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Meadowlands Chamber releases vision for Big M
February 28, 2011
With a goal of regaining its status as the world’s leading multi-venue sports and entertainment complex, the Meadowlands Regional Chamber has released a concept plan for the continued redevelopment of the Meadowlands Sports Complex that will include a casino, convention center, hotels, entertainment
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Penn National Gaming finalizes Rosecroft purchase
February 28, 2011
Penn Nation Gaming completed their transaction to purchase Rosecroft Raceway today completing the harness racetrack’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan which called for the sale of substantially all of the assets of Cloverleaf Enterprises Incorporated (CEI) which includes Rosecroft Raceway. U.S.
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Saratoga's 70th season begins March 4
February 28, 2011
Celebrating 70 years of live harness racing, Saratoga Casino and Raceway will open for the season at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, March 4. With 171 racing dates, the 2011 season will run through Dec. 11. Throughout March, races will begin at 7:05 p.m. Fridays, 12:45 p.m. on Sundays and doubleheaders every
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New Jersey's Dr. Dey II dies
February 28, 2011
Dr. Stephen Perrine Dey II, 74, passed away on Monday, Feb. 28. Dr. Dey, a lifelong resident of Allentown, N.J. and an equine veterinarian for more than four decades, was based at his family’s 500-acre Heritage Hill Farm, one of the founding farms of the New Jersey Sire Stakes Program.   Heri
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Handsome Prince takes Meadows feature
February 28, 2011
Handsome Prince enjoyed a cozy pocket trip behind Object Of Art, then brushed by him in the lane to score a convincing victory in Monday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. Dave Palone gunned Handsome Prince to the front but willingly yielded to Object Of
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Artistic Vision delivers full brother to Rock N Roll Heaven
February 27, 2011
While in Florida for the expected coronation of Rock N Roll Heaven as 2010 Horse of the Year, breeders Julie and Cotton Nash, received a phone call that their broodmare Artistic Vision delivered a full brother to Rock N Roll Heaven at around 1 am on Sunday morning at Hunterton Farm at Ston
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Barnard tickled by another Elmo win
February 27, 2011
On a wet and chilly night, John Barnard’s St. Elmo Hero continued the amazing start to his racing career easily dispatching of four rivals in Saturday’s $10,900 Free For All for his 24th win in as many starts. . The final time of 1:50 over a track generously rated as “good” was the second fastest ef
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Kentucky's Nate Sholar dies
February 27, 2011
Nate Sholar, a longtime leader of the Kentucky Harness Horsemen's Association who was especially active in keeping county fair racing in Kentucky alive, has died. Sholar, who lived in Mayfield, KY, was a member of the Kentucky Harness Racing Hall of Fame.   Sholar was born in Mayfield in west
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Rock N Roll Heaven Horse of Year
February 27, 2011
By taking 123 of the 131 votes, Rock N Roll Heaven enjoyed a winning night at the annual Dan Patch Awards banquet Sunday, with his connections picking up trophies for 3-year-old male pacer of the year, Pacer of the Year and Horse of the Year at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North.   Lucky
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Park Avenue, Pembroke Prayer win at Yonkers
February 26, 2011
Park Avenue (Tyler Buter) angled and circled Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured  $32,500 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.Leaving from post position No. 3, she watched early as last week's victress, Twin B Tiara (Jim Pantaleano), worked her way around slight 5-2 choice  D
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Pompano is Zin-less
February 26, 2011
The special $20,000 Invitational carded on February 26 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park for pacer Delivered From Zin may have looked like a foregone conclusion and an anti-climax when he stopped the clock with lengths to spare in 1:49.1. However, it wasn't as much of a certainty as it may have
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A "Gallant" win at Yonkers
February 26, 2011
Gallant Yankee (Jason Bartlett) survived a first-over trip Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $32,500 Open Handicap Pace.Leaving from post position No. 5, he watched 3-4 favorite Western Shore (Dan Dube) worked around Arduous (George Brennan) before a :27.2 opening quarter-mile. Western Shore
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"St. Elmo" a hero again
February 26, 2011
John Barnard’s St. Elmo Hero’s 23-race win streak became a 24-race streak with an easy win in a $10,900 Free For All at Balmoral Park on Saturday night.Driver Bob Smolin gunned the undefeated pacer away from the gate and controlled the going through splits of :27.4, :55.1 and 1:21.4 on the way to a
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Morrill now suspended for 270 days by KY
February 25, 2011
Last October driver Jim Morrill Jr. was hit with an "indefinite suspension" by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for refusing to submit to a brealhalyzer test when ordered to do so by the judges. Now the Kentucky commission has slapped Morrill with a more specific penalty, suspending him for 270
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Marino builds Big M momentum
February 25, 2011
Trainer Chris Marino is off to a swift start this season at the Meadowlands. Through Feb. 24, Marino ranks third in the trainer standings with 11 victories from his 47 starters and $120,495 in purses won.  He trails Lou Pena, who has started more than double the number of horses, by only four w
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St. Elmo Hero does a good deed
February 25, 2011
It won’t just be the racing world focused on Balmoral Park on Saturday, February 26th as the hottest horse in North America, St. Elmo Hero, heads out in pursuit of his 24th consecutive win. Supporters of St. Baldrick’s Foundation and soldiers in the war against childhood cancer will have a special i
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Fontaine elected HTA President
February 25, 2011
Paul Fontaine, Director of Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville,Massachusetts, has been elected to be the 24th President of Harness Tracks of America (HTA). Fontaine, who succeeds Western Fair CEO Hugh Mitchell in the post, has served as an HTA Director for the past 13 years and on its Executive Comm
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Top filly, broodmare Cathedra dies at Hanover
February 25, 2011
Hanover Shoe Farms has announced that broodmare Cathedra has died following post foaling complications at the age of 18. She foaled a Well Said colt at 1:30 am on Thursday (Feb. 24) and developed signs of colic later that morning, succumbing while she was being transported to the emergency
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'Vavoom' goes Pompano record!
February 24, 2011
For the second time in less than 96 hours a track record has fallen by the wayside at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. On the Wednesday, February 23 program, Southwind Vavoom stopped the clock in 1:52.4, easily eclipsing the track standard of 1:53.2 set four years ago by Tweedle Dum. With 2
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Arriba Amigo's Dover streak goes on
February 24, 2011
Arriba Amigo chalked up his fourth consecutive victory stepping up to win the $27,000 Open Handicap trot on Wednesday, Feb.23 at Dover Downs.Undefeated in four starts since being acquired by David Rovine, VIP Internet Stable and trainer Josh Green, Matt Kakaley sent Arriba Amigo into an early lead a
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St. Elmo: "symbol of hope for the little guys"
February 24, 2011
The last time Balmoral Park fans saw St. Elmo Hero “live” was back on September 4, 2010. Owner John Barnard’s horse had just won his eighth race in as many tries at Balmoral Park and was starting to garner plenty of “local” attention.   Fast forward ahead to Saturday,
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Freehold announces purse reductions; possible schedule change
February 24, 2011
 Freehold Raceway announced Thursday that the condition sheet being released today will reflect a 25 percent reduction in purses.   After several significant purse increases in 2010, Freehold has been forced to reverse course and implement reductions. This will be the second reduction th
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Joel Sterns, former counsel to SBOANJ, dies
February 24, 2011
Joel H. Sterns, 76, who helped spearhead the establishment of Atlantic City's multi-billion-dollar casino gaming industry, died Feb. 21 at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville.   Mr. Sterns and his Trenton, N.J., law firm, Sterns & Weinroth, grew to be rec
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Hanover donates Cam's Card Shark breeding
February 24, 2011
This is supposed to be a weekend of receiving, not giving, for Jim Simpson. The CEO of Hanover Shoe Farms was voted harness racing’s highest honor last fall, entrance to the sport’s Living Hall of Fame, and will be making his first “public appearance” as a Hall laureate at the annual Dan Patch
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Top PA filly Hidden Viggorish dies
February 24, 2011
Hidden Viggorish, the 2006 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 3-year-old filly trot champion and also the winner of the American National that year, died Wednesday night while giving birth to her first foal. Bred, campaigned and still owned by Harmony Spring Stable, the 8-year-old daughter of SJ's Caviar
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Headbutt Harley gets the heads up at Dover
February 24, 2011
Headbutt Harley rolled down the passing lane to capture the $14,500 feature at Dover Downs on Thursday, Feb.24. Ross Wolfenden had a driving triple.Daryl Bier won the dash to the finish line in 1:54.3 scooting along the passing lane to catch front pacing Mr. Jerry C (Tim Curtin) in the final strides
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Sears and Simpson in the Big M sulky
February 24, 2011
Brian Sears and Brandon Simpson will be the featured guests on Meadowlands Racetrack's Friday and Saturday night television broadcasts. Sears will sit In The Sulky on Friday to recap his stakes wins last weekend and preview his drives for the night.  Simpson, who has cracked the Top 10 in his s
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Bet on Bettis at the Meadows
February 24, 2011
