good news for owners of both 2011 Little Brown Jug and Jugette contenders.As per 2010, race officials will be able to be much more flexible in splitting the Jug
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Delaware County Fair introduces new series
January 26, 2011
The Delaware County Fair has announced the introduction of the new Delaware Open Series to be raced during the Grand Circuit Week (September 18 - September 22, 2011).The Delaware Open will be an early closing series that is open to all two and three year olds of both gaits and sexes. This new series
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NAADA continues good deeds at Yonkers
January 26, 2011
Yonkers Raceway had 12 races with 13 winners Tuesday night...and there wasn't a single dead-heat in  sight.That's because the biggest winner of the evening was the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a cause close to the Raceway. The JDRF received a  $5,000 donation from the North Ameri
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Dan Clements gets 2,000
January 26, 2011
After a pair of runner-up finishes in his final two drives on Monday evening, Dan Clements made no mistake in reaching a career milestone with his first appearance on the Tuesday, January 25 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Trotter Marion Big Time was a drawing away winner in the 3rd
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Omen Hanover wins Dover feature
January 26, 2011
Omen Hanover overhauled front-pacing Shacked Up to win the $26,000 Open Mares pace in 1:52.3 on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Dover DownsFor the fifth time this season, and the first following four wins by a nose, Omen Hanover with Tim Tetrick at the controls sailed down the inside to overtake race favorite S
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Digital Pix snaps up Meadows feature
January 26, 2011
Digital Pix unleashed a powerful uncovered bid that carried her to a 15-1 upset victory in Tuesday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. Although Digital Pix had won two of her last three starts, she had performed most recently in a $30,000 optional claimer, causing
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‘She can be the fastest racehorse I’ve ever had’
January 26, 2011
With a win at odds of 54-1 and lighting up the tote board with a $111.80 win payoff in a division of the second round of the White Ruffles Series Jan. 13 at the Meadowlands, Easy De Vie earned a spot in Thursday night’s $43,500 final. Jim Meittinis once again gets the drive behind Easy De Vie in th
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Young, WEG set up race for A Spring of Hope
January 26, 2011
September 3 is already a prominent date on the 2011 harness racing calendar as two Canadian classics, the Canadian Pacing Derby and Metro Pace, are both set for that Saturday evening at Mohawk Racetrack.   The date has taken on a greater importance as a prominent owner tries to raise awaren
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Jim Schaming of Pittsburgh dies
January 26, 2011
James "Jim" Schaming, a longtime Standardbred owner who raced horses at The Meadows, died Monday, Jan. 24, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 78.   A native of the Brentwood area of Pittsburgh, Schaming was a graduate of Duquesne University and a long-standing member of the Duquesne
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Woodbine starter bonus approved by commission
January 26, 2011
An application by Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) to implement a Guaranteed Starter Bonus at Woodbine this winter meet has been approved by the Director of the Ontario Racing Commission.   Similar to programs in place for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, a starter bonus of  $300
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Meadowlands-WEG challenge on Saturday
January 26, 2011
Bet the Meadowlands and Woodbine this Saturday for a chance to win $12,000 in prize money and a seat in the National Harness Handicapping Championship!   The Meadowlands Woodbine Challenge is $200 to enter ($100 entry fee/$100 bankroll). The tournament requires players to bet exactly 10 races
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Yonkers begins 1 1/16th mile races Feb. 1
January 26, 2011
Yonkers Raceway is reminding horsemen and fans that it plans to ring in the shortest month with longer distances. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, all of Yonkers Raceway's overnight races shall be contested at the distance of 1 1/16th miles.   "It's something we've been discussing fo
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No elims needed for Miss Vera Bars
January 25, 2011
With just 10 three-year-old pacing fillies entered for this year’s Miss Vera Bars Stakes, no eliminations are required Thursday evening at Woodbine Racetrack.All 10 sophomore fillies will automatically advance to the $60,000 guaranteed final on February 3 with the final post positions announced on T
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Piece Of The Rock getting ready to roll
January 25, 2011
When a horse earns more than $300,000 in a year, there is usually nothing to complain about. However, Ontario horseman Bob Young believes that his stable star Piece Of The Rock’s best days are still ahead.   The 4-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover-Paulas Promise earned $330,1
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Grand Circuit announces 2011 schedule
January 25, 2011
The Grand Circuit will make 17 stops during its 2011 racing season according to the schedule announced Tuesday by G.C.pPresident Tom Thomson.   The Grand Circuit has been in existence since 1871, when representatives from three racetracks in different states met to create a racing circui
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Jeremy's Successor wins Dover feature
January 25, 2011
Jeremy’s Successor held off a late charge from Harlingen Hanover and Solano to win the $35,000 Preferred Handicap pace on Monday, Jan. 24 at Dover Downs Meet leading driver Corey Callahan drove five winners.Sean Bier took Jeremy’s Successor into the lead at the start and set all the winning fraction
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Two starts left for Esmeralda Semalu
January 25, 2011
By early next week the racing career of Esmeralda Semalu will be over. Her starts on the Tuesday, January 25 card and in the first week of February will be the final two chances to see the mare that will leave the racetrack as arguably the greatest in the 47 year history of harness racing in South F
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Go Go Raider rallies at The Meadows
January 25, 2011
Trailing by 8 lengths at the half, Go Go Raider launched his customary late rally that erased the deficit and carried him to victory in Monday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. Go Go Raider was sitting seventh when Eric Ledford sent him on his wide jour
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A bald Hough is a winning Hough
January 25, 2011
When  Monticello Raceway driver Kevin Hough shaved his head a few days ago he swore he wasn’t trying to emulate Jody Jamieson, one of Canada’s leading drivers.   “I was in the midst of a bad streak and I wanted to change my luck,”  the 24-year-old reinsmen recently told the Mighty
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Super Bowl hopes for Monsignor Flan
January 25, 2011
If Monsignor Flan hopes to follow up his win in the second leg of the Super Bowl Trotting Series Jan. 20 at the Meadowlands with a victory in Thursday night’s $58,000 final, he’ll have his work cut out for him after drawing the outside post 10. Although trainer Erv Miller’s brother, Andy,
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Connors Memorial returns to Hazel Park schedule
January 25, 2011
The $100,000 William Connors Memorial Trot, first raced in 1996 at Hazel Park Raceway, is back on the 2011 stakes schedule after a one-year absence. Hazel Park has scheduled this year's final for Saturday, July 23, with eliminations on July 16.   Named for the late Hall of Fame race secretary
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Zeitgeist hoping for Super Bowl glory
January 25, 2011
Zeitgeist did not attract much attention at the horse sale, but he is racing under the spotlight now. The 4-year-old son of SJ's Caviar bids for a series sweep in the $58,000 Super Bowl final for trotters on Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Zeitgeist will start from the rail (p
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Gingras scheduled to drive at Big M
January 25, 2011
Yannick Gingras will be driving at the Meadowlands the next few weekends.   "(Trainer) Ron Burke wants me here the next couple of weekends, so I'll be here racing at the Meadowlands," Gingras said. "The Meadowlands has always been good to me and helped me get my career going. Many o
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Oosting arrested on domestic battery charge
January 24, 2011
The Chicago Tribune has reported that driver Mike Oosting is in jail Monday morning awaiting a hearing after being arrested early Sunday morning on a domestic battery charge. Oosting, 48, is being held without bail on the misdemeanor charge and is scheduled to appear in bond court Monday.   O
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Prix d'Amerique probables race in Paris
January 23, 2011
Four of the preliminary entries for next Sunday’s Prix d’Amerique raced in the world’s most prestigious and richest monté (under saddle) race, the 700,000 euro Prix de Cornulier, on Sunday afternoon at Hippodrome Paris Vincennes.   Olga du Biwetz, a probable Prix d’Amerique starter, won the P
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Mickey Chasanoff dies at 78
January 23, 2011
Michael "Mickey" Chasanoff, who raced such top stakes winners as Homesick, So Cozy and Die Laughing, died Friday, Jan. 21, at age 78.   Chasanoff, his son Robert, and his brother Allan, raced horses under the name of Alnoff Stable and also had a farm in New York. Die Laughing, who they r
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Kakaley has the Power to win at Dover
January 22, 2011
PIO Power made it two wins in a row in the $14,000 featured trot Saturday at Dover Downs.     Matt Kakaley sped PIO Power into the lead and had little trouble the rest of a 1:57.4 mile to take this division for the second straight week. Trish Foulk owns and trains PIO Powe
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Presidential contest declared a tie
January 22, 2011
