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Pickens Russell dies at 96
April 30, 2011
Pickens Russell, a veteran horseman who lived out his retirement years in his native Alabama, died Thursday at age 96. Russell was the brother of Hall of Fame horseman Sanders Russell and the uncle of new Hall of Famer Walter Russell, who will be inducted this summer.   Mr. Russell died in hi
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Smoken Up's 1:48.5 first sub-1:50 Down Under mile
April 30, 2011
Smoken Up, an 8-year-old gelding by the Winbak Farm-bred Tinted Cloud, became the first horse to win a race in sub-1:50 time in Australasia on Saturday night when he won the $100,000 one-mile Les Smith Memorial in 1:48.5 at the seven-eighths mile Tabcorp Park Menangle outside of Sydney, Austral
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Commander Crowe stars in Finland
April 30, 2011
Commander Crowe, who put together an extensive winning streak a couple of years ago but then suffered from ailments and saw his abilities compromised, appears to be back in top form after a strong victory in the Finlandia at the Vermo track in Helsinki on Saturday. The 8-year-old gelding won in a mi
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Takter Stable stars win qualifiers
April 30, 2011
Stars from the Jimmy Takter Stable were shipped to the Meadowlands Saturday to prep for their 3-year-old campaigns, and the results were good. Pastor Stephen, Thatsnotmyname and See You At Peelers, all top 2 year olds last season, won their qualifiers, as did the now 5-year-old pacer Vintage Master.
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McIntosh says Strike An Attitude about ready
April 30, 2011
A trio of stable stars from the Bob McIntosh barn are nearly ready to begin their 2011 campaigns. Strike An Attitude, Lauren and Windsong Soprano are just a few weeks away from qualifying according to the veteran conditioner.   After racing primary on the Grand Circuit last year as a 2-year-o
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Tomorrowpan captures Matchmaker final
April 30, 2011
Tomorrowpan (Dan Dube) did very good work from the pocket Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $301,000 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker going away.   Leaving from post position four, Tomorrowpan made an immediate lead. Ginger And Fred (Yannick Gingras), last season's series champ
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Real Nice upsets in Levy; Foiled Again third
April 30, 2011
Real Nice (George Brennan) was all that and more Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $495,000 final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series in 1:51.2.   The 24th (and richest-ever) Levy for free-for-allers began with Real Nice swooping to the lead from post  position
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Courageous Lady splits held at Northfield
April 30, 2011
Favored Some Girls Do ($2.60) won an early speed duel with Hi Maintenancechic and led at every call enroute to a 1:53.2 victory in the $50,750 first division of the Courageous Lady Pace at Northfield Park Saturday night. The second division went to I Kill time in 1:54.1.   Some Girls Do,
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Golden Receiver wins; Hypnotic Blue Chip third
April 30, 2011
Golden Receiver rallied from the pocket to capture the featured $60,000 Open Pace at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Saturday night (April 30) in thrilling fashion. The field for the race included three horses with well over a million dollars earned in their careers (One More Laugh, Hypnotic Blue C
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Crys Dream romps in 3-year-old debut
April 29, 2011
Crys Dream, last year’s champion 2-year-old filly trotter in both the U.S. and Canada, romped to a 20-length win in 1:58 in a qualifier Friday morning at Mohawk Racetrack. It was the season debut for the daughter of Taurus Dream who has some observers believing she has the ability to take on the col
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Worth Remembering wins Ontario Spring Filly final
April 29, 2011
With Anthony MacDonald in the bike, Worth Remembering celebrated her largest payday of her career in the $60,000 Ontario Spring Filly Final. Not only did she go off at odds of 35-1, but the trotting-bred filly captured the pacing event for trainer Carmen Auciello.It was a cavalry charge going into t
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Tagariello enjoying life at Hoosier
April 29, 2011
Frank Tagariello is a part of Hoosier Park history that may surprise anyone. He ventured to Indiana and was part of the first few years of racing when the track opened in 1994. Although he’s been absent from the scene during a portion of the time, he is back in Indiana this season and still enjoying
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Dave Yarock, Biggerthebetter win NAADA trot
April 29, 2011
The fifth and final preliminary leg of the Two-Track Trotting Series sponsored by the North American Amateur Drivers Association went to Biggerthebetter and driver Dave Yarock who toured the Monticello Raceway oval in a 2:02:2 clocking. The victory was nearly a carbon copy of the third leg which was
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Teague hoping to sip from NA Cup
April 29, 2011
Trainer George Teague would love nothing more than to celebrate another Pepsi North America Cup (set for June 18) victory this summer at Mohawk. With four eligibles to this year’s rich $1.5 million event, Teague is hoping for the same luck that had him posing for pictures in the winner’s circ