Parked the opening quarter, Bettis had just enough to hold off the hard-charging Outdoor Action and earn his third consecutive victory, the fifth in his last six starts in Thursday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.Assigned post 8, Bettis moved right for the lead but had to work hard
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Gulotta not surprised by NJ veto
February 23, 2011
Mike Gulotta, who along with Andy Willinger owns Deo Volente Farm in Flemington, NJ, told harnessracing.com that he was disappointed, but not surprised, regarding Governor Chris Christie’s veto of a bill that would have directed monies received from the sales tax on horse transactions back to the ho
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Perfect M Forever wins again at Dover
February 23, 2011
Perfect M Forever step up after winning last week’s Winners-Over pace to take the $26,000 Mares Open Handicap on Tuesday, Feb.22 at Dover Downs.Eric Goodell sent Perfect M Forever past Alice’s Restaurant heading past the three quarters and then opened up a big lead on the way to a 1:51.3 victory in
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I'm Just Special is a Pompano winner
February 23, 2011
An equipment change on Tuesday evening tipped off a strong return to form for the richest older mare at the meet at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. With an announced change of the blinkers removed, I'm Just Special was a flawless front end winner in the $14,000 purse top weekly class for pacing
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Western Fair To Host Driving Championship
February 23, 2011
Many of Ontario’s top drivers will be on hand at Western Fair Raceway on Friday, March 11 for the Ontario Regional Driving Championship which determines Ontario’s representatives to the National Driving Championship. Simon Allard, Gord Brown, Scott Coulter, Trevor Henry, Jody Jamieson, John MacDona
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Meadowlands qualifiers moved to Saturday
February 23, 2011
Due to the prediction of rain and snow for Friday (Feb. 25), qualifiers at Meadowlands Racetrack are being moved to Saturday (Feb. 26). The entry box closes on Thursday (Feb. 24) at 4 pm. (Meadowlands)
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$1.6 mil bet Down Under on Meadowlands cards
February 23, 2011
While handle at the 2011 winter meet at the Meadowlands is still down roughly 20 percent from the 2010 meet, there has been encouraging news from Down Under. Thus far a total of six programs have been sent via satellite to Australia and New Zealand, with total wagering of $1,646,139. That's an avera
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St. Elmo Hero at Balmoral Saturday
February 23, 2011
The conquering hero returns home.St Elmo Hero, the winner of all 23 of his career starts, will race Saturday night at Balmoral Park in a $10,900 free-for-all pace against four rivals. St Elmo Hero began his career in a claiming race at Balmoral and won his first eight starts at the Chicago track. &
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Horsemen check on family in New Zealand
February 23, 2011
New Zealand horsemen in the United States have been checking on family in the hours since the earthquake in Christchurch. Expat Kelvin Harrison, a native of Methven, 50 miles southwest of Christchurch, was able to reach his family and confirm that all are OK. According to the Associated Press,
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Delaware writer Jack Ireland retires
February 22, 2011
Jack Ireland, who has been writing for the Delaware News Journal for more than 35 years, has announced his retirement. “Irish Jack” was named horse racing writer in 1989 following the retirement of Izzy Katzman, who was elected in 1994 to the Communicator’s Corner of the Hall of Fame in Goshen,
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Entries now being taken for NJ Classic
February 22, 2011
Entries are now being accepted, for the 2011 New Jersey Classic Yearling Sale, to be held Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown. Consignors already include Hanover Shoe Farms and Winbak Farm.   The location in the heart of New Jersey horse country, close to many track
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Parker wins five at Monticello
February 22, 2011
Winning races is nothing new to Billy "Zeke" Parker, Jr. And driving titles'. he’s had a plethora of them in his illustrious career---17 alone at Monticello Raceway. And even at age 56 Zeke can handle himself with the best of them and he is always a force to be reckoned with.There were times over th
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Lareau gets win 1,000 at Pompano
February 22, 2011
Being atop the drivers' standings has never mattered to Gaston Lareau, but just the same he was relieved to get the 1,000 lifetime win milestone out of the way. Perhaps reflecting a common occurrence in his career, he reached the four digit career win total in the first race of the Monday, February
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Schoolkids aces Dover test
February 22, 2011
Schoolkids was at the top of his game repelling seven rivals to win the $35,000 Preferred Handicap while Nova Artist took the lead and never looked back in the $32,500 Delaware Special pace and Cams Art wins again to highlight the Presidents’ day card on Monday, Feb.1 at Dover Downs.Pat Berry took t
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Hoosier Classic sale has new ownership
February 22, 2011
The Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, annually the leading sale for Indiana sired yearlings, was sold to a new ownership group effective Feb. 17.  The sale company, now incorporated as Hoosier Classic Sale Company LLC, has been sold by original proprietor Carl Becker to Jeffrey and David Fought of
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Youth Foundation needs stable help
February 22, 2011
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is seeking trainers and/or stables willing to prep the horses used for the HHYF Summer Programs.   Trainers would be expected to jog or exercise the horse on a daily basis to build stamina; no actual training miles would be required.   Trainer woul
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Saratoga to host 2011 NYSS championships
February 22, 2011
There is still snow on the ground in New York State, but horses are being exercised and prepared for the 2011 New York Sire Stakes season, which will get underway June 5 with the 3-year-old filly pace at Buffalo Raceway.  This year’s New York Night of Champions will be held Saturday, Oct.
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The Meadows cancels Tuesday card
February 22, 2011
A snowstorm that dumped eight inches of snow on the region and rendered the track hazardous forced The Meadows Racetrack & Casino to cancel Tuesday's live card. All facilities remain open for simulcast wagering. Live racing resumes Wednesday, with first post at 12:55 pm.
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Horsemen want ID moved from Christchurch
February 22, 2011
The horror of Christchurch's earthquake is set to have a huge impact on Down Under harness racing. and the 2011 Inter Dominion, Down Under's marquee event, appears likely to be moved from devastated Christchurch in New Zealand's south island to Auckland in the north.   The Inter Dom
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McErlean named president of TRA
February 22, 2011
Christopher McErlean, Vice President of Racing for Penn National Gaming Inc. (PNG), was elected the 35th President of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) at its annual Board of Directors’ meeting Tuesday at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans. McErlean, who succeeded Arlington Park Preside
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Just Right takes Dover feature
February 21, 2011
Just Right made it two wins in his last three starts to win the $17,000 4&5-Year-Old pace on Sunday, Feb.20 at Dover Downs. Imperial Flower and took split $14,000 distaff divisions for young pacers. Brad Hanners wins four.Tim Tetrick made it a family affair as he drove Just Right, owned by his d
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New Indiana sale premieres this fall
February 21, 2011
Yearling buyers who participate in Indiana--and those who buy for other programs--will have a new sale on the calendar this fall, thanks to the launch of the Indiana Premier Yearling Sale, set for Sept. 23 and 24 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.The announcement was made Monday 
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Blacks A Fake back in training, may make ID
February 21, 2011
In a remarkable twist, the 10-year-old Blacks A Fake’s hopes of an unprecedented fifth Inter Dominion win are alive again. Just nine days after a second bout of atrial fibrillation effectively ended his quest for the 2011 Inter Dominion series in Christchurch, New Zealand, trainer-driver Natalie Ras
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Grasso, Machiz finish 1-2 in NHHC qualifier
February 21, 2011
Mike Grasso of Carteret, N.J., grabbed the top cash prize and a seat in the 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship at Meadowlands Racetrack's latest qualifying tournament held on Feb. 19.   The tournament required players to bet 10 Meadowlands races, with a $20 minimum, $100 maximum
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Saturday Pick Four was Big M's highest
February 21, 2011
The Pick Four pool on Saturday, Feb. 19 was the highest of the 2011 Meadowlands meet and a track record.   The $132,002 pool, which helped fuel a total handle just short of $3 million, was the highest in history for a card that did not include the Meadowlands Pace, Hambletonian or a carryo
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Maharajah captures Prix de Paris
February 20, 2011
Sweden's Maharajah won the 350,000 (euro) Prix de Paris at the Vincennes racetrack on Sunday afternoon, finally capturing one of the prestigious "Prix" races during the winter meet after falling short in the Prix dAmerique and Prix de France. Driven by Orjan Kihlstrom, the son of Viking Kronos
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Allard making presence felt at Woodbine
February 20, 2011
It wasn’t that long ago, that driver Simon Allard was traveling from track to track around Ontario's B-tracks looking to drive horses. Now the 28-year-old reinsman is making his presence felt on the WEG circuit, as he currently sits third among all WEG drivers with 29 wins.   After steering
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Royal Becquet upsets in WEGZ at 34-1
February 19, 2011
Rene Allard pupils Royal Becquet and Strand Hanover swept the top two spots in the $60,000 WEGZ Stakes on Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack. The WEGZ Stakes, formerly called the Ontario Boys Pacing Series, is for older pacing horses that are non-winners of $50,000 in 2010 as of Oct. 31.  