The photo finish camera could not separate Alexie Mattosie and Bettor Sweet at the wire in their $50,000 division of the Presidential Series on Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.     The free-for-all pacers finished in a dead heat for the win in 1:49.4. Driven by David Mi
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Personal Ad answered at The Meadows
January 22, 2011
The long shot Personal Ad rode her first-over cover beautifully as she captured Friday’s $22,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred/Not Listed Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Dismissed at 12-1, Personal Ad was pacing in fifth when Aaron Merriman tipped her off the pylons, where she pi
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Widger wins 4,000th at Maywood Friday
January 22, 2011
Sam Widger, a fixture on the Chicago racing circuit for the past two decades, posted his 4,000th career driving victory on Friday night at Maywood Park as he guided the aptly-named Polar Bear to a neck victory in the 12th race of the night. With temperatures hovering in the single digits and a win
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Twin B Warrior rallies to win Willowdale
January 22, 2011
Twin B Warrior closed with a final quarter of :27.1 to win Saturday night's $100,000 Willowdale Series final for 4-year-old pacers at Woodbine Racetrack. Driven by Sylvain Filion, Twin B Warrior tipped off cover in the stretch to score by a neck over favored Good Bad Ugly and driver Jody Jamieson. A
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Michigan honors best; 6 new Hall of Famers
January 22, 2011
The Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association (MHHA) held its annual awards banquet Saturday night in Flint, and included among the honorees were the newest inductees into the state's Harness Racing Hall of Fame.   The newest Hall of Famers include Tom Harmer, Sam Johnson and John Putnam. Als
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Dragon Island scores in Yonkers feature
January 22, 2011
Dragon Island (George Brennan) took it to the house Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's  $38,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Assigned post position six, Dragon Island was put in play early. He grabbed the lead from last week's winner, Ghee's House (Brent Holland), before a  :27.1 op
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St. Elmo Hero's streak now at 22
January 22, 2011
St. Elmo Hero lengthened his undefeated streak to 22 wins in the $20,000 second leg of the Complex Series Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Driver Tim Tetrick and St. Elmo Hero surged up to take command around the opening turn and were never seriously challenged en route to victo
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Galterio on Yonkers, Meadowlands handle
January 21, 2011
As expected, the closing of the bankrupt New York City Off-Track Betting system has caused declines in handle on harness racing at Empire City at Yonkers Raceway. Robert Galterio, vice president and general manager at Yonkers, said the track’s total handle is presently down 10-15 percent, or between
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VIP Stable hosting Day at the Farm in FL
January 21, 2011
VIP Stable and trainer John Butenschoen are issuing an open invitation to attend “A Day at the Farm” at the Southern Oaks Training Center in Sorrento, Florida on Friday, Feb. 11.   Current horse owners, anyone interested in learning about Standardbred racehorse ownership, and those who are ju
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Buffalo cancels Friday live card
January 21, 2011
Buffalo Raceway has canceled live racing Friday, Jan. 21, because of a snowstorm. Racing will resume Saturday, Jan. 22, at 6:40 pm. Simulcasting remains open.
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Balmoral/Maywood announce stakes dates
January 21, 2011
The 2011 stake schedules for both Balmoral and Maywood Park have been released by racing secretary Doc Narotsky. The action kicks off on Saturday, April 2, with the Taurus Bomber Stake for Illinois conceived and foaled 3-year-old pacing colts.   The first “major” state-bred stake of the seaso
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Gural talks about hopes for Meadowlands
January 21, 2011
On Friday night before the Meadowlands harness program began, Jeff Gural spoke about his efforts to lease the racetrack so harness racing can continue there. Gural was interviewed by Meadowlands announcer Sam McKee. About 40-50 people listened right alongside the television set on the Meadowlands’ P
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Six straight wins for Summer Camp
January 21, 2011
Summer Camp made it six straight wins as he wired the field in the $18,000 second leg of the Clyde Hirt Series for 4-year-old pacers on Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Sent off the 1-2 favorite, Summer Camp [$3] sailed through fractions of :27.1, :56.2 and 1:25 toward a final 1:52 cl
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Headpoles R U takes Yonkers mare feature
January 21, 2011
Headpoles R Us (Cat Manzi) timed it just right Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $38,000 co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position five, Headpoles R Us watched the early antics as slight 5-2 choice Little Mermaid N (Jim Pantaleano) and Twin B Tiara
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Track execs analyze Meadowlands numbers
January 20, 2011
After five days of racing, total handle on the 2011 Meadowlands harness meet is down 19.5 percent. Last year the track enjoyed $3 million-plus handles on the first two Saturdays of the meet. This year handle hasn’t topped $2.5 million for a single card, and the track’s last $3 million-plus handle wa
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Pompano's Sun Island a rising star
January 20, 2011
A resounding victory earned by a long uncovered mile has trainer Mario Dessureault and owner Gene Kirsch of Coconut Creek, FL thinking they got much more than they bargained for when entering a claim on trotter Sun Island just over a month ago. "He's continuing to surprise us but maybe the time
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Cold Winner hot at Dover
January 20, 2011
Cold Winner took the lead at the start and never was headed in a 1:54.4 mile to win the $26,000 Mares Open on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Dover Downs.  Ron Pierce piloted the winner to a never-look-back victory equaling his career fastest clocking of 1:54.4. Ed Gannon Jr. conditioned the Credit Winne
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Woodbine’s average bet per race is up
January 20, 2011
While track in the U.S. are seeing declines in handle, Woodbine’s winter meet is off to a stable start. Bruce Murray, vice president of Standardbred racing for the Woodbine Entertainment Group, said the stability has likely come from cutting back to four days of racing a week from the five cards o
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Drennan has strong Meadowlands contenders
January 20, 2011
Hot off a hat trick, trainer Nik Drennan will send out a quartet of stakes contenders this weekend at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Sniper Seelster, one of Drennan’s three winners on January 14, looks for back-to-back victories in the $18,000 second leg of the Clyde Hirt Series for 4-year-old pace
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Bettis wins Meadows pace feature
January 20, 2011
Aided by live cover down the backside, Bettis powered wide through the stretch to capture Thursday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   Bettis was sitting fifth for Aaron Merriman and seemingly facing a long first-over grind when Tough Call popped off the pylons to provide esco
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Easy De Vie upsets at 50-1 in White Ruffles
January 20, 2011
Driver Billy Dobson and Jim Meittinis both got stuck in traffic, but Meittinis picked up a big win with Easy De Vie in one of three divisions of White Ruffles for 4-year-old pacing mares Thursday night at the Meadowlands. Dobson was scheduled to drive Easy De Vie, but couldn't get to the Meadowlands
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Monsignor Flan fastest in Super Bowl
January 20, 2011
Monsignor Flan, a 4-year-old gelding by SJ’s  Photo out of the Illinois champion Fox Valley Flan, kept his act together this week and won his division of the Super Bowl Series Thursday night at the Meadowlands. Last week he broke stride near the wire and settled for second; this week he was lea
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Pierce wins five at Dover Thursday
January 20, 2011
Cool, one of Ron Pierce’s five winners, and Bryson Seelster won the co-features on Thursday at Dover Downs.   In the first $14,000 pace for young horses, Pierce squired Cool o the lead and then led the rest of a front-pacing 1:54.1 mile for his first 2011 win. Ron Dixon trains the V
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Another NJ bill to assist in privatization
January 20, 2011
Legislation to allow a maximum one-year transition period to privatization of the Meadowlands Racetrack advanced in a New Jersey state Assembly committee on Thursday. The bill would allow the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to assist in managing the track.   The New Jersey Sports a
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Ranger celebrates 8,000 wins
January 19, 2011
It was the night at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park that the track's leading driver, Bruce Ranger, literally had his cake and ate it too. Typical of Ranger, he then shared the huge ceremonial cake with the large crowd assembled on the tarmac by the winner's circle after the first race. The cerem
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Rosecroft auction set for Jan. 28
January 19, 2011
The Baltimore Sun –on a blog post by Hannah Cho  – is reporting that a bankruptcy judge gave approval on Tuesday, Jan. 18 for the track, which has been in bankruptcy, to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Baltimore Orioles owner and  attorney Peter Angelos is expected to be the lead bid
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Meadowlands moves qualifiers to Saturday
January 19, 2011
The Meadowlands has moved this week's qualifying races from Friday (Jan. 21) to Saturday (Jan. 22) due to the forecast for a winter storm that should hit the area on Friday. The entry box will still close on Thursday (Jan. 20) at 4 p.m.