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Meadowlands to re-open; statement issued
April 29, 2011
Although negotiations with the New Jersey Thoroughbred horsemen regarding percentage splits of simulcast money still continue, the Meadowlands will re-open on Saturday, May 7. Contrary to previous reports, the track will not reopen under the management of Jeff Gural, but under the ter
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Big Bad John wins accident-marred qualifier
April 29, 2011
Big Bad John overcame the outside post nine and an accident at the three-quarters that sent two horses falling to the track, two to not finish and another three to finish more than 50 lengths behind, to win his second qualifier of the year Friday morning at The Meadows. A winner of seven of nine st
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63 eligible to North America Cup
April 29, 2011
An elite group of 63 horses remain eligible to the 28th edition of the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, one of harness racing's most prestigious events, set for Saturday, June 18, at Mohawk Racetrack.   Headlining this year's talented group is Big Jim, who recorded the fastest mile in
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Haight named GM at Batavia
April 29, 2011
Todd Haight, has been appointed general manager of live racing at Batavia Downs, it was announced Friday by the board of directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, the Public Benefit Corporation that owns the Genesee County racetrack and casino.   Haight, who begins his new dutie
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Yonkers increase Pick 4 guarantee as of May 2
April 29, 2011
Yonkers Raceway has announced it shall continue its participation in the US Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering, though with some changes in the guaranteed Pick 4 pool.   Beginning in May, Yonkers shall "up the ante" to a $20,000 guaranteed pool for its late Pick 4 (from $15,000), and
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Meadowlands condition sheet available
April 29, 2011
The Meadowlands has issued a condition sheet, covering the re-opening on May 7, 2011 as well as the programs on May 8 and May 12. The Saturday, May 7, program features the elimination races for a pair of free for all stakes, the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial Trot and the Graduate Pace. Entries are due b
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Anders Bluestone dominates at Pocono
April 29, 2011
Anders Bluestone added Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs to the list of Eastern tracks he has conquered in recent weeks, winning the featured Open trot on Friday night in dominant fashion. The race carried the night’s top purse of $60,000.   Leaving from the #5 post as the 9-5 favorite, Anders Blue
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3YO Playin Time takes final in 1:52.1
April 29, 2011
After finishing second in his elimination last week, driver Chris Christoforou gave Playin Time a perfect, pocket-trip to win Friday night's $60,000 Ontario Spring Open final at Woodbine.   The 3-year-old son of Mach Three showed sharp gate-speed from post seven and crossed over to
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Cal amateurs to take on Kiwis this weekend
April 28, 2011
After a team of east coast drivers came to California and defeated the locals in a two-night series, word quickly spread across the Pacific. A group of rebels from down under banded together and made their way across treacherous seas seeking their own gold in California.   This Friday and Sat
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NJ reaches deal on Xanadu takeover
April 28, 2011
The New York Times has reported that the administration of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, along with lenders and a new developer, have reached a deal to revive the Xanadu entertainment and retail complex located adjacent to the Izod Center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.   When
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Tough Challenger in Harrington track record
April 28, 2011
Nanticoke Racing and Jim Morand’s Tough Challenger ($13.60, Morand) set a new track record Wednesday for 4-year-old trotting horses with a 1:56.1 win in the featured $18,600 Open Trot at Harrington Raceway.Trained by Les Givens, the 4-year-old You Betcha stallion made his move on pacesetter Allmar S
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Scirocco Andy wins at Pompano
April 28, 2011
Astute horse owner Lewis Whitaker of Boynton Beach, FL was paid an immediate dividend for the restructuring plan he executed for three year old pacer Scirocco Andy on the Wednesday, April 27 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park."It's a good for everyone with Peter Blood taking on an owners
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Love U Overandover in Meadows sweep
April 28, 2011
Love U Overandover unleashed a wicked first-over move that carried her to victory in 1:56 in Wednesday’s $25,400 championship of the Tom’s OK Lady Trot for 3-year-old fillies at The Meadows. The win gave Love U Overandover a series sweep and the fastest mile this year by a sophomore filly trotter on
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Some Girls Do, I Kill Time favs in Courageous Lady
April 28, 2011