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Jessee's Career wins first of 2011 at Dover
February 19, 2011
Jessee’s Career, a 6-1 shot, post his first 2011 win besting eight rivals in the $14,500 trot on Saturday at Dover Downs.   Allan Davis opened up two lengths turning for home and that was more than enough to score a 1:59.3 victory in the night’s feature race. Owned by Carol and
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Life Source dies at age 14
February 19, 2011
Life Source p,7,1:48 ($1,844,445), was humanly euthanized at Peninsula Farm on Feb. 17, 2011, after a chronic battle with arthritic and respiratory problems. He was 14.   The son of Life Sign-She’s Pure Silk-Nihilator was foaled, raised and sold by Peninsula Farm as a yearling for $25,00
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Lucky Bettor repeats winning ticket at Yonkers
February 19, 2011
Lucky Bettor (Brett Miller) picked off a tiring rival while holding off a closing one Saturday night,  winning Yonkers Raceway's $32,500 Open Handicap Pace for a second consecutive performance.   Leaving from post position six, he sat patiently in the rear of the room while Western
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Delivered From Zin's 1:48.4 a Pompano record
February 19, 2011
There had never been anything quite like it in the 47-year history of harness racing at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park dating to 1964. In the Saturday evening featured pacing event for a $14,000 purse, the 8-year-old gelding Delivered From Zin toured the South Florida oval in 1:48.4. A cap
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Big M stakes double for Burke/Sears
February 19, 2011
Trainer Ron Burke and driver Brian Sears teamed to win two of the three series finals contested Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   I'm Feelin Good ($19.60) picked an opportune time to break his maiden as he won the $68,000 Junior Trendsetter in his first start for the Burke barn. 
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Allthatgltrsisgold sparkles in Aquarius
February 19, 2011
Allthatgltrsisgold ($6) pounced off a perfect second-over trip to win the $78,000 Aquarius final Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. Driven by Ron Pierce, Allthatgltrisgold slingshot past his cover Code Word in the stretch and drew off to a three-length tally in 1:51.2.  Foreign Officer ed
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Laughandbehappy in Cape & Cutter winner's circle
February 18, 2011
Laughandbehappy sailed to victory in the $89,000 Cape and Cutter final on Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Laughandbehappy bull rushed Red Star Hottie for the lead in a swift :54.4 half and rebuffed a game Ideal Newton en route to a 1:51.4 clocking. Driven by David Miller, Laugh
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Jolt wins in Dover shocker
February 18, 2011
Frank Milby drove 13-1 shot Jolt down the passing lane to win the $14,000 Thursday, Feb.17 feature race. Kiss My Art had just enough to take the $$11,500 sub-feature pace.Moving from an outside post 8 to the inside was just what the doctor ordered for Dale Milby’s Jolt, trained by his brother Don, a
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Ohio USHWA taps Howyadoinpal
February 18, 2011
The only thing tougher than this January's Ohio weather was Howyadoinpal. Based on his four wins in the month of January, the six-year-old was named Ohio's best by the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.The gelded son of Keystone Raider started his year on New Year's Day s
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NHHC qualifier set for Saturday
February 18, 2011
Cash prizes and seats in the National Harness Handicapping Championship are up for grabs at Meadowlands Racetrack's next handicapping tournament on Saturday night.The prize pool is estimated at $24,000* with payouts to the Top 10.  Plus, players keep their bankrolls.  The total contest fee
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Meadowlands hosts Presidents' Day card
February 18, 2011
A special holiday matinee of racing will kick off at 1:10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21. After the races, fans are encouraged to head over to Redd's Restaurant in nearby Carlstadt, NJ for a very special fundraiser to benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.  The stars of harness racing will se
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Night of Stars awards to be streamed online
February 18, 2011
The videostreaming of the major annual awards event in harness racing, the U.S. Harness Writers Association’s “Night of Stars” banquet, will take place Sunday, Feb. 27, and can be seen on the U.S. Trotting Association’s website www.ustrotting.com. Previous videostreaming of the annual
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NJ bill passes to allow transition period
February 18, 2011
A bill that will allow the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to help operate the Meadowlands Racetrack during a one-year transition period with possible lessee Jeff Gural reportedly easily passed the New Jersey legislature on Thursday. Also approved were bills that reduced the required raci
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Free Weekend Preview Available Now!
February 18, 2011
TGIF! That’s because Friday is the day subscribers to the FREE HarnessRacing Weekend Preview get to find out the latest harness racing news by opening their email and reading the latest edition, which arrives first thing every Friday morning. The HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is available by signing
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With Woodbine dark, Big M gets handle bump
February 18, 2011
The Meadowlands saw its handle climb on Thursday night from the comparable day the previous week. Handle for the 11-race Feb. 17 program totaled $1,889,853 versus $1,634,747 for the previous Thursday card, which featured only 10 races.   The fact that Woodbine cancelled its Thursday night pro
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Some Girls Do gets TLC at the Meadowlands
February 18, 2011
Some Girls Do kept her perfect 2011 record in tact with a 1:54.2 score in the $49,000 Tender Loving Care final Friday night at the Meadowlands.   With Brian Sears at the lines, Some Girls Do sat second through a tepid :28.3 opening quarter before sprinting to the lead down the backstretch.&nb
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Winds force Woodbine cancellation after five
February 18, 2011
Shortly after the fifth race, Woodbine Racetrack has been forced to cancel its Friday night program. High winds in the Toronto area was deemed unsafe for both horses and drivers.   Simulcast wagering remained available throughout the evening at Woodbine. Racing is scheduled to resume S
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Didrickson rallies to win Horseplayer final
February 18, 2011
After scoring a victory in her elimination last week, Didrickson delivered in the $60,000 HorsePlayer Interactive Stakes final Friday night at Woodbine. With the victory, the daughter of Keystone Raider has now scored six consecutive victories and remains unbeaten in 2011 for owner/trainer Ke
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Upsets in Yonkers Friday features
February 18, 2011
Twin B Tiara (Jim Pantaleano), in the right place at the right time Friday night, won Yonkers Raceway's  co-featured $32,500 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position four, she watched a whole lot of early movement. Legerdepan (Dan Dube)--bumping up in search of a f
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Faraldo to challenge Axelrod for USTA post
February 17, 2011
District 3 director and incumbent U.S. Trotting Association Chairman of the Board Ivan Axelrod will be challenged for the chairmanship by veteran District 8-A director Joe Faraldo when the USTA board convenes for its annual meeting in Columbus on March 13.   Both, in accordance with USTA byla
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Ricky Macomber Jr. wins 2,000
February 17, 2011
Ricky Macomber Jr. is in the prime of life and in the prime of his career, and the 40 year old reinsman and resident of Ft. Lauderdale, FL has another accomplishment to be proud of. In the 10th race of the Wednesday, February 16 program, the 40 year old Macomber reached the 2,000 lifetime win d
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Bettis trots off at The Meadows
February 17, 2011
Finding a creative way to overcome his post 9 assignment, Bettis moved third over, then brushed wide and powerfully through the stretch to capture Wednesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. Bettis got away sixth, but when even-money favorite Action-Broadway came second over, Aa
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Bill would have NJSEA help Big M in transition
February 17, 2011
The New Jersey state Assembly is scheduled to vote Thursday on a bill that would allow the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to help operate the Meadowlands Racetrack during a one-year transition period if a lease agreement is finalized between the state and Jeff Gural. According to report
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Burke talks series hopefuls
February 17, 2011
Trainer Ron Burke is represented in all five stakes finals to be raced this weekend at Meadowlands Racetrack. He gave the rundown on his 10 series contenders:   $49,000 Tender Loving Care –Race 3, Friday Some Girls Do (post 1, head no.1): "She had some steering issues last time that I think
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2 of Moni Maker's offspring die
February 17, 2011
Just last month the great international trotting champion Moni Maker escaped injury when the roof on a barn she was stabled in at Lindy Farms in Connecticut collapsed during a heavy snowfall. Two Lindy Farms broodmares died in the accident.   Moni Maker, who is barren, is doing well and is sc
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Richard Sharbaugh dies at age 54
February 17, 2011
Richard D. Sharbaugh, an announcer, horseman, and member of a leading Pennsylvania harness racing family, passed away last week at Harrisburg (PA) Hospital at the age of 54.   Sharbaugh is the son of Richard E. Sharbaugh, former executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Comm