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Ontario horseman Bob McNair dies
January 19, 2011
Longtime Ontario horse owner and breeder Robert "Bob" McNair, the father of leading trainer Gregg McNair and grandfather of top driver Doug McNair, died suddenly Tuesday night at the Bruce Lea Haven in Walkerton, Ontario. He was 74.   Mr. McNair and his wife Gwen were active
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Team Miller favored in Super Bowl legs
January 19, 2011
Julie and Andy Miller have an uncanny knack for bringing out talent in trotters, as evidenced by their latest success stories, Ellen's Isle and Dolce Ducci. After obliterating the competition in round one of the series, Ellen's Isle and Dolce Ducci loom the ones to beat in the $12,500 second le
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Tioga, horsemen agree on 5-year pact
January 19, 2011
The Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association (STTHA) and Tioga Downs have agreed to and executed a five-year agreement that begins in 2011. In the new contract, the STHHA has increased its number of live race days at Tioga Downs from 57 to 61 days per year.   The contract also states
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Dale Ford dies
January 18, 2011
P. Dale Ford, 68, of Washington Court House, Ohio, died Monday, Jan. 17, at his residence.   Mr. Ford was a longtime employee of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association (OHHA), from 1976 until his retirement in 2008. He served as a horsemen's representative at Lebanon Raceway, Raceway Pa
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Dillander making inroads at Pompano
January 18, 2011
He marked the occasion of his 35th birthday last week but driver Jason Dillander was actually paying attention to a different sort of milestone. "Since the start of 2011 I've been able to win over 20% of my starts and at least for the time being that put me into the company of the top guys here
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Vertical Horizon leads Dover winners
January 18, 2011
Vertical Horizon was strong in the stretch to win the $35,000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Preferred pace while Nova Artist and Cams Art racked up their sixth wins in a row on Monday, Jan. 17 at Dover Downs.A pair of strong Delaware family connections continued lengthening win streaks. Nova Artist, dr
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San Pail does not fail in Glory's Comet
January 18, 2011
San Pail ($2.10) extended his undefeated streak to nine as he captured tonight’s $125,000 Glorys Comet Stakes final at Woodbine in 1:53.2, a new stakes record.June 29, 2010 was the last time the son of San Pellegrino tasted defeat as his earnings climbed to $1,793,965 for trainer and co-owner Rod Hu
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Monticello cancels live card, simulcasting Tuesday
January 18, 2011
Inclement weather  in the Southern N.Y. Catskills has forced Monticello Raceway to cancel its Tuesday afternoon racing program. Simulcasting is also cancelled. Racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, with first post slated for 12:25 p.m.
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Cedric Washington wins King Pace
January 18, 2011
Monticello Raceway presented its 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pace on Monday and for the third time since the race's inception Cedric Washington reined the winner.   Washington used the front-end route to score a 2:02 victory with Tinalouise Regina’s Blissfull Doll in the race
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Big M increases Thursday Pick 4 guarantee to $50G
January 18, 2011
The Meadowlands' Thursday Pick Four pool will be guaranteed at $50,000 beginning Jan. 20. Offered nightly on races six through nine, the Pick Four is a must-bet with its low 15 percent takeout, high return rate and guaranteed pools ($50,000 Thursday-Friday, $75,000 Saturday). The average Pick Four p
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Breedings now available through Hall of Fame
January 18, 2011
The Harness Racing Museum's breeding auction, with proceeds helping to support the museum, is now underway. This year’s list includes Hall of Fame inductees Camluck (2008) and Cam’s Card Shark (2007).   Income raised by the auction, nearly $400,000 over the past 12 years, supports the Mu
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Gural on the Big M's In The Sulky Friday
January 18, 2011
As reported over the weekend on harnessracing.com, Jeff Gural, who is negotiating the possible lease of the Meadowlands, is the featured guest on a special edition of In The Sulky on Friday, Jan. 21. Fans can e-mail questions for Gural to answer on-air to racing@thebigm.com.  The br
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Major Ideal takes Meadows feature
January 18, 2011
Major Ideal made a decisive first-over move that carried him to victory in Tuesday’s $22,500 winners-over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Major Ideal was sitting fourth when Tony Hall sent him after the leader, Handsome Prince, who raced well despite a demanding :26.3 o
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Shacked Up cruises in Dover mare feature
January 18, 2011
Shacked Up, a $1 million winner, easily won the $26,000 Mares Open at Dover Downs on Wednesday, Jan. 18, scoring in 1:52.4. Shacked Up was one of three winners on the card for trainer Josh Green.   With Eric Goodell at the controls, Shacked Up, second last week, won her first 2
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Ford big spender at Tattersalls Mixed Sale
January 17, 2011
An air of anticipation filled the Meadowlands back paddock Monday morning as the 2011 Tattersalls January mixed sale was set to begin. Trainer Mark Ford was the prominent buyer during the most competitive portion of the sale. He found himself in several bidding wars, wars that may have begun with se
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Pappy wins Dover feature
January 17, 2011
Pappy came on in the stretch to score a 1:54.1 victory in the Sunday, Jan. 15 $16,500 feature race at Dover Downs.Driven by Vic Kirby, Pappy had just enough to beat Flippin Out (Jim Morand) in the final strides in the $16,500 4&5-Year-Old pace .Veteran Arty Foster and trainer Julianne Bobby own
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Ranger wins 8,000th career race
January 16, 2011
In a team sport the word "dynasty" would be summoned to perhaps best describe what driver Bruce Ranger has accomplished over the past 29 years of his career at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. His stature took another leap upward on Saturday as he became the 19th driver in&nb
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USTA District 8A meets at Yonkers
January 16, 2011
A large turnout of nearly 150 interested members attended the annual meeting of District 8A (lower New York State) held on Saturday afternoon in The Good Time Room of Yonkers Raceway.   The focal point of the two hour-long conclave involved spirited debate regarding t
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Cycle Power rolls At Cal Expo
January 16, 2011
With the outside post and surely to have to close from last, a decision was made to prevent that scenario, and boy was that decision a good one as Cycle Power destroyed his foes.A field of six conditioned pacers, racing for a $4,500 purse, were featured on Saturday night (January 15), on which Cycle
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Arrangements announced for Loretta Miller
January 16, 2011
Loretta M. Miller, 74, the mother of driver David Miller and a former member of the USTA, died Jan. 13, 2011 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital.She was a member of Beacon Chapter #593 OES and the Sulky Sweeties.She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Jason Moore) Turley; son, David (Misty); grandchildren
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USTA District 4-A meets
January 16, 2011
The annual membership meeting of USTA District 4-A, comprising Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, was held on Saturday, January 14, at the Best Western Regency Inn in Marshalltown, Iowa.Approximately 70 members and directors Royal Roland and Gabe Wand were in attendance.
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Sweden's Maharajah big Paris winner
January 16, 2011
The winner of the Prix de Belgique--a prep race for the Prix d'Amerique--has not been able to win the big French trotting jewel since 1993, when Sweden's Queen L accomplished the feat. Only six times in the history of the race has the Prix de Belgique winner gone on to capture the Prix d'Amerique.
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DSOA Dinner honors Delaware standouts
January 15, 2011
A capacity turnout of around 400 horsemen, legislators and friends of racing turned out for the 14th annual Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) Awards Dinner at the Dover Sheraton Hotel Friday, Jan. 15, 2011.Mistress of Ceremony Heather Moffett presented a colorful, fun-filled video of h
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The Assassinator strikes at The Meadows
January 15, 2011
The Assassinator lurked in the pocket until the stretch, then struck in the Lightning Lane to capture Friday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace. Dave Palone guided The Assassinator to the pocket behind the speedy Idol, who took the field through three-quarte
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Playing the Pick 4 at Woodbine Saturday?