With 14 three-year-old fillies in the entry box, Saturday’s $101,500 Courgaeous Lady at Northfield Park has been split into two $50,750, seven-horse divisions, with the first, race 8 on the card, scheduled for about 9:45 PM, and the second, race 11, set for about 11:00 PM. The two Courageous Lady he
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RCI board votes to re-examine furosemide
April 28, 2011
The Board of Directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) voted without objection this week in favor a resolution calling for the re-examination of whether its current policy pertaining to furosemide should be continued.   RCI also endorsed international coordinati
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Wishing Stone, Raja Mirchi win in Sweden
April 28, 2011
Eliminations for Sweden's prestigious Queen's and King's Trophy races for 4 year olds were held Thursday night at the Aby track in Gothenburg, and it was a great night for American blood. Seven of the 12 fillies advancing to the Queen's Trophy final are by stallions standing at stud in the U.S. In a
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Seven trotters to battle in Pocono $60K open
April 28, 2011
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is getting ready for another massive night of racing action on Friday night and a $60,000 purse for the Open Trot. Seven of the most powerful trotters will meet on the track for the 10th race of a 16-race card.   Trainer William Taylor sends Anders Bluestone t
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Bill to ban drugs in racing to be introduced in Senate
April 28, 2011
The Associated Press reported Thursday afternoon that New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall will introduce a bill next week in the U.S. Senate that give the federal government a role in governing horse racing in enacting a law that prohibits performance-enhancing drugs.   Under Udall's proposed legislati
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Gural hopes to announce good news Friday
April 28, 2011
Although one hurdle was cleared Tuesday for Jeff Gural to lease the Meadowlands when an agreement was reached with the racetrack's mutuel tellers, there is still another to be overcome with the state's Thoroughbred horsemen. On Thursday afternoon, Gural issued the following statement:   "As r
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Indiana to continue funding for racing program
April 28, 2011
Indiana newspapers reported Thursday that the Indiana legislature has reached an agreement that would continue subsidizing purses at the racetracks from slot machine revenue.   The state House had earlier passed a bill cutting the subsidy money from approximately $60 million to $27 million, A
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Newmark, where Gural is chairman, to be acquired
April 28, 2011
On Thursday the brokerage firm BGC Partners announced it had reached an agreement to purchase Newmark, the real estate advisory firm that operates as Newmark Knight Frank in the United States. Jeff Gural, who is in negotiations to lease the Meadowlands, is chairman of Newmark Knight Frank.
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Bling shines at Harrington
April 27, 2011
Driver Corey Callahan and trainer Josh Green capped off a big Tuesday evening at Harrington Raceway, winning the $18,600 Mares Open with Baron Racing and David Rovine’s Bling ($4.20) in 1:55.1. Callahan had four winners on the card, three of which were aboard Green-trained horses. Bling, a 5-ye
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Sky Mesa gets game win at The Meadows
April 27, 2011
Sky Mesa, who appeared to be heading for a place finish when his lead vanished in the stretch, reached down and found more at the last moment to hang on and capture Tuesday’s $27,800 championship of the Valentowner Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings. Sky Mesa used a quarter-pole move to tak
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Ideal Newton rallies for win in Pocono's distaff open
April 27, 2011
Ideal Newton rallied from last to first to win the featured Open pace for fillies and mares on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. In the process, the mare captured the winner’s share of the biggest purse for an overnight race in Pocono history.The purse for the Open was $60,000, which was
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Cam Town Carrie upsets at Pompano
April 27, 2011
A field of six mares was assembled for the $14,000 purse top event on Tuesday evening, April 26 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. When the dust settled the longest shot in the field got the last laugh.Tom Sells made one of his patented patient drives with the unrespected Cam Town Carrie who wa
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Levy, Matchmaker finals drawn
April 27, 2011
Post positions have been drawn for Yonkers Raceway's pair of Saturday night stakes finals, the $495,000 George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series and $301,000 Blue Chip Matchmaker...the two richest North American harness races of the season to date.Post time for the 12-race card is 7:10 PM, with the
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Bare Necessity looks to extend streak
April 27, 2011
Bare Necessity will likely be the talk of the tote board in the $60,000 Ontario Spring Open Final on Friday night at Woodbine.The three-year-old homebred son of Apaches Fame remains undefeated in five career starts for trainer Eric Adams and owner Millar Farms of Newmarket.In his most recent start,
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Elmore named GM at Hoosier Park
April 27, 2011