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French sire Buvetier d'Aunou dies
February 17, 2011
Buvetier d'Aunou, a product of French horseman J. P. Dubois mixing U.S. and French blood, died Thursday in France at age 22. He was a son of Royal Prestige and the French mare Nesmile, whose daughter produced the top French horse Love You.   Buvetier d'Aunou was the leading sire in France in
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Woodbine cancels Thursday card
February 17, 2011
Woodbine Racetrack has been forced to cancel its Thursday night program due to unsafe track conditions. Unseasonably warm temperatures in the Toronto area affected the surface and despite the best efforts of Woodbine's track crew, the track was deemed unsafe for both horses and drivers. Simulcas
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Trackmaster adds texting to mobiles
February 17, 2011
Over 14,000 users have registered for TrackMaster’s Virtual Stable, a free service which notifies harness racing fans when horses they have selected are programmed to race. Over the last ten years, the service has been significantly enhanced.  Among the latest upgrades, users can elect to
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With splint fixed, Sagebrush Susie is rising star
February 16, 2011
It took some time to unlock Sagebrush Susie’s potential, but she has been nearly perfect since trainer Mike Brown found the key.On the board in all seven of her career starts, Sagebrush Susie is rated as the 9-5 second choice in the $49,000 Tender Loving Care Final on Friday night at Meadowlands Rac
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Casie Coleman sizing up Florida
February 16, 2011
The annual winter trip to Florida and a Caribbean cruise this year for Canada's four time trainer of the year Casie Coleman is no longer just a holiday. "We're doing all the usual things but the winter in Ontario was so brutal this year that it's got me thinking I'd like to be in Florida at thi
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Trackman Randy Dawson dies in Florida
February 16, 2011
Charles “Randy” Dawson, 59, for many years a respected track superintendent at  the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Hoosier Park and  Pompano Park, died Thursday, Feb. 10, in South Florida when his SUV plunged into a Margate, Fla., lake. Rescue personnel arrived on the scene quickly,
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Cordish sues MD Jockey Club for $600 million
February 16, 2011
According to a story in today’s (Feb 16)Baltimore Sun the Cordish Cos. are suing former casino business partners in Indiana and the Maryland Jockey Club for $600 million, citing defamation of Cordish in efforts to prevent it from developing lucrative slots parlor at Arundel Mills mall. The Maryland
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Ready Cash invited to Breeders Crown
February 16, 2011
The Hambletonian Society’s director of publicity, Moira Fanning, confirmed to harnessracing.com Wednesday morning that the connections of recent Prix d’Amerique and Prix de France winner Ready Cash have accepted an invitation to bring the horse to Canada in October to compete in the Breeders Crown O
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Lucky Chucky's first date is Graceful Touch
February 16, 2011
On Valentine’s Day (Monday) the 2011 breeding season began and stallions were busy courting. Among them was Lucky Chucky, a strong contender for 2010 Trotter of the Year honors, and the very first mare he was bred to was the 2010 Trotting Broodmare of the Year Graceful Touch.  On Wednesday Gra
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First foal of Palone Ranger born
February 16, 2011
The first foal of millionaire pacer Palone Ranger 4, 1:49.4 ($1,259,545) was born on Thursday, Feb. 10. at Ivy Lane Farm in Goshen, IN.    The unnamed filly is the fifth foal of EJ’s Delite  4, 1:54.3 ($140,443) and is owned by Phillip and Sandra Hawk of Gaston, IN.
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Youth movement at the Big M
February 16, 2011
Darin Zoccali, 27, an announcer and broadcaster at Tioga Downs and the Meadowlands, is doing his part to encourage young people to get interested in harness racing. He is encouraging them via Facebook to come out to the track on Friday, Feb. 18.   The event is not an official
[read more]

Discussion of exchange bets on RCI agenda
February 16, 2011
The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) plans to feature discussions on the regulation of exchange wagering at its upcoming 77th Annual Conference on Racing and Wagering Security, which will be held March 23-26 at the La Pavilion Hotel in New Orleans, LA.   “With two major
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Devil's Ivy, Astounding Hanover score at Dover
February 15, 2011
Devil’s Ivy won the $35,000 Preferred, Astounding Hanover at 5-1 scored in $32,500 Delaware Special on a top Valentine’s day card  on a clear but windblown Monday, Feb.14 at Dover Downs.In the feature, Eric Goodell and Devil’s Ivy, overlooked at 12-1, nipped veteran Southwind Lynx (Montrell Tea
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Valentines dead heat at Pompano
February 15, 2011
The Sweetheart Invitational Trot and Pace $7,000 events at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park attracted an excellent cross section of the continent's best female drivers. In the end a dead heat involving Gro Formia and Jamie Rucker was declared for top prize following the two race competition. 
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Breedings available to benefit CHHA
February 15, 2011
The Christian Harness Horsemen's Association (CHHA) annual stallion auction is now underway. Proceeds support the CHHA's ministry throughout harness racing. Breedings to about 50 stallions are available this year. You must place your bids at OnGait.com before 2 pm Friday, Feb. 18. &n
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Lightning Treasure takes Dover mare feature
February 15, 2011
For the second straight week, Jon Roberts drove Lightning Treasure to victory in the $26,000 Mares Open Handicap pace on Tuesday, Feb.15, at Dover Downs.   Similar to last Tuesday, John Roberts raced Lightning Treasure from off-the-pace, then swung into action heading to the final turn, attac
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I Wanna Go Fast wins again at Dover
February 14, 2011
I Wanna Go Fast did just that outlegging eight rivals to a 1:54 victory in the $17,000 3,5-Year-Old pace on Sunday, Feb.13 at Dover Downs. Corey Callahan had a four-bagger.With Daryl Bier rushing I Wanna Go Fast away from the starting gate to take the lead, the Three Olives-Toohappytobefussy gelding
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Auckland Reactor back on winning track Down Under
February 14, 2011
It only took one run back in New Zealand for the Auckland Reactor juggernaut to gather momentum again. The former Kiwi pin-up pacer brilliantly won his comeback race at Ashburton in NZ's South Island last Saturday and clocked one of the fastest closing 400-meter splits in Down Under history. &
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Blacks A Fake likely out of Inter Dominion
February 14, 2011
The quest for a staggering fifth Inter Dominion title looks over for champion Australian pacer Blacks A Fake. The amazing 10 year old suffered a second bout of atrial fibrillation--irregular heartbeat--during trackwork last Saturday morning and trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen said it was "almo
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Group wants to pursue Ohio race licenses
February 14, 2011
On the heels of Penn National Gaming's announcement that it would like to move Raceway Park to the northeast corner of Ohio in Youngstown, and Beulah Park Thoroughbred track to Dayton, located in the central part of the state, an entity called Mahoning Valley Development Group (MVDG) has a
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Gural needs to raise about $100 million
February 14, 2011
Jeff Gural, who is working to put together a plan to lease the Meadowlands and build a new grandstand at the facility, is now actively working to raise approximately $100 million in capital for the project. After meeting with architects last week, plans for constructing a new grandstand estimat
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Woodcock named Maine commissioner
February 14, 2011
Chandler Woodcock, 61, of Farmington, ME, was named as Gov. Paul LePage’s new commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Feb 10.  Woodcock, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate, has been the Executive Director of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association for
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Woodbine increases purses
February 14, 2011
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) announced that effective Thursday, Feb. 17, standardbred purses at Woodbine and Mohawk will be raised.   The increase is largely a result of improved wagering numbers in the second half of 2010 in add
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“Say Hey” Lisa Krom wins Lady Godiva
February 14, 2011
Even without trying, memorable things seem to happen at Monticello Raceway. Score one for this year’s Lady Godiva race winner “Say Hey” Lisa Krom who now has one for the ages.As the eight –horse field was approaching the starting line, inadvertently Krom did her best version of  the “Say Hey Ki
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Object Of Art paints Meadows masterpiece
February 14, 2011
Object Of Art challenged Handsome Prince first over, then gradually wore him down in a quarter-mile duel to capture Monday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. Handsome Prince, the 2-5 favorite, took the field through three-quarters in 1:25.2 before Aaron
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Second round of Aquarius ends in dead heat
February 13, 2011
Whiskey Pete and Art Professor hit the wire together in a dead heat in the first of two $40,000 Aquarius series divisions Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. Whiskey Pete and driver Pat Berry fired to the front and were briefly headed by Art Professor and Ron Pierce before retaking the lead mid