January 15, 2011
Woodbine Racetrack will present a $40,000 guaranteed pool for its early Pick-4 Saturday evening. The Pick-4 will  kick off as usual in Race 4. Greg Gangle of the Woodbine Entertainment Group’s media department has handicapped the four races and has provided the following insight: Ticket Summary
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Former Delaware harness judge awarded $102,000
January 15, 2011
A former Delaware Standardbred judge who sued the state and the Delaware Harness Racing Commission claiming he was wrongfully fired in 2003 has reportedly been awarded a $102,000 judgement by a Delaware Superior Court jury.   Don Harmon was fired in 2003 after he was arrested by the state pol
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Gural on Big M's In The Sulky show Jan. 21
January 15, 2011
Want to make sure you know and understand what's happening with racing at the Meadowlands? Tune in next Friday, Jan. 21, to the track's In The Sulky pregame show at 6:30 p.m. as Jeff Gural, who is in the midst of putting together a contract to lease/purchase the New Jersey racetrack from the state,
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Ghee's wins at Yonkers
January 15, 2011
Ghee's House (Brent Holland) slipped out behind a tiring rival and slipped into the winner's circle  Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $38,000 Open Handicap Pace.Special Report (Larry Stalbaum), assigned the inside as the 3-2 favorite, seated everyone at the outset. Ghee's House, starti
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St. Elmo Hero's streak continues; Presidential begins
January 15, 2011
St. Elmo Hero extended his undefeated streak to 21 wins in the $20,000 first leg of the Complex Series Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. St. Elmo Hero and driver Tim Tetrick sat fourth through a swift :55.1 opening half and pounced from second over to best Windsong Gorgeous by a length and a
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Jamieson sweeps Willowdale elims
January 15, 2011
Driver Jody Jamieson made his presence felt tonight at Woodbine Racetrack capturing both $30,000 eliminations of the Willowdale Stakes eliminations for four-year-old pacers. The top five finishers from each elimination advance to the $100,000 final next week.Sparky Mark went gate-to-wire in the firs
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Big night for Dover longshots
January 15, 2011
A 45-1, 35-1, 29-1,13-1   and 10-1 shot winner and a 4-5 favorite highlighted Saturday racing on Jan. 15 at Dover Downs. Vic Kirby drove three winners for the second straight program. In the $14,500 feature 4&5-Year-Old trot, Matt Kakaley took owner-trainer Trish Folk’s PIO Power
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Brennan, Bartlett leads Yonkers' 2011 opener
January 14, 2011
The calendar may have changed, but in Westchester, the song remains the same.George Brennan (four winners) and Jason Bartlett (three winners) were Yonkers Raceway's opening night stalwarts, combining to win more than half of Thursday's dozen dashes.  Bartlett comes off his third consecutive loc
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Exotic Toy wins at Dover
January 14, 2011
Longshot Exotic Toy got up at the finish line for one of Vic Kirby’s three winning drives at Dover Downs on Thursday, Jan. 13. George Dennis drove four winners and Ron Pierce equaled Kirby with three-baggers.Exotic Toy won the dash to the finish in 1:54.2 to win the $14,000 4&5-Year-Old feature
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Bolender’s homebreds sweep Blizzard final
January 14, 2011
After scoring a pair of victories in their respective eliminations last week, owner/breeder Stuart Bolender and trainer Tan Micallef completed the 1-2 punch tonight by finishing firstand second in the $60,000 Blizzard Stakes final at Woodbine Racetrack. With the victory, Bolender celebrated his bigg
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Sears,Team Miller score in Big M series
January 14, 2011
Brian Sears reined in three winners as the first round of winter series action kicked off on a bitterly cold Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.Sears sprung out of the gate with Zeitgeist in the first race, one of five $12,500 Super Bowl Series divisions for 4-year-old trotters on the card.&nbs
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Monticello scratch rule proving successful
January 14, 2011
A few months ago Monticello Raceway followed Yonkers Raceway‘s lead and instituted the 14-day rule with hopes to cut down on scratches from the seven and eight post positions. The rule simply states that if a horse is scratched from an outside position the trainer must wait 14 days before the
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Field set for King Pace at Monticello
January 14, 2011
In his career Cedric Washington has reined 1,795 winners and now having drawn the early line favorite, Blissfull Doll--and the pole position--in Monticello Raceway’s 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pace slated to go to post on Monday, Jan. 17, his chances of adding to his lifetime win
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GSP’s Bob Brennan released from prison
January 14, 2011
Bob Brennan, who presided over the brief renaissance of Garden State Park in Cherry Hill, N.J. from 1985 to 2001, and was also convicted of securities and bankruptcy fraud as well as money laundering and obstruction of justice, was freed from prison on Jan. 7 after nearly 10 years in jail. Brennan,
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Monticello horsemen oppose Catskills casino
January 14, 2011
The Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association have announced unequivocal opposition to the proposed Stockbridge-Munsee casino unveiled last month and joined a growing coalition of those opposed to this wrongheaded proposal.   This agreement--which was negotiated in secret by an outgoing Admi
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Indiana bill calls for cut in revenue to racing
January 14, 2011
A bill currently being discussed in the Indiana legislature could have a dramatic effect on purses in the Hoosier State. A line item in the proposed budget bill calls for revenue from slot machines at the racetracks that goes to horse racing to be cut by nearly half. Horse racing currently receives
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David Miller's mother, Loretta, dies at 74
January 14, 2011
Loretta Miller, the mother of driver David Miller, died Thursday night at her Ohio home after suffering an apparent heart attack. She was 74. Mrs. Miller was known to many horsemen as she drove the golf cart in the infield at the Delaware, Ohio fairgrounds during Jug week.   David Miller told
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SRF/Niatross Race Gets Richer
January 14, 2011
Attractive bonuses have been added to the newly combined Niatross and Standardbred Retirement Foundation's (SRF) Race for 2 years olds.   While every 2 year old is eligible to the race, horses nominated that are sired by a stallion for which just one breeding was donated to SRF in 2011 will enj
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Northern Chief upset again at Monticello
January 14, 2011
For over three months Northern Chief remained undefeated at Monticello Raceway, but on Dec. 31 he was nailed at the wire in a tight three-horse photo and finished second, beaten by a nose for all the marbles. On Thursday afternoon, after once again cutting the fractions, the ve
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NJ sportswriters honor Sears
January 14, 2011
Brian Sears, who had a year filled with milestones, will be honored as the New Jersey Sportswriters Association’s Standardbred Horseman of the Year at the group’s 75th annual awards banquet on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. In 2010, Sears surpassed 7,000 lifetime victori
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Nadia Lobell, Moni Maker move to The Meadows
January 14, 2011
The 2011 Nadia Lobell for 3-year-old filly pacers and the Moni Maker for 3-year-old filly trotters, which have been contested at The Red Mile since 2003 and 2005, respectively, will be held at The Meadows. The Red Mile’s Grand Circuit race secretary, Connie Hochstetler, stressed that although the r
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KY Filly Futurity runner-up dq'd after positive
January 14, 2011
Ontario-based trainer Riina Rekila has been fined $250 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and ordered to return more than $44,000 in purse money earned by Christiana Hanover in the 2010 Kentucky Filly Futurity at The Red Mile after she tested positive for Isoxsuprine, a supplement used in treat
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American Native to stand in Indiana in 2011
January 14, 2011
American Native, a son of 1993 Hambletonian winner American Winner who has been standing stallion duty in Illinois the past eight years, will stand stud in 2011 at the Gary Wilcox Farm in Urbana, Ind.   American Native, a winner on the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes as well as the 2000 William Con
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Bouchard on ESPNews Friday night
January 14, 2011
Driver Stephane Bouchard will appear on ESPNews’ segment “The Beat” which airs Friday night, Jan. 14, at about 6:25 p.m.in the show, which starts at 6 p.m. (EST).   Bouchard will be driving the pacer White Hot Cards (1:50.2, $357,455), who he owns with James Healey, and skiing.