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has announced the appointment of Brian Elmore to the position of General Manager of Racing.  Elmore, who will assume the new position beginning May 1, replaces Jeff Smith who will continue in his position as Managing Director of Racing for Hoosier Park
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Tioga nominations available on website
April 27, 2011
Tioga Downs will offer the first qualifying races of the season on Friday, April 29, at 11 am. Entries will be taken by the Racing Office at (607) 699-7688 until the box is closed at 10 am on Thursday, April 28. The next opportunity to get qualified will be Tioga’s annual “Press Night” on Tuesday, M
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Visa issues could keep Arch Madness home
April 27, 2011
Trainer Trond Smedshammer told harnessracing.com Wednesday afternoon that a planned trip overseas for Arch Madness to race in next month’s Oslo Grand Prix in Norway and the Elitlopp in Sweden could be scrapped due to paperwork issues concerning the Norwegian’s visa. “It’s the American Embassy in Os
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Setback for Bigtime Ball
April 27, 2011
Racing fans will have to wait until the end of summer if they want to see Bigtime Ball in the entry box. The career winner of $1,321,330 suffered an injury to his sesamoid bone according to trainer-owner Gord Irwin.   "We had him trained down to 2:00 around the beginning of April," Irwin said
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It's Official: Gural has agreement with tellers
April 26, 2011
An agreement has been reached between the union representing the mutuel clerks at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Jeff Gural, who is working to finalize a deal to lease the Meadowlands for harness racing. The executive board of Local 137, which represents the tellers, approved the agreement Tuesd
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Thoroughbred horsemen protest Gural exclusive
April 26, 2011
In the latest development involving the Meadowlands, late Monday New Jersey's The Record newspaper reported that Thoroughbred interests have made public a letter in which they disputed Jeff Gural being given an "exclusive" opportunity to lease the Meadowlands.   In the story by John
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Live action resumes at Pompano
April 26, 2011
After a planned one week pause in the action the four nights per week live harness racing schedule resumed on Monday, April 25 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Headlining the program was three year old colt trotter Celebrity Bombay. Last Fall, the son of Yankee Glide-Secret Harmony was a
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Arch Madness, Define The World invited to Elitlopp
April 26, 2011
Although it's a month away, invitations are being extended to the Elitlopp. Among the horses invited thus far are Brioni, who won the Olympic Trot on April 16; Arch Madness, who is first heading to Norway for the Oslo Grand Prix on May 15; Define The World, who won at Woodbine Monday night in 1:53.3
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Look Cheap ready for Ontario Filly final
April 26, 2011
Look Cheap and nine other sophomore pacing fillies will assemble this Thursday to contest the $60,000 Ontario Spring Filly Stakes final at Woodbine. Look Cheap, a daughter of Geartogear-Chimi Hanover, took her $20,000 elimination in 1:54.1, the faster of the two divisions.   Trainer Rod Boy
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Competition leads to $60,000 Opens in PA
April 25, 2011
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs’ race secretary Rick Kane told harnessracing.com Monday morning that because he and Joe Auger, his counterpart at Harrah’s Chester, were competing for the same horses to fill the top-class races at the two Pennsylvania racetracks, an agreement was reached to alternate rac
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New tracks join Strategic Wagering program
April 25, 2011
Chris Schick, the California-based U.S. Trotting Association director who spearheaded the Strategic Wagering program that helps racetracks fund guaranteed Pick-4 pools, told harnessracing.com Monday morning via email that in addition to the previously announced addition of The Meadows to the program
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$60,000 Tuesday overnight sets Pocono record
April 25, 2011
As the weather heats up in Northeast Pennsylvania, so does the racing action at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. When eight top fillies and mares hit the famous Pocono five-eighths mile oval on Tuesday they will be racing for a purse of $60,000, the biggest overnight purse, ever, at the track. &nb
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Andover Hall filly OK America wins in Italy
April 25, 2011
OK America, an Andover Hall 3-year-old filly who is a half sister to Lisa America, won the Premio Emilia Filly race in Milan, Italy, on Monday. Trained by Jerry Riordan and bred and owned by Hall of Famer Lou Guida's Guida Italia, OK America turned in a strong rally over the five-eighths mile oval t
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Fashion Hatter takes 3YO trotting series final
April 25, 2011
Fashion Hatter got an easy early lead, then held off a pair of challengers late to capture Monday's $30,600 championship of the Rembrandt Spur Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings at The Meadows.   Fashion Hatter got away second--and finished second--in each of his previous four races.