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Ready Cash edges Maharajah in Prix de France
February 13, 2011
Ready Cash won the 400,000 euro Prix de France Sunday in Paris, and just like in the Prix d'Amerique, he had to battle with Sweden's Maharajah to capture the victory. But this time it wasn't so easy as the two trotters battled side-by-side the length of the Vincennes track homestretch and Ready
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Lucky Bettor lucky at Yonkers
February 13, 2011
Lucky Bettor (Brett Miller) vaulted from second-over Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's  $32,500 Open Handicap Pace.Leaving  from post position No. 5, he watched the early, three-way scrum between Southwind Tabor (Jim Pantaleano), Forensic Z Tam (Pat Lachance)  and Dragon Islan
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Sweet Valentine's victory for Meadows men
February 12, 2011
Male drivers and their female counterparts staged their annual Saint Valentine’s Day competition Friday at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, with the men rallying to win the celebratory chocolates. The event presented by the track and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association featured two r
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Blacks A Fake's future in question
February 12, 2011
The racing future of Down Under's greatest pacer Blacks A Fake (Fake Left-Colada Hanover) is in tatters.The world's richest pacer suffered atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat - during trackwork this morning (Saturday) and his hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth Inter Dominion final in C
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Mcapulco fastest in WEGZ stakes elims
February 12, 2011
A trio of $20,000 WEGZ Stakes eliminations took place tonight at Woodbine Racetrack with Mcapulco, Aled Hanover and Vertical Horizon scoring the victories.Mcapulco went gate-to-wire for driver Mario Baillargeon to capture the first elimination in 1:51.2, a new lifetime best.The son of Mcardle flashe
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Aled Hanover looking for back-to-back wins
February 11, 2011
Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack, trainer Tony O’Sullivan will be looking for back-to-back wins with Aled Hanover. The 4-year-old son of Western Hanover will compete in the second elimination of the $20,000 WEGZ Stakes from post four.   O'Sullivan is confident that his pupil will b
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Northfield responds to possible track relocations
February 11, 2011
In response to Penn National Gaming's request to the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) to move Raceway Park in Toledo to Youngstown, and Beulah Park Thoroughbred track from Columbus to Dayton, Northfield Park owner and chairman Brock Milstein sent a letter to OSRC chairman William Koester, wh
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Mojo Terror, Some Girls Do win at Meadowlands
February 11, 2011
Mojo Terror was the only repeat winner in round two of the Junior Trendsetter series for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. With Hall of Fame driver John Campbell in the sulky, Mojo Terror moved to the front early, relinquished command before the half and
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Crazy Dream comes true at Dover
February 11, 2011
Crazy Dream scored his third win in five starts this year in the $14,500 4&5-Year-Old pace on Thursday, Feb.10 at Dover Downs. Ron Pierce collected four winning drives.In a garrison charge down the lane, Corey Callahan and WJ MCDougall Racing’s Crazy Dream emerged from a cluster of young pacers
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Muscle Hill-Broadway Schooner welcome son
February 11, 2011
Broadway Schooner (above), the winner of the 2009 Hambletonian Oaks and Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Trot, delivered a colt by 2009 Horse of the Year Muscle Hill on Thursday night at approximately 7 pm at Fashion Farms in Pennsylvania.   Broadway Schooner 3, 1:53.3 ($885,933) was trained b
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Holiday Shopper giving Buckeyes some thrills
February 11, 2011
When Holiday Shopper goes behind the gate in her elimination of the $20,000 Horseplayer Interactive (HPI) Stakes tonight at Woodbine, co-owner Robert Hutchison will be cheering on his star pacer from his home in North Ridgeville, Ohio.   Hutchison, who currently owns seven horses, hasn’t ha
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Australian reception to Meadowlands good
February 11, 2011
The simulcast of Meadowlands races to Australia is showing promise. Australia had its first opportunity to bet on the Meadowlands races Friday morning, Feb. 4, which was the local time the Thursday, Feb. 3, card began at the New Jersey track. Saturday, Feb. 4, races were also simulcast, but SkyRacin
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Racing Commissioners looking at Ontario rule
February 11, 2011
The International Racing Regulatory Conference Committee of RCI held its first meeting yesterday and called for a review of RCI Model Rules pertaining to urging in Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Standardbred racing.   The committee, chaired by Doug King, the Director of Racing for the Saska
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A peek into the future of the Meadowlands
February 11, 2011
Jeff Gural and the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association are sharing artist renderings of what could be the new Meadowlands Racetrack.   “Phase one of this process is coming to a close,” said Gural, who is leading the group to lease and revitalize the Meadowlands.  “We've coal
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"Happy" at last among Meadowlands series winners
February 11, 2011
Ideal Newton brushed to the lead on the backstretch and was never threatened en route to a 1:50.3 victory in her $40,000 Cape & Cutter Series division Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.Steered by Tim Tetrick, Ideal Newton paid $4 to win the first of two series splits for open mare pacers.&nb
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'Headpoles' and 'Amigos' are Yonkers' winners
February 11, 2011
Headpoles R Us (Cat Manzi) was both decisive and deserving Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's  co-featured $32,500 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. Leaving from post position No. 4,  "Headpoles" slipped in fourth as Giveittomestraight (George Brennan) was a mare on a mission. A
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Didrickson Remains Unbeaten In 2011
February 11, 2011
Three HorsePlayer Interactive Stakes (HPI) eliminations were contested Friday night at Woodbine, with Michigan invader Didrickson extending her unbeaten streak to five-in-a-row for owner/trainer Kelly Goodwin in the second elimination.   The daughter of Keystone Raider enjoyed a second-o
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Penn National announces details of Ohio plan
February 10, 2011
At Thursday's meeting of the Ohio State Racing Commission, Penn National Gaming announced its intention to seek approvals to relocate its two Ohio racetracks if the state proceeds with plans to authorize video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Ohio racetracks.  Penn National also presented detai
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Wishing Stone entered in Prix de France
February 10, 2011
The plan for Kentucky Futurity winner Wishing Stone (above) flip-flopped again as the 4-year-old was entered for Sunday's 400,000 euro Prix de France, set for the Vincennes racetrack in Paris.   Just last week Dewayne Minor, who trained the horse in the U.S. and saw him recentl
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Winning Mister sets Dover track record
February 10, 2011
Winning Mister became the fastest older male trotter in Dover Downs history scoring a 1:53.2 victory in the $26,000 Open trot on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Dover Downs.For the second straight week, Bob Key’s homebred Winning Mister notched an impressive victory in the top trot of the week. Matt Kakaley le
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Frank Welker, LBJ Society and Delaware Fair Board Member, Dies
February 10, 2011
Frank J. Welker, 85, a longtime member of the Little Brown Jug Society and the Delaware, OH County Fair Board, died February 8. Born February 20, 1925 in Newark, OH, Mr. Welker graduated from Willis High School in 1943 and proudly  served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the
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Hennessey praises Pompano track crew
February 10, 2011
There were of course the usual accolades for the horse he prevailed with in the top weekly trot at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Driver Wally Hennessey also made it a point to talk up an otherwise overlooked group in his live post race trackside TV interview. "You're seeing this top week
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Bettis wins Meadows feature
February 10, 2011
Bettis powered to the lead past the quarter and went on to an easy victory — the fifth in his last seven outings — in Wednesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. When Diamond Hunter fronted the first panel in a slowish 29.4, Aaron Merriman recognized the leisurely fraction and m
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Notable American blood wins in Europe
February 10, 2011
Joyland Park (above) was one of two notable horses with American blood who won in Europe this week. In Stockholm on Wednesday night, driver Erik Adielsson and trainer Stig H. Johansson dominated the card at Solvalla with three wins, including one with Joyland Park, an unbeaten 4-year-old by Yankee G
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Kramer leaving East Coast, heads back to Michigan
February 10, 2011
Driver Brad Kramer, who moved his base of operations from Michigan to New York late last year, has announced he is returning home to the Wolverine State and will be at Northville Downs when the suburban Detroit racetrack opens Friday night, Feb. 11, for its 68th year of harness racing. “If I was yo
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Donato Hanover filly tops Blooded Horse Sale