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Barbara Baum has died at 77
January 14, 2011
Barbara R. Baum, 77, a longtime Standardbred owner who owned such notables as Doin The Town and Baltic Brat, has died.   She was a partner with Joe Thomson of Winbak Farm for 20 years and they never had an argument. Some of their partnership horses were Doin’ The Town 3,1:54.2 ($475,274), Bal
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Clyde Hirt win 5th in a row for Summer Camp
January 14, 2011
Summer Camp extended his winning streak to five in the $18,000 first leg of the Clyde Hirt Series for 4-year-old pacers on Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Summer Camp and driver Andy Miller ducked into third on the rail as Meirs Hanover carved out fractions of :27.1, :55.1 and 1:22.4
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Premiere Intel in Snowshoe Series upset
January 14, 2011
In an action-packed $60,000 Snowshoe Stakes final, it was Premier Intel and driver Rick Zeron scoring the 1:53.2 victory tonight at Woodbine RacetrackIn the early going, Playing Solitaire (Mario Baillargeon) left aggressively to strike the front as the field headed around the first turn. The Plati
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Breakheart Pass, Mystical Starlight win
January 14, 2011
Breakheart Pass (Yannick Gingras) justified her outside assignment Friday night, winning Yonkers  Raceway's first Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace of the season.Floating out from behind the eight-ball, Breakheart Pass landed fifth while Symphony in Motion (Jeff Gregory) put forth early interva
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Photo Maxx develops another Dover win
January 13, 2011
Photo Maxx made the winner’s circle photo for the second straight week in the $26,000 Open trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday Jan. 12.In previous starts Mike Cole drove Photo Maxx from behind to win the week’s top trot last week and twice in the last three starts. This time the SJ’s Photo-Affinity gel
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Ranger awaits a milestone
January 13, 2011
Driver Bruce Ranger found ways to win twice early on the Wednesday evening, January 12 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park but he was then shut out of the winner's circle for the final eight races on the program. He'll have ample opportunity though to notch the two wins needed on Saturday
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Bettis holds on for Meadows win
January 13, 2011
Customarily a closer, Bettis found the front end to his liking Wednesday at The Meadows when he powered to an early, contested lead and held on late to capture the $22,500 Preferred Trot. Aaron Merriman sent Bettis toward the front, where the 6-year-old Sierra Kosmos-SJ’s Shad Roe gelding encou
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Report on Aussie floods; Genuwine survives
January 13, 2011
Australian billionaire Clive Palmer’s splurge into harness racing has been dealt a huge blow by this week’s devastating floods in the country's state of Queensland. Palmer confirmed 14 horses – all North American-bred – drowned at his Cold Mountain Stud in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley on Wednesd
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Big M raises Saturday Pick 4 guarantee to $75G
January 13, 2011
Starting Saturday, Jan. 15, the Meadowlands Pick Four pool will be guaranteed at $75,000 on Saturdays. Offered nightly on races six through nine, the Pick Four features a low 15-percent takeout and high return rate. The Pick Four pool averaged $76,662 per card with an average payoff o
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Witten's HFW photo wins Smallsreed Award
January 13, 2011
Mark Hall of Hoof Beats magazine and Bea Witten of The Horseman And Fair World magazine were named winners in the annual George Smallsreed Awards for excellence in harness racing photography, the U.S. Harness Writers Association announced Thursday.Claus Andersen and Dave Landry, both from Canadian S
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WEG tracks add Autostart innovation
January 13, 2011
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) looks to offer the best services and facilities for horsepeople and the latest evidence of that is the implementation this month of the Autostart Speed Control system at Woodbine.   Autostart Speed Control is a system developed in Sweden and widely used thro
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Muscle Hill has first foal at Diamond Creek
January 13, 2011
The first foal sired by 2009 Horse of the Year Muscle Hill hit the ground around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, about two weeks sooner than expected, but in good shape at Diamond Creek Farm in Kentucky. A colt, he is also the first foal for dam Silicone Valley.   “Everything is good right now,”
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Taxi Dancer waltzes to Cal Expo win
January 12, 2011
Taxi Dancer has been very photogenic of late, as she’s returned to greet owner Robin Clements and trainer Vickie Desomer in the winner’s circle following three of her last four outings.The dark-hued daughter of Givemewhatineed said goodbye to 2010 in style on New Year’s Eve with a last-minute burst
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Photo Maxx faces six in Dover Open
January 12, 2011
Photo Maxx, a winner of two of his last three $26,000 Open Handicap trots, faces Starsel and Libra Vita, previous winners, in the Wednesday, Jan. 12 feature at Dover Downs.  An $18,000 trot the under-card. First post is at 4:30 p.m.Lauren Allen’s Photo Maxx with Mike Cole at the controls won la
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Illinois slot bill dies as legislature adjourns
January 12, 2011
Any chance of slot machines at Illinois racetracks in the near future died Tuesday night when the state legislature adjourned its session without calling for a vote on the expanded gaming package.   The bill passed the state Senate last year and was approved by a House executive committee las
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Whiteland Will plays Pompano hardball
January 12, 2011
Trotter Whiteland Will is continuing to be a shining example of the Standardbred breed for his durability at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park."I don't know of many horses of any breed that could have overcome not one, but two potentially career ending injuries like Whiteland Will has" stated owne
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National handicapping contest set for July
January 12, 2011
The 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship has been set for Saturday, July 9, at Meadowlands Racetrack. The NHHC is the only championship tournament for harness players to feature a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool. Players may earn their way into the 2011 championship through participation in
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Tim Tetrick is HTA Driver of the Year
January 12, 2011
Tim Tetrick, harness racing’s 29-year-old driving star, has won Harness Tracks of America’s Driver of the Year honors for the third time in four years.   Tetrick edged six-time winner Dave Palone by half a point, 85.5 to 85, in the competition that requires a driver to finish in the first 25
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NY tracks protest Catskills Indian casino
January 12, 2011
The Saratogian newspaper has reported that six New York racino operators, including four harness tracks, on Wednesday called on state officials to cancel plans for a Catskills Indian casino, saying it might kill the state’s racing industry. Shortly before leaving office on Dec. 3
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One miracle rescue, two shots at glory
January 12, 2011
After watching a pair of their horses win their $25,000 Blizzard Stakes eliminations from a laptop on a cruise ship last Thursday, Stuart and Patty Bolender were looking forward to this Thursday night's rich final at Woodbine.   However, when they returned home early Monday morning, they re
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Big M Winter Survival Challenge begins Friday
January 11, 2011
Cash prizes and a seat in the National Harness Handicapping Championship are up for grabs in Meadowlands Racetrack's Winter Survival Challenge, a free online handicapping competition that begins Friday, January 14. Fans can enroll in the game at  www.WinterSurvivalChallenge.com.  Duri
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Memorial Day music, chili returning to Red Mile
January 11, 2011
Horse Aid Live Memorial Day at The Red Mile in Lexington, Ky., is set for Monday, May 30. In addition to live music, the event will feature a chili cook-off, promotions, and vendor booths. The musical lineup and ticket information will be announced this spring.   "We are looking forwar
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San Pail & Action Broadway take Glorys Comet splits
January 11, 2011
A pair of $40,000 Glorys Comet eliminations took place tonight at Woodbine Racetrack with millionaire San Pail and Action Broadway capturing the victories.San Pail extended his unbeaten streak to eight as he posted an open-length victory in 1:53.4 for regular pilot Randy Waples.Up Front Ben (Mike Sa
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PJs Photo in Lifetime Dream record
January 11, 2011
Driven by Paul MacDonell, PJs Photo earned her biggest payday of her career tonight at Woodbine Racetrack as she captured the $60,000 Lifetime Dream Stakes final in a stakes record time of 1:55.3.In the early going, Jetta Lady (Mario Baillargeon) controlled the tempo from post seven posting first qu
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"A-Nap" headed for career best year?