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Yankee Glide offspring win big in Europe
April 23, 2011
The Klosterskogen 4-year-old race, arranged in memory of  W.C. Habib, was contested Saturday afternoon in Norway. It had many U.S. imports and Muscles Wiking BR (Muscles Yankee-Sappho Blue Chip) was played the heavy favorite because of his 11 wins in 15 starts. But a gallopp after about a half
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Ontario 3CP Spring elims contested
April 23, 2011
A dozen 3-year-old pacers rolled into Woodbine Friday evening to go toe-to-toe in a set of $20,000 eliminations for the Ontario Spring Open Stakes. The undefeated Bare Necessity (Sylvain Filion) went wire to wire to win his elimination notching a fifth consecutive victory.   The Eric Adams t
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18-year-old Smith brings home Hoosier upsetter
April 23, 2011
Tyler Smith and CR Hope snuck through traffic to take home the top prize in the $24,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Pace Friday at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The duo lit up the tote board, paying $47.20 to win.   Starting from post one in the eight-horse lineup, Smith got away
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Fox Valley Touche wins Desperate Lady
April 23, 2011
Exhibiting the talent she showed while racking up five victories and almost $160,000 in earnings despite chasing division champion and 2010 Illinois Horse of the Year Pardon throughout her 2-year-old season, James Runyan and Paula Smith’s Fox Valley Touche made her sophomore debut a winning one as s
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3-year-old fillies compete in Calif. Sire Stakes
April 23, 2011
Sophomore fillies, on both gaits, competed in two $15,000 California Sires Stakes on Friday at Cal-Expo. In the first of the two divisions, this for the trotters in a non-wagering event, Claim Jumper was a three-move repeat winner. Leaving from post three in the field of a half-dozen for driver St
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Five Levy splits wrap up preliminaries
April 23, 2011
Saturday night found Yonkers Raceway hosting the fifth and final preliminary round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. Five, $50,000 divisions went to post.   The opening event was won by the 2-5 Foreign Officer (Tim Tetrick). Leaving from post position four, he stepped around p
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Hambo hopeful Mythical Hall wins Scioto qualie
April 23, 2011
Mythical Hall, a sophomore son of Andover Hall, shot to the front at the start of his qualifier at Scioto Downs on Saturday and won easily in 1:59.1 by two lengths.   The bay colt was driven in his first 2011 outing by Hugh Beatty for trainer Jim Arledge and owners Thomas York and Joe Sbrocc
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Europan Union upsets in Pocono open
April 23, 2011
Undaunted by some of the heavyweight pacers in the field, Europan Union parlayed a pocket trip into a thrilling victory in Saturday night’s featured Open Handicap pace at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $30,000.   The field of seven in the race included
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St. Elmo Hero starts new win streak
April 23, 2011
One week after seeing the end of his 25-race unbeaten streak, St. Elmo Hero got back on the winning track Saturday night as he drew clear to a two-length victory in 1:51.4 in the $45,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Racetrack.   St. Elmo Hero had not tasted defeat in his career until he fell v
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Matchmaker prelims in the book
April 22, 2011
The last chance for the ladies to impress the judges came Friday night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the fifth and final preliminary round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker. Three $40,000 divisions went postward, with All Spirit (George Brennan) taking the opening event in 1:54.   Leaving from
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Look Cheap and Lady Kelleigh Anne win Ontario Spring Filly elims
April 22, 2011
Fifteen fillies of the sophomore variety trucked to Woodbine Racetrack on Thursday evening to contest a pair of eliminations for this year's Ontario Spring Filly Stakes.Look Cheap was treated to a ground-saving trip in her $20,000 tilt, and when she was called on for sprinting speed in the stretch b
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A Yonkers six pack for Brennan
April 22, 2011
George Brennan won half of Yonkers Raceway's dozen races Thursday night.Yonkers' leading driver wasted no time. He won the $8,000, pacing opener, lasting on the lead with odds-on General McArdle ($3.80) in 2:05.4  for the mile-and-one-sixteenth distance.He swept the $11 early double when Keysto