February 10, 2011
Strong consignments attracted large crowds to the Blooded Horse Winter Sale. Buyers poured in from 24 states and four Canadian provinces, along with representatives for European interests.   The Bold Bidder consignment provided the sale topper in the Donato Hanover filly Myura Bi. Atlant
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Big news for Yonkers; races back on NY TV
February 10, 2011
Yonkers Raceway debuts as part of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) television network beginning Friday night (Feb. 11). The agreement between the Raceway and NYRA restores the nightly Yonkers' signal back into the five boroughs via Channel 71, as well as places it on the NYRA Rewards streaming
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Omen Hanover giving young trainer exposure
February 10, 2011
Omen Hanover's success could mean a promising future for young trainer Nick Surick. The open class mare has earned $250,000 since entering the 22-year-old conditioner's barn last April. She makes her next start in the $40,000 second leg of the Cape & Cutter Series on Friday night at Me
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Sherman on Meadowlands broadcast Friday
February 10, 2011
Trainer Kent Sherman will talk about his champion trotting mare Jesse's Messenger and his four starters on the card on Meadowlands Racetrack's Friday night pre-card broadcast.   On Saturday, the multi-talented George Anthony sits In The Sulky to discuss his five trainees on the card and his r
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Longshots payoff at Pompano
February 09, 2011
With a fast track, no wind, and a temperature well into the 60's it was surely one of the rarest of occurrences and utopia for the longshot lovers. The longest odds horses in two consecutive races came up winners on the Tuesday, February 8 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. In
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Ill. court rules against casinos on tax challenge
February 09, 2011
An Illinois state appellate court on Tuesday upheld an earlier decision by a county court that dismissed a lawsuit filed against the state by four casinos that argued a law that required them to give three percent of their earnings to the racetracks.   The bill was signed into law in December
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Lightning Treasure strikes at Dover
February 09, 2011
Lightning Treasure in similar style as her earlier victory came on strongly in the stretch to win the $26,000 Mares Open pace on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Dover Downs. Jon Roberts got away late and eased out of sixth with Lightning Treasure heading to the clubhouse turn. After working his way alongside pac
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Action-Broadway a repeat winner at The Meadows
February 09, 2011
Action-Broadway idled 8 lengths off the lead at the half, but she overpowered the field with an uncovered move and went on to capture Tuesday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. The 1-5 favorite, Action-Broadway gave her backers some anxious moments before Dave Pa
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Drivers and trainers mix it up for SRF
February 09, 2011
  Join harness racing’s drivers and trainers for a night at Redd’s Restaurant and Bar in Carlstadt, NJ to benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF). On Monday February 21, 2011 at 5pm a fabulous menu of fun is planned but the highlight of the night is harness racing’s drive
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27YO trying to get young people to the track
February 09, 2011
Darin Zoccali, 27, an announcer and broadcaster at Tioga Downs and the Meadowlands, is doing his part to encourage young people to get interested in harness racing. He is encouraging them via Facebook to come out to the track on Friday, Feb. 18.   The event is not an official
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Nathan has the Mulders feeling good
February 09, 2011
‘Gerry and Patricia Mulder have experienced a lot of ups and downs in the breeding business over the last 25 years, but they are riding high now thanks to Nathan Feelsgood. The Mulders, of Lansing, MI, bred and own the son of Mr Feelgood-Black Chana.   Despite a broken head pole from the half
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St Elmo Hero back home in Illinois
February 09, 2011
Undefeated pacing sensation St Elmo Hero is taking a well-deserved breather after stretching his winning streak to 23 in the $65,000 Complex Series Final on January 29 at the Meadowlands.   “St Elmo Hero is doing very well,” owner John Barnard reported on Tuesday. “He’s back in Illinois and j
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Northville set to open Friday night
February 09, 2011
Friday night marks the 2011 opening for Northville Downs, which first opened for live harness racing in 1944. The half-mile oval, which will have live racing on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., has a big weekend planned with some big changes awaiting racing fans.   Northville Downs under
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Meadows announces $7.8 million stakes schedule
February 09, 2011
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino has announced that its 2011 stakes schedule will offer an estimated $7.86 million in purses. The final of the track's signature event, the Delvin Miller Adios, will be held on Saturday, July 30.   Eliminations of the Adios, the 45th edition of
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Penn National wants to move Raceway, Beulah
February 09, 2011
Penn National Gaming will be putting its card on the table in Ohio on Thursday by asking the state's racing commission for permission to move its Raceway Park operation in Toledo to Youngstown and Beulah Park in Columbus to north Dayton. The Ohio State Racing Commission must approve moving
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Anniecrombie dies at age 28
February 09, 2011
Anniecrombie p,1:52.3 ($1,414,477), winner of a Breeders Crown and the 3-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year in 1986, was euthanized on Monday (Feb. 7) at Hunterton Farm at Stoner Creek in Paris, Ky. The daughter of Abercrombie-Sparklespray (by Windshield Wiper) was 28 and was buried on the farm. &nbs
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Delaware County Fair board's Frank Welker dies
February 09, 2011
Frank J. Welker, 85, a longtime member of the Little Brown Jug Society and the Delaware, OH County Fair Board, died February 8.   Born February 20, 1925 in Newark, OH, Mr. Welker graduated from Willis High School in 1943 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in t
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Jeremy's Successor wins Dover feature
February 08, 2011
For the third consecutive week, Sean Bier and Jeremy’s Successor reached the finish line first in 1:50.4 to win the $35,000 Preferred pace on Monday, Feb. 7 at Dover Downs. Solano notched a 1:51 triumph in the $32,500 Delaware Special. First by three-quarters, then by a head, this time by a nose, An
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Revenue returning home to Sweden
February 08, 2011
Perretti Farms’ Bob Marks told harnessracing.com Tuesday morning that Revenue S, who has been standing stud in New Jersey since 2005, is en route back to his native Sweden where he will stand stud the remainder of his career. Revenue will stand at Brodda Stuteri in Sweden, where he originally stood
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Allard 'Rocks' to Don Mills win
February 08, 2011
Fresh off winning The Count B Stakes final this past Friday night, driver Simon Allard posted a 35-1 upset with Rudy Rocks in the $60,000 Don Mills final tonight at Woodbine Racetrack.Allard positioned the son of Striking Sahbra fourth in the early going as Lexis DJ (Rick Zeron) was on the engine to
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Glaude celebrates 70th with 'Moonshine'
February 08, 2011
According to long serving Pompano trainer Gaston Glaude there's been nothing quite like marking his 70th birthday with a great 'Moonshine'. He's referring to the leader of his five horse string on the Pompano Park backstretch, trotter P C Moonshine. "I really can't put my finger on any one thin
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Handsome Prince rules at The Meadows
February 08, 2011
Handsome Prince powered to the lead, backed down the second quarter and blazed home to score convincingly in Monday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. After Handsome Prince controlled the opening quarter in 27.1, Dave Palone gave him a 29.3 breather in the se
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Gural: Make Meadowlands stakes payments
February 08, 2011
Standardbred breeder/owner Jeff Gural, also the owner of Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs, is currently in negotiations to lease the Meadowlands Racetrack from the state of New Jersey. With the Feb. 15 deadline for stakes payments just one week away, Gural on Tuesday morning issued the following stateme
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A bald-headed Hough is a winning Hough
February 08, 2011
It couldn’t have been much more than a week or 10 days ago that we reported that Mighty M reinsman Kevin Hough shaved his head in hopes of changing his luck. And whether it was the "Jody Jamieson look" or some other extraneous influence, Hough has been winning races since the clipping. &n
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Widger featured in Illinois newspaper
February 07, 2011
Illinois-based driver Sam Widger won his 4,000th career race last month at Maywood Park, and in Monday's Southtown Star, he talks about his life in harness racing to writer Tim Cronin. To read the story, click here. 
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Tioga to keep lower takeouts for 2011
February 07, 2011
Last year Tioga Downs, in conjunction with its horsemen’s group, the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association (STHHA), experimented with a pilot program to lower its takeout rates across the board to New York state minimums. The track will continue with the program in 2011.   The ori
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Rapide Lebel one of world's fastest?