January 11, 2011
Anthony Napolitano has simply been a one man wrecking crew in the training and driving colony at The Isle Casino-Racing Pompano Park in the first ten days of 2011.The Monday evening program on January 10 reinforced the trend that began on New Year's Day. The 29 year old horseman, a seasonal resident
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Dave Rankin named to Ohio Hall of Fame
January 11, 2011
One of the state’s most respected trainer-drivers, Dave Rankin has been selected as the 37th inductee into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame in balloting of the Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.   The Breman, Ohio native was a driving force on the Ohio Sire Stakes
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Important bill passes NJ legislature
January 11, 2011
The New Jersey Assembly and Senate passed legislation on Monday night that would create an improved tourism district for Atlantic City and pay $30 million over three years to purses for horse races. Per language in the bill, the New Jersey Racing Commission would handle disbursement of the purse mon
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Former Saratoga publicist Joe Lynch dies
January 11, 2011
Joe Lynch, chief of racing operations for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, and a former publicist at Saratoga Raceway, has died at age 64 in Saratoga Springs. He apparently succumbed to a heart attack.   Born in Saratoga Springs, Lynch lived in Ballston Spa and was a veteran
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Blue Creek Angie's hot streak continues
January 11, 2011
Harness racing, like all sporting events, has ups and downs with hot streaks and slumps, though winning streaks are an enjoyable part of the competitions especially if you are on the plus side. At Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon, Blue Creek Angie notched her eighth consecutive vic
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Lou Haskell joins Tioga race office
January 11, 2011
Tioga Downs is proud to announce that Lou Haskell will be joining the race office as assistant race secretary during the 2011 race season. Haskell was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and grew up in the business of horse racing since he was a toddler. He purchased his first horse at t
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Regular time announced for replays on TVG
January 11, 2011
The Racing From The Meadowlands replay show will air at 6 am (EST) on TVG beginning Friday, Jan. 14. All replay shows are 30 minutes in length.  TVG is available on DirecTV on channel 602 and DISH Network on channel 405, as well as many regional cable systems. To find TVG on
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Freehold, Monticello cancel Wednesday cards
January 11, 2011
Due to the snowstorm blanketing New York and New Jersey, Freehold and Monticello canceled live racing for Wednesday, Jan. 12. Monticello has also canceled simulcasting, but Freehold remains open for simulcasting. Racing will resume at both tracks on Thursday, Jan. 13, with first post slated for 12:2
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Foxland, Eyeseefame, My Juliana's Girl win at Dover
January 10, 2011
Foxland, Eyeseefame and My Juliana’s Girl were winners of the Sunday tri-feature races on, Jan. 9 at Dover Downs. Meet leading driver Cory Callahan had a four-bagger.Tony Morgan driving Foxland sat second behind pacesetter M A Roy (Ron Pierce before outpacing his rival in the stretch on the way to v
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Meadowlands announces schedule; no April racing
January 10, 2011
The 81-date main harness meet at Meadowlands Racetrack will run through Saturday, Aug. 20, with a month-long break in the schedule during April.   Live racing will he held Thursday-Saturday evenings through March 26, along with a special holiday matinee on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb
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Dignity After Racing holds initial meeting
January 10, 2011
Talk turned to action as the first organizational meeting for Dignity After Racing (D.A.R) was held on Sunday, January 9, 2011.  Dignity After Racing, an organization of horsemen, breeders, trainers, drivers, and fans of the Standardbred has been formed in an effort to protect our e
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No Paris trips for Lisa America
January 10, 2011
Lisa America, Hall of Famer Lou Guida's hope for the upcoming Prix d'Amerique in Paris, France, won't be getting a chance to compete in the race after all. After finishing poorly in a race in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 26, Lisa America scoped clean, but blood work later showed she had a high whi
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Membership drive underway at Goshen
January 10, 2011
A project at Goshen Historic Track that called for the replacement of a century-old barn with a new 19-stall facility had some unexpected issues so the historic site is hoping a membership drive will bring in new members and the fees will provide enough funding to finish the work.   “They’re
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Marty's Charm takes Meadows Preferred
January 10, 2011
Marty’s Charm overcame a tough draw and a stern late challenge to capture Monday’s $22,500 winners-over $10,000/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Although Marty’s Charm left from post nine, Randy Tharps gunned him to the front in a demanding :27.2 opening panel. There he stayed until
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Career best 1:50.2 for Harlingen Hanover
January 10, 2011
Harlingen Hanover closed with conviction to win $35,000 Preferred Handicap in 1:50.2 at Dover Downs Monday night while Nova Artist raced outside for the last half mile to take the $32,500 Delaware Special.   While Riggins (David Miller) and Three Of Spades (Jon Roberts) dueled and w
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Pompano champ heading to NJ
January 09, 2011
He went the race of his life on the Jan. 8 program at the Isle at Pompano Park to capture the $13,000 championship event of The Gator Series for Florida bred three year old pacing colts and geldings and now TL Six Shooter is bound for New Jersey. "I wasn't surprised he stepped up and won tonigh
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Stonebridge On Ice takes Woodbine Preferred
January 09, 2011
Making his 2011 debut, Stonebridge On Ice took control at the half-mile mark and went on to pull off a 10-1 upset in the $34,000 Preferred Pace featured at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night.Longshot Alexie Mattosi (Paul MacDonell) fired to command from the outside Post 7 ahead of Stonebridge On I
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Red Star Ruffles flies at Cal Expo
January 09, 2011
She was buried, locked in, and too far back, but once Red Star Ruffles saw daylight, she closed like a missile. A half dozen conditioned pacers, racing for a $4,500 purse, were featured at Cal Expo on Saturday night, in which Red Star Ruffles scored impressively.Coming away in fifth position for dri
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Alpine Hawk wins at Cal Expo
January 08, 2011
He had the outside again, but it didn't matter to the oldest horse in the race as the ten year-old Alpine Hawk repeated.Claiming handicap trotters, racing for a purse of $3,400, were featured at Cal Expo on Friday night (January 7), on which Alpine Hawk won for the 33rd time in his career.Starting f
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WEG's Saturday Pick-4
January 08, 2011
Woodbine Racetrack presents a $40,000 guaranteed pool for its early Pick-4 on Saturday evening, and WEG’s commentator, Chris Hickey, has scanned through Races 4 through 7 to come up with aplan of attack for constructing a ticket.Ticket Summary:Race 4 1, 2Race 5 4, 8Race 6 3, 4, 8Race 7 1, 7, 8Total
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St. Elmo Hero still perfect
January 08, 2011
With Tem Tetrick at the lines, St. Elmo Hero led from gate to wire as he extended his streak to 20 wins in the second race at the Meadowlands on Saturday, a $20,000 prep race for the Complex Series. He was clocked in 1:50.4. The son of Western Hero has been perfect since winning his career debut on
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IPO Blue Chip, Rusty's Gamble win at Dover
January 08, 2011
IPO Blue Chip, a stakes contender last fall and fresh from finishing third in the Flower St. final at Chester, bested eight male opponents to win the $14,500 feature trot Saturday at Dover Downs with Brad Hanners driving the 1:57.1 victory for owner-Freida Ivory.   The Yankee Glide-Palom
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Big Baller wins at Cal Expo
January 07, 2011
He was the unknown when he stepped up to this class last week and won.  Now Big Baller could be considered the best trotter on the grounds. A mixture of five conditioned and claiming trotters, racing for a purse of $4,300, were featured at Cal Expo on Thursday night (January 6), on which Big Ba
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Miss Versatility schedule changes slightly
January 07, 2011
The schedule for this year’s Miss Versatility Series for older trotting mares has changed a bit from what was initially announced. The race at Tioga Downs, which had been scheduled as the second leg of the four-leg series on Saturday, Aug. 13, has been moved to Sunday, June 19, where it now becomes
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Mohegan Sun at Pocono sets slots record
January 07, 2011
The Morning Call newspaper of Allentown, Pa., is reporting the casino at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs set a one-week record when its slot machines had $68.3 million in handle, generating revenue of $5.7 million for the week ending Jan. 2. The report stated Pennsylvania’s 10 casinos brought in a
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Richard Ingrassia series set for February
January 07, 2011
Monticello Raceway is offering trotting series for horses that have started four of their last six starts in claiming races  for a tag of $5,000 or less and have not raced for a purse in excess of $4300.There will be three legs and a final. The legs will go for $3000 with a $5000-added finale.&
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Buffalo to open Jan. 14 with purse increase
January 07, 2011
On Friday, Jan. 14, Buffalo Raceway kicks off its 69th year of live harness racing at the half-mile oval. All patrons will get a free program with a lucky number inside, which will make them eligible for free wagers on every race. Drink specials and free giveaways are also on tap for openi
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Monticello cancels Friday card
January 07, 2011
Due to the continuing snowstorm Monticello Raceway has cancelled its Friday afternoon racing program. The next race card will be on Monday, Jan. 10, with post time slated for 12:25 p.m.
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Crawford, Niccum elected to MHHA board
January 07, 2011
The Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association (MHHA) announced its election results Friday morning and two new directors, Keith Crawford and Rich Niccum, will be joining the MHHA Board in February. The MHHA membership elected Crawford in the Driver/Trainer category by a vote of 66 to 44, a
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Meadowlands cancels qualifiers
January 07, 2011
Due to heavy snow at the Meadowlands, Friday morning’s qualifiers were canceled after two races.   “There’s a lot of snow and very poor visibility,” said Big M paddock judge Ron Walters. “We had two races go, the first one in 2:02 and the second in 2:00. We’ve rescheduled the rest of the qual
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Florida's new gov wants Vegas-style casinos
January 07, 2011
Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday that he could allow Las Vegas-style casino resorts, although legislation would be required for any such development. While he was running for governor he said that he was against the expansion of gambling in the state.   A story in the Thursday Miami Hera
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More racing news for free!
January 07, 2011
The debut card of the 2011 meet at the Meadowlands Friday night will go on as scheduled despite the accumulation of a few inches of snow and harnessracing.com has all the tools you need to enjoy a great weekend of racing from the comfort of your home.  Just go to this website and sign up for
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Yonkers' 2011 season begins Jan. 13
January 07, 2011
Yonkers Raceway's 2011 racing season begins Thursday night (Jan. 13), with a dozen races and the usual 7:10 PM first post.        After programs of next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the customary five-night-per-week live schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Frida
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Bill introduced to allow Meadowlands lease
January 07, 2011
Bipartisan legislation that would allow the Meadowlands Racetrack to be operated jointly by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, or NJSEA, and a private lessee has been introduced by Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer (the son of the late Harness Racing Hall of Famer Stanley Dancer), Joe Malone
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Laughandbehappy takes invite in 1:51.4
January 07, 2011
Laughandbehappy shook loose late in the stretch and got up to win the $32,000 mares invitational on opening of the 2011 harness meet at Meadowlands Racetrack on Friday night.   Driven by David Miller, Laughandbehappy capitalized on a perfect three-hole trip behind the leader Red Star Hottie a
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Hamlin Hanover fastest in Snowshoe elims
January 07, 2011
A pair of $20,000 Snowshoe Stakes eliminations took place Friday night at Woodbine Racetrack with the post time favorites failing to find the winner's circle. In the first elimination, Hamlin Hanover survived a first-over trip for driver Randy Waples to earn his first lifetime win in 1:52.  