February 07, 2011
French horsemen believe that Rapide Lebel (above, winning Feb. 6) is the fastest gelding in the world, and some even believe he’s the fastest trotter in the world, regardless of sex. But we might not know if this is true because he is a bad traveler and may not be shipped outside of France.  S
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Bergstein named HTA Executive Emeritus
February 07, 2011
Stan Bergstein, who recently entered his 50th year as executive vice president of Harness Tracks of America (HTA), is reducing his daily duties at the Tucson, Ariz.-based organization. Bergstein will continue to provide support to the staff at HTA as its first Executive Emeritus. Although the chang
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Mainland Key N wins Yonkers feature
February 05, 2011
The form spree continued for Mainland Key N (Eric Goodell) Saturday night as the pacer won the $32,500 Open Pace at Yonkers Raceway.   Leaving from post position four over a track rated "good," the 19-10 choice was part of an early logjam for the lead. He was in play, as was la
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Pavia scores with BN Bad in 1:51.1
February 05, 2011
It was the week that Joe Pavia Jr. and his connections retired their star mare Esmeralda Semalu to broodmare status, but they aren't wasting any time moving on.   In the $14,000 purse pacing feature on the Saturday program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, Pavia stable member
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Arriba Amigo one of Kakaley's 3 Dover wins
February 05, 2011
Arriba Amigo, Lorrie Please and One Last Kiss won the tri-feature $14,000 events for 4 and 5 year olds on a windy Saturday at Dover Downs. The $14,000 feature trot went to Arriba Amigo and Matt Kakaley in 1:58.1, with CC’s Fred (Sean Bier) second for the fourth consecutive start. Windcross (John W
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Aquarius Series gets underway with "Glitter"
February 05, 2011
The 2011 season is off to a shining start for Allthatgltrsisgold.  The 4-year-old pacer is perfect in two starts after taking his $40,000 division of the Aquarius Series on Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Steered by Ron Pierce, Allthatgltrsisgold sat far off the early pac
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New videos on Meadowlands YouTube page
February 05, 2011
The 2011 winter has been one of the harshest in recent memory for New Jersey residents.  In this video, Meadowlands Racetrack's leading horsemen talk about the difficulties of keeping the sport's equine athletes in training during extreme winter weather.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Tioga/Vernon offer a bounty of 2011 stakes
February 04, 2011
The 2011 stakes season at Tioga and Vernon Downs has something to offer everyone, from the top older horses in the game to early lessons for freshman trotters in the Kindergarten Classic.   Stakes racing begins with the John Simpson Memorials for 3 year olds, which ha
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No Prix de France for Wishing Stone
February 04, 2011
Contrary to published reports, co-owner and former trainer Dewayne Minor told harnessracing.com Friday morning that 2010 Kentucky Futurity winner Wishing Stone is not scheduled to start in the Feb. 13 Prix de France at Vincennes in Paris, and he doesn't expect the trotter to make his first Euro
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The Platinum Guy wins Count B final
February 04, 2011
The Platinum Guy and driver Simon Allard hung on in the final strides to upset his seven rivals in the $60,000 final of The Count B Stakes final at Woodbine. The time of the mile for the 3-year-old Mach Three gelding was 1:53.2.   Allard wasted no time off the gate as he rolled his charge to
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Stagecoach Holdup wins at Dover
February 04, 2011
Stagecoach Holdup proved a success in one of two $14,000 Thursday, Feb.3 co-features at Dover Downs.    Driver Tim Curtin and trainer Eli Scott continue as a recent winning team when Stagecoach Holdup recorded his second-straight victory in the first $14,000 4&5-Year-Old pace wit
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Yonkers mare feature to Farmer's Tuition
February 04, 2011
Inside assignee Farmer's Tuition (Cat Manzi) sat fourth around the Friday night oval, then closed ranks  late to win Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $32,500 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Breakheart Pass (Dan Dube), as the 2-1 choice, crossed over from her outside venue, putting up f
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Free Weekend Preview available now!
February 04, 2011
There is no better way to find out what is happening in the sport than by reading the FREE HarnessRacing Weekend Preview, which subscribers receive in their email box first thing every Friday morning and is available by signing up by clicking the box at the top right of harnessracing.com’s home page
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More breedings available to benefit retired horses
February 04, 2011
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) has received gifts of  many breeding donations such as Glidemaster, Badlands Hanover, Conway Hall, Camluck, Dragon Again, Muscles Yankee, and many more. These donations make all the 2 year old progeny of the donated breedings eligible to th
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Back To The Track to be back July 16-17
February 04, 2011
The U.S. Trotting Association has announced that the 2011 edition of “Back to the Track” will take place on the weekend of July 16-17.   Last year’s inaugural edition brought crowds back to harness tracks around the United States, and tracks responded by staging special promotions, offering f
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Burke's Jans Luck wins Meadows feature
February 04, 2011
Jans Luck ended an uncharacteristic drought Friday at The Meadows when she moved first- over and went on to capture the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace.   Jans Luck boasts more than $805,000 in career earnings, but she endured a troubled 2010 when she cou
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The Big M's Brower going live on Facebook Friday
February 04, 2011
The Meadowlands’ ace handicapper and morning-line oddsmaker Dave Brower began interacting with fans on the racetrack’s Facebook page Thursday night. Brower goes one step further on Friday night as he will be posting his Facebook comments and observations from the track’s TV set so it will be simulca
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Summer Camp rebounds in Exit 16W action
February 04, 2011
Summer Camp turned the tables on rival Meirs Hanover in the first of two $20,000 Exit 16W Series splits for 4-year-old pacers.  Summer Camp set a :26.4 opening quarter before taking a backseat to Meirs Hanover through middle fractions of :54.4 and 1:22.2.  Driver Andy Miller popped Summer
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New video review of Andy Miller on YouTube
February 04, 2011
Meadowlands Racetrack pays tribute to driver Andy Miller, who celebrated his 7,000th career win on January 28.   Watch the video now on Meadowlands Racetrack's YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV9jicGokYQ   (Meadowlands)
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Sears wins 5, including Cape & Cutter leg
February 04, 2011
Brian Sears was the best bet of the night on Friday at Meadowlands Racetrack. "The White Knight" bagged five wins on the Friday card, including both $40,000 Cape & Cutter Series divisions, for an average win payoff of $13.20.   Sears and Red Star Hottie bump-drafted Cuz She
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Feb. 15 payments due for WEG races
February 03, 2011
With the calender now turned to February, Woodbine Entertainment Group would like to remind all horse owners and trainers that nominations for its major stakes events, including the $1,500,000 Pepsi North America Cup and the $1,000,000 Canadian Trotting Classic close Tuesday, Feb. 15.   Als
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French driver Bazire hurt in Vincennes accident
February 03, 2011
French champion driver Jean Michel Bazire has reportedly suffered a fractured leg as a result of a race accident Thursday afternoon at the Vincennes track in Paris, France, the site just four days ago of the famed Prix d’Amerique.   According to reports, the incident occurred at the start of
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Pompano fans bid "Esmeralda' goodbye
February 03, 2011
A 74 degree evening brought out a full house trackside to say a final goodbye from Pompano to Esmeralda Semalu, arguably the greatest race mare in the South Florida track's 47 year history. "I had some mixed feelings about it but the deal to retire her was pretty much done last Fall" says train
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Jersey update: Meetings taking place
February 03, 2011
Meetings are continuing as part of Jeff Gural’s due diligence to craft an offer to lease the Meadowlands from the state.   “The SBOA and Jeff Gural have meetings with the unions on Friday,” revealed Leo McNamara, executive administrator of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of
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Standardbred Canada announces online staking
February 03, 2011
The latest eShop feature available on the Standardbred Canada website is the online stake payment program. This program has been designed with simplicity in mind for owners and trainers to self-stake their horses. It will save time and the hassle of keeping track of stake payments manually. For
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Winning Mister scores in Dover debut
February 03, 2011
Winning Mister made his first local start an impressive one, scoring a 1:54.3 victory in the $26,000 Open Trot Wednesday at Dover Downs.   Matt Kakaley left fast with Winning Mister to get the lead and then never looked back in his second win in three 2011 starts. A Bob Key homebred 5-year-ol
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Maryland racing: Cooke hoping PNG can move forward
February 03, 2011
Tom Cooke, president of Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners’ Association, which owns Rosecroft Raceway’s bankrupt parent company Cloverleaf Enterprises Inc., said that after months of focusing on deadlines, Maryland harness horsemen will be in “limbo” if Penn National Gaming’s purchase of the track is ch
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Blacks A Fake getting ready for ID 2011
February 03, 2011
The amazing Australian pacer Blacks A Fake officially starts his quest for a record fifth Inter Dominion crown next week. Trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen said the 10-year-old would qualify next Tuesday or Thursday in preparation for a race at Albion Park.   “He’s in fantastic order, but a bi
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Maywood Park cancels Thursday card
February 03, 2011