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Idol takes Meadows distaff pace
January 07, 2011
Idol endured a demanding first quarter and went on to capture Friday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. As a 4-year-old last year, Idol scored in 1:50, equaling the fastest mile ever by a distaff pacer at The Meadows. On Friday, she added a Murphy Blind left and
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Indians hope to open casino at Mich's Pinnacle
January 06, 2011
The Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which last year purchased seven acres of land adjacent to the Pinnacle Thoroughbred Race Course in Romulus, Mich., has announced plans to build a casino at that site. If built, the tribe would be defying state and federal gaming laws as it would not hav
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Pilgrims Stunner in Meadows upset
January 06, 2011
Pilgrims Stunner unleashed a decisive first-over bid that erased a 4-1/2-length deficit in a heartbeat and carried her to victory in Wednesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. Facing colts and geldings for the first time in the track’s top trot, the 8-1 Pilgrims Stunner gobbled
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Ranger resorts to Plan B
January 06, 2011
The talent and improvisational abilities of leading horseman Bruce Ranger were tested to the limit and he devised yet another way to win in the top trotting class feature at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park on the Wednesday, January 5 program. With his stable stalwart Andover America on the
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Cal Expo series honors Peter Lobell
January 06, 2011
This weekend at Cal Expo kicks off the Peter Lobell series, named for the outstanding pacer who is one of the greatest sires to ever stand in California.“We bought Peter Lobell as a syndicate in 1976,” recalled longtime California owner and breeder Neil Kelly.  “There were several of us, includ
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Michigan horsemen's home damaged by fire
January 06, 2011
The home belonging to Jan and Bill Darnell, Sports Creek race office staffer and Owosso area trainer, was heavily damaged in a mid-day blaze Tuesday. Corunna-Caledonia Township fire officials report that the fire may have started in or near the garage and spread through about half the house bef
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Hanover sets new money-earnings mark
January 06, 2011
Hanover Shoe Farms has set a new purse earnings record as a breeder. Since the U.S. Trotting Association began compiling breeder's statistics, Hanover Shoe Farms has led the annual money-earnings totals every year. In 2010 it eclipsed its previous record when horses it bred won $25,938,618 in purses
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Monticello's program director Employee of Year
January 06, 2011
John Flynn, Monticello Casino and Raceway's longtime program director, has been named the 2010 Employee of the Year. In late December a special dinner was held for the nominees and their guests and Flynn, of Wolf Lake, N.Y., was chosen over 11 other worthy candidates.   Earning this
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Scott Warren named Vernon race secretary
January 06, 2011
Vernon Downs is proud to announce that Scott Warren will be joining the race team as race secretary for the 2011 race season. Warren comes to Vernon Downs after serving more than 15 years at Rosecroft Raceway in which he played many different roles.   Since 1995, Warren has held numerous titl
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Malinowski gives $100,000 to NJ equine center
January 06, 2011
Karyn Malinowski, director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center and professor of animal sciences, and a staunch supporter of horse racing in New Jersey, recently made a personal gift of $100,000 to support new initiatives, programs, and better horse care through research and education at the Center.
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Young looking for some love in Blizzard elim
January 06, 2011
When Thursday night's first elimination of the Blizzard Stakes takes place at Woodbine Racetrack, trainer Bob Young will be looking for a much improved effort from his entry, I Love Too Much. After finishing third in her elimination of the Niagara Stakes two starts ago, the 4-year-old daughte
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Web Cam a Snowshoe contender
January 06, 2011
After finishing fourth and failing to advance to the $60,000 Autumn Stakes final two starts ago, trainer/owner/breeder Dave Drew was pleased to see his star pacer, Web Cam, return to the winner's circle last week.   The now 4-year-old son of Astreos scored a wire-to-wire victory in 1:53.1 for
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Hat Trick Honey, Hustleonhome win elims
January 06, 2011
This photo of Hustleonhome shows the Blizzard Stakes lived up to its name at Woodbine Thursday night. Tan Micallef and owner/breeder Stuart Bolender swept both $25,000 eliminations under blizzard-like conditions.   IIn the first elimination, Hat Trick Honey scored the minor upset for tra
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Cherry has another good mare, and ideas
January 06, 2011
While two of his superstar pacing mares have retired this year, Eric Cherry still has a lot to smile about with Laughandbehappy. His contender in the $32,000 mares invitational Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack has proven to be a solid investment.   Cherry purchased Laughandbehappy, a&nbs
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Cane Ridge takes Dover feature in 1:54.3
January 06, 2011
Cane Ridge, the first of two wins for Matt Kalaley, scored a 1:54.3 victory to win a $14,500 conditioned pace for 4 and 5 year olds at Dover Downs on Thursday, Jan. 6.   After just missing by a neck in his previous start, Can Ridge, an altered son of Cambest-Camus, had just enough t
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Esmeralda Semalu may stay active
January 05, 2011
Hold the phone, not so fast, maybe Pompano's legendary pacing mare Esmeralda Semalu won't be retired from racing next month after all. A few weeks ago her trainer and driver Joe Pavia Jr. said she'll soon begin her second career as a broodmare. "After her performance tonight the thought entered
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Arrests made in Meadows slot-rigging plot
January 05, 2011
Three men have reportedly been arrested in connection to a plan that allegedly rigged a slot machine at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino that resulted in winnings of nearly $430,000. One man pleaded guilty on Monday to three counts of receiving stolen property and received a sentence of one year of
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Go On BB wins 2011 Dover debut
January 05, 2011
Go On BB picked right up where she left off in 2010 winning the first $26,000 Mares Open of the New Year at Dover Downs on Tuesday, Jan. 4.Matt Kakaley wait until her rivals had gotten away to take the lead and Go On BB continued on to set winning fractions in a 1:52.3 victory, her second in a row a
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Bartlett steers On The Brink to Mighty M win
January 05, 2011
Last year Jason Bartlett won 27 of 66 races--mostly New York Sire Stakes--at Monticello Raceway, and now he's back and obviously prepping for the upcoming meet at Yonkers Raceway. On Tuesday afternoon's card at the Mighty M, Bartlett reined On The Brink to a 1:57.1 victory in the
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Snyder, McNair granted ORC appeals
January 05, 2011
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has granted an appeal by owner Jeffrey Snyder regarding a positive test for DPO in 2007 on his then 3-year-old filly pacer Michelle’s Power which called for the return of an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in purse earnings. Michelle’s Power was originally blood
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Concord Stud purchases Kosmos Breeding Farm
January 05, 2011
Concord Stud Farm is pleased to announce the purchase of the former Kosmos Breeding Farm in Littlestown, Pa.   Concord is offering foaling and care of mares with Pennsylvania-sired foals due in 2011 at this facility and will continue operation in New Jersey for all other mares.  Con
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Baseball team owner looks at Rosecroft purchase
January 05, 2011
Rosecroft Raceway is once again being considered for purchase by Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos. The bankrupt harness racing track not far from Washington, D.C., and the nation's capital has sat vancant since July, when it ended its simulcasting operation   The purchase of Rose
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Admirals Express wins Cam Fella Award
January 05, 2011
Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce that Admirals Express has been voted the 2010 recipient of the Cam Fella Award. The Cam Fella Award, which recognizes extreme recent meritorious service to the Canadian harness racing industry, will be presented to the connections of Admirals Express, fondl
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Saturday Big M card another strong one
January 05, 2011
Thursday morning was another busy one at the Meadowlands as 161 horses dropped in the box for the Jan. 8 Saturday card, while another 129 entered Friday’s qualifiers.  The second Meadowlands’ card of 2011 is another strong one. “We’re encouraged by the interest in our product,” said Peter Koch
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Gallo Blue Chip, Eternal Camnation to Hall of Fame
January 05, 2011
Stanley Bergstein, chairman of the Living Horse Hall of Fame nominating committee of The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, has announced the results of recent balloting that determined the 2011 class for induction into the The Harness Racing Living Horse Hall of Fame. Annual members (in
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Former Meadowlands exec Phil Dunn dies
January 05, 2011
Phil Dunn, who worked at the Meadowlands Racetrack with general manager Bob Quigley in the track’s early years, serving in executive positions, died Monday, Jan. 3, at the age of 81.   Dunn was hired by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) in 1961 as an administrative assistant. He advanced
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Trainer has 2 contenders in Blizzard
January 05, 2011
Thursday evening at Woodbine Racetrack, trainer Tan Micallef sends out two fillies in a pair of $20,000 Blizzard Stakes eliminations. Hat Trick Honey (5-2) and Hustleonhome (3-1) will go to post in races one and three, respectively. Both fillies are owned and bred by Stuart Bolender of Elora, Ont.
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Winner's circle 'photo' at Dover
January 05, 2011
Photo Maxx stormed down the lane to overtake a wall of challengers in deep stretch to win the $26,000 Open Trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday.   As in his previous win two starts back, driver Mike Cole put Photo Maxx into high gear entering the stretch and the SJ’s Photo-Affinity gelding zoomed
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Samsawinner at Monticello
January 05, 2011
Samsawinner, a 5-year-old Victory Sam gelding, scored an stunning 1:58.4 triumph in the weekly trotting feature at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon. A recent purchase by Woody Hoblitzell of Destin, Fla., Samsawinner was reined to victory by hot-handed Bruce Aldrich Jr.   Se
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Thoroughbred group moving forward on tote security
January 04, 2011
The Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) board of directors has voted unanimously to support development by the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) of a tote security system to ensure the close of betting throughout the pari-mutuel network and eliminate dramatic shifts in final odds throu
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Tioga, Vernon show promise in 2010 handle
January 04, 2011
Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs wrapped up 2010 with some promising handle figures despite the current industry trends.   Tioga showed increases in both live and export handle during its 2010 race meet, live handle was up for the year by nearly four percent, while the export numbers jumped by mo
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Longshots light up Pompano tote board
January 04, 2011
It was a rare occurrence indeed when a wave of longshots crossed the wire first on the Monday evening, January 3 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. With the recent trend of larger and more attractive wagering pools again spiking the evening's handle into the $400,000 range, a succession of
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A 'stacked deck' highlights Big M qualifiers
January 04, 2011
Eight qualifiers went postward at the Meadowlands Tuesday morning, with the newly-turned 6-year-old mare Stacked Deck taking speed-badge honors with a 1:53.4 victory. Trained by Joe Anderson and driven by his son, Ryan, Stacked Deck was a nine-time winner in 42 starts last year as the son of Bettor’
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Big M winter meet has strong first draw
January 04, 2011
The first draw for the Meadowlands Friday Jan. 7 opening night card went off without a hitch on Tuesday morning according to Peter Koch, director of racing. “We had 175 in the box for Friday,” he said. “I believe last year we had 189, so that was good. We have 13 races and full fields.  T
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Noel Daley hurt in training accident
January 04, 2011
Trainer Noel Daley is in a Trenton, N.J. hospital Tuesday afternoon recovering from surgery to repair a compound right ankle fracture suffered in a training accident Monday morning at Magical Acres. Daley told harnessracing.com Tuesday that the accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday whi
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Meadowlands replay show on TVG
January 04, 2011
Racing fans can watch replays from every racing card at the Meadowlands on TVG in 2011. TVG will air the Racing From The Meadowlands show during its morning recap block the following day. All shows will be 30 minutes in length. The Meadowlands is working with TVG to secure a regular time slot for th
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Allamerican Native to Winbak in Ontario
January 03, 2011
Winbak Farms has announced that the pacing sire Allamerican Native will stand the 2011 season at Winbak Farm of Canada in Ontario for a fee of $3,000. He previously stood at stud at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania.   Allamerican Native is already the sire of top performers,
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USTA's Full Circle registry helps horses
January 03, 2011
Standardbred owners are taking advantage of a no cost, no obligation USTA program that helps to connect horses in need of a new home with their breeder, former owners, trainers, drivers, caretakers or any other interested individual. The program, called Full Circle, is modeled after a well received
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Rock N Roll Heaven NJ Horse of the Year
January 03, 2011
Rock N Roll Heaven, the Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year, has been selected New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year for 2010. The son of Rocknroll Hanover will be honored at the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board’s 54th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Luncheon at Charley’s Other Brother Restaurant
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Croquet Style 1:55.2 winner in series elim
January 03, 2011
Woodbine Racetrack presented its first program of the New Year on Monday evening and 4-year-old trotting mares were in the spotlight as the battled in a set of $25,000 eliminations for the Lifetime Dream Stakes.   PJ's Photo ($5.20) took the opening split for the tandem of driver Paul MacDone
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Dr. M. Paul Simon dies in New Jersey
January 03, 2011
Dr. M. Paul Simon, 88, of Short Hills, N.J., a family physician in Lake Hiawatha and a horseman for 48 years, died Jan. 2, 2011.   Dr. Simon, a USTA member since 1962, was an owner, trainer and driver. He campaigned his horses under the nom de course of Lord & Lady Stables Inc. and many o
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Three straight wins for Golden Receiver
January 03, 2011
Golden Receiver, who closed out 2010 with two straight victories, kicked off the 2011 season Monday at The Meadows in much the same fashion, capturing the opening-day $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace in front-end style. Golden Receiver also gave trainer Mark Harder two wins. His horse Report For
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Vlos uses passing lane to score at Dover
January 03, 2011
Vlos required the passing lane to win the $35,000 Preferred Handicap, Nova Artist came from off the pace to win the $32,500 Delaware Special, and Schoolkids emerged a winner from a four-horse photo winner in racing action at Dover Downs on Monday.   Tony Morgan scooted Vlos away fro
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Vernon horseman Rocco Manzi dies
January 02, 2011
Noted Vernon Downs horseman Rocco Frank Manzi, 59, died at his home in Oneida, N.Y., on Thursday, Dec. 30, with his family and friends at his side.   Born on April 4, 1951 in Syracuse, Mr. Manzi was the first of Frank J. and Jennie (Alba) Manzi’s eight children. He we
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Changes pay off for Palm Beach Boy
January 02, 2011
A couple of key equipment changes for the top Florida-bred pacing gelding Palm Beach Boy worked like a charm on the opening card of 2011 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. For his first start as a 3 year old, the Six Of Diamonds-Kadijah son had his earplugs and side (cheek) rolls remo
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Iron Will wins New Year's Day feature at Dover
January 02, 2011
Roger Plante drove Iron Will to a 1:57.1 victory to win the New Year’s Day featured $14,500 trot on Saturday at Dover Downs. Corey Callahan had four wins to move him into first place in the leading driver standings.    Iron Will celebrated his first win as a 5-year-old register
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Nash family featured in Lexington newspaper
January 02, 2011
Charles "Cotton" Nash, who along with his wife, Julie, sister Francene, and Steve Stewart bred Rock N Roll Heaven, is featured with his family in a story in the Sunday Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper. Nash, an All-American basketball player for the University of Kentucky, talks about sports and fa
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Ready Cash wins latest prep for Prix d'Amerique
January 02, 2011
The third "B" prep for the Prix d'Amerique, the 120,000 euro Prix de Bourgogne, was raced Sunday afternoon at the Vincennes track in Paris. This year it appears that most of the foreign contenders for the big Prix d'Amerique have disappeared, and the early favorite is now the French 5 year old
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Horseman Chet Emerson dies in Maine
January 02, 2011
Horseman Chester "Chet" Emerson, 81, of Saco, Maine, and Pompano Beach, Fla., died Dec. 30, 2010, after a lengthy battle with bone cancer. Mr. Emerson and his wife, Jean, bred and raced horses in New England and Florida, and for many years Jean was an active harness racing journalist.
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Foxland finds Dover Downs' winner's circle
January 02, 2011
Foxland gave driver Tony Morgan his third win in the $17,000 feature race Sunday at Dover Downs while Elodie and Iosmio won the $14,000 distaff sub-features. Meet leading driver Corey Callahan had three wins.    Owned by Curragh Racing Stables, Foxland made his first 2011
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Woodbine, Flamboro cancel New Year's Day
January 01, 2011
Woodbine canceled its New Year's Day card, with a scheduled post time of 1:20 pm, because of unsafe track conditions caused by freezing and now thawing of the racing surface. Also, Flamboro Downs, which had a 1 p.m. post, has canceled because of the same conditions.   While Flamboro is schedu
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