Maywood Park has cancelled its live racing card scheduled for Thursday night due to inclement weather. After a blizzard dumped more than 20 inches of snow on the Chicagoland area on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning high winds have caused severe blowing and drifting making removal of the sn
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New Vocations Stallion Auction set to open
February 03, 2011
Breedings to Deweycheatumnhowe, Conway Hall, Dragon Again, Cam’s Card Shark, and Jailhouse Jesse are among the 84 seasons donated to New Vocations 13th Annual Stallion. The auction is in progress online, via www.ongait.com and runs through 2 pm Feb 8.   “This is our most important fundra
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Summer Camp fine after Clyde Hirt race
February 03, 2011
Summer Camp, whose lengthy winning streak got snapped last week, looks to rebound in the first leg of the Exit 16W Series on Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Summer Camp had won six straight races, including a career best 1:49.3 in the Escort Final, before his defeat as the favorite i
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Lappe back to defend Lady Godiva title
February 03, 2011
Last year some slick driving enabled Jennifer Lappe  to angle her pace Polly S Turr between horses at the top of the stretch and then rally to a  2:00.3 victory over Trust Funding and Betsy Phillips in the Lady Godiva Pace.   Lappe will return to defend her crown this year
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Drennan, Miller in the Meadowlands "Sulky"
February 03, 2011
Trainer Nik Drennan will be the featured In The Sulky guest on Friday night at Meadowlands Racetrack. Drennan will recap Alexie Mattosie's stunning upset in the Presidential Final last week and also discuss his starters for the weekend.   Fans can e-mail questions for Drennan to answer on-a
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Yonkers starts 1 1/16 mile races
February 03, 2011
Delayed a couple of nights due to weather, Yonkers Raceway debuted its mile-and-one-sixteenth  overnight racing Thursday evening.The new distance, which was to begin Feb. 1 (Tuesday was snowed out, Wednesday a scheduled dark night), encompasses all overnight races. Series and stakes races remai
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Nathan Feelsgood wins with broken head pole
February 03, 2011
A broken head pole from the half-mile on did not faze Nathan Feelsgood as he held off I'm Feelin Good to win their $12,500 Junior Trendsetter division on Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.   Driver Tim Tetrick masterfully kept Nathan Feelsgood on task through the stretch battle and he g
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Wish Away takes Woodbine final in 1:55.2
February 03, 2011
With two scratches heading into the $60,000 Miss Vera Bars Stakes final Thursday night at Woodbine, Wish Away was able to put away her eight rivals and score in 1:55.2.   Jody Jamieson, who currently leads all WEG drivers with 25 wins, positioned the daughter of Real Artist fifth in
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Alice's Restaurant serves up a win at Dover
February 02, 2011
Fast-closing Alice’s Restaurant needed only one call, at the finish line, to win the $26.000 Mares Open pace at 10-1 odds on a fog-shrouded  Tuesday, Feb.1 at Dover Downs.Cory Callahan bided his time as High Seed Life (Matt Kakaley) cut out the pace. In the stretch four starters converged on th
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Esmeralda's era ends at Pompano
February 02, 2011
She went down swinging with a valiant effort to the last stretch drive of her career and the era of Esmeralda Semalu came to a conclusion on the Tuesday, February 1 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. In the end it was millionaire mare Not Enough that got the best of Esmeralda Semalu in her
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Storm continues to prompt Wednesday cancellations
February 02, 2011
The massive winter storm prompted several racetrack cancellations on Tuesday and the weather has again prompted Wednesday cancellations. Monticello Raceway, Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Windsor Raceway, Western Fair and Flamboro Downs have cancelled their Wednesday live race cards.  
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PA's new Secretary of Agriculture announced
February 02, 2011
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced on Wednesday that he intends to nominate George Greig, a farmer and agriculture leader from Linesville, Crawford County, as Secretary of Agriculture.   “George Greig is an experienced farmer, businessman and leader,” Corbett said.  “His re
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Harness Racing Museum exhibits available
February 02, 2011
The Harness Racing Museum’s free traveling exhibits – “The Story of Harness Racing by Currier & Ives,” “A Drive To Win” and the “What is Harness Racing?” poster series – are available for hosting by museums, art galleries, libraries, race tracks and all appropriate venues.   Attendance fi
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Maryland staking and stallion info online
February 02, 2011
Three-year-old payments (foals of 2008) are due to the Maryland Standardbred Fund and the Maryland Sire Stakes on Feb. 15, 2011.   All staking forms, race dates and stallion pedigree’s are now available online. Please use our website for all your current MSRF info and any updates as they beco
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Ruling in PNG's favor on Rosecroft
February 02, 2011
A challenge to Penn National Gaming's $10.25 million purchase of bankrupt Rosecroft Raceway was dismissed by a bankruptcy judge on Wednesday.  The new price is $11 million, and another court challenge could be filed.   Landow Partners, whose principals include former Maryland Democratic
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11-1 Jeremy's Successor repeats at Dover
February 01, 2011
Last week, a 7-1 Jeremy’s Successor won the $35,000 Preferred pace wire-to-wire. This week at 11-1 odds, he got up at the wire to win the feature again.  Go West Luck Cam, won the $32,500 Delaware Special at 7-1 and Transcending took the $26.000 Open pace on Monday, Jan. 31 at Dover Downs. Matt
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Storm cancellations; Meadows cancels after 7
February 01, 2011
The massive winter storm moving across the country has prompted the cancellation of the Tuesday evening cards - live and simulcast - at Yonkers Raceway. Afternoon racing program at Monticello Raceway, with simulcasting is also cancelled.   The Meadows, which had a 12:55 p.m. post time, raced
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Waples sweeps Don Mills elims
February 01, 2011
Fresh off winning his third O’Brien Award as Canada’s Driver of the Year this past Saturday night, Randy Waples swept both $25,000 eliminations of the Don Mills Stakes tonight at Woodbine.In the first elimination, Flashback (Mario Baillargeon) took the field to the opening quarter in :27.3, ahead of
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Purse hikes at Pompano
February 01, 2011
The turn of the calendar page into February brings with it a new purse structure at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing. As evidenced by the February 1 program, the increase across many classes range from just over 8% to more than 16% for the three weekly top class events. "The on-track busine
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WEG's Monday Pick-4 ticket
February 01, 2011
Woodbine Racetrack will present a $50,000 guaranteed pool for its early Pick-4 Monday evening. The Pick-4 will kick off as usual in Race 4.Woodbine Entertainment Group's Mike Hamilton, Chris Hickey and Ken Middleton have handicapped the four races and provided their insight on tonight's featured wag
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Encore Encore to stand at Lindwood
February 01, 2011
Encore Encore 2,1:55.3f; 3,1:53.3f, a winner of more than $360,000 his 2-year-old season and current 3-year-old track record holder at The Meadows, will enter stud for 2011 at Lindwood Farm in Greensburg, Pa. His fee has been set at $6,000. He joins another Winning Key Farms' stallion at Lindwood in
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February Pick 4 frenzy starts this weekend
February 01, 2011
The best bet in harness racing just got even better. For the month of February, Meadowlands Racetrack’s Pick Four pool guarantees will be raised to $75,000 on Fridays and $100,000 on Saturdays.   Offered nightly on races six through nine, the Pick Four features a low 15 percent takeout and hi
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Meadowlands going to Australia
February 01, 2011
The Meadowlands races will be televised on Sky Racing2 in Australia through March 26. "Sky Racing is pleased to begin a trial with the acclaimed USA venue, Meadowlands,” said Sky Racing chief operating officer Brendan Parnell. “It's the first step in what we hope leads to regular USA racing bei
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Brower goes live with fans on Facebook
February 01, 2011
Members of Meadowlands Racetrack’s Facebook Fan Page will be able to interact live with oddsmaker and television host Dave Brower each racing night beginning Thursday, Feb. 3.   Brower will invite fans to talk about their selections in each race as well as provide his own picks. Plus, he will
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NY budget proposes surcharge on purse money
February 01, 2011
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a balanced budget for 2011 that includes a 2.75 percent state surcharge on purses for all horse races run in New York. The money the surcharge would generate, estimated at $7.6 million in 2011 and $8.5 million in 2012, would go to the New York State Racing
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Action-Broadway wins Meadows feature; final 8 races canceled
February 01, 2011
A leisurely fifth at the half, Action-Broadway unleashed a powerful uncovered bid that propelled her to the lead and on to victory in the $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, the feature on the Tuesday card at The Meadows shortened by worsening track conditions. Sent off the 4-5 fa
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Hendler wins handicapping challenge
February 01, 2011
Tracy Hendler of Carteret, NJ, captured the grand prize and a seat in the National Harness Handicapping Championship at the 2011 Meadowlands Woodbine Challenge on January 29. The Meadowlands Woodbine Challenge required players to bet 10 races, including three races each from the Meadowlands and Wood
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Christie signs bill, but supplements uncertain
February 01, 2011
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a rescue package for Atlantic City on Tuesday, and it may or may not provide a $30 million purse supplement for horse racing. According to a report by John Brennan in New Jersey's The Record newspaper, while the rescue package indeed provides for a $30 mill
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