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Big Jim wins in 1:52.3 at Southern Oaks
April 22, 2011
Reigning Dan Patch and O’Brien Award winner Big Jim missed the Southern Oaks Training Center track record by just three-fifths of a second in an impressive 1:52.3 qualifying victory Friday morning. The appearance at the center in Sorrento, Fla., was the first of 2011 for last year’s freshman divisio
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GM Jeff Smith leaving Hoosier Park
April 22, 2011
Jeffrey Smith will be leaving his position as general manager of racing for Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on April 30 due to a restructuring of his position. He will continue in his position as managing director of rRacing for Hoosier Park’s parent, Centaur LLC, for a limited period of time to as
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Arch Madness bests Enough Talk at Pocono
April 22, 2011
Arch Madness didn’t get the chance to compete in the Breeders Crown at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs last October, due to injury. On Friday night, he showed up and gained some revenge.    Against a field that included the defending winner of the Breeders Crown Open Trot, Enough Talk, Arch
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Collage fastest in Red Star Hottie splits
April 22, 2011
Mikayla Rose enjoyed a leisurely first half on top, then blazed home to capture her second-straight division of the Red Star Hottie Pace Friday at The Meadows. Collage and Brookie B Quik also took $15,000 second-leg splits in the series for 3-year-old filly pacers, which climaxes with next Frid
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HHYF Trottingbreds in training
April 22, 2011
The Proclaimers may have been willing to walk 500 miles and then walk 500 more, but thanks to the efforts of several volunteer trainers, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation's stable of Trottingbreds will need to go only about half that far in preparation for this summer's HHYF youth camps. But whil
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Action Jackson right choice for Widger
April 21, 2011
No one had more confidence in the ability of Action Jackson than driver Sam Widger. After winning both divisions of the Landess series Wednesday, April 13, Widger had to choose which horse to drive in the final.“I drove this horse (Action Jackson) a little last year and he has the ability,” said W
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Won The West tops Pocono qualifiers
April 21, 2011
Won The West, the 2010 Dan Patch winner as older pacing horse, won a qualifier at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs on Thursday, April 21. Trainer Ron Burke was in the bike as the 7-year-old son of Western Hanover was an easy 5 ½-length winner in 1:54. Owned by Country Club Acres, Strollin Stable and William
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Real Mean Art real tough in Hoosier Invite
April 21, 2011
Real Mean Art and driver Dave Magee made it a real exciting finish in the $24,000 Invitational Pace Wednesday, April 20 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The duo rallied late to win their first start back after a two month layoff in a time of 1:53.0.Real Mean Art began his journey from post five
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Repeat winners in Meadows series
April 21, 2011
It was déjà vu all over again in Wednesday’s second leg of the Tom’s OK Lady Trot at The Meadows when the two opening-leg winners, Love U Overandover and Filly Bay, jogged to easy victories in $15,000 divisions. That puts them on a collision course for next Wednesday’s final in the series for 3-year
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Powerfulconnection wins again at Balmoral
April 21, 2011
Illinois conceived and foaled trotters were back in the spotlight on Wednesday night at Balmoral Park as a field of seven diagonally gaited sophomores squared off in the $9,000 Trotting Tilly Stake for three-year-old fillies.Picking up right where she left off in her sophomore debut Dixie Sue Grah
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Mary Ann Konesky, wife of horseman, dies
April 21, 2011
Mary Ann Konesky, 59, of Pemberville, Ohio, died April 19 at her residence.   Mrs. Konesky was born April 26, 1951, to Lawrence and Helen (Rothenbuhler) Kuhlman in Toledo, Ohio. She married John A. Konesky on June 15, 1968, in Gibsonburg, Ohio.   She was an office manager for Wood Coun
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Kentucky Instant Racing heading to Court of Appeals
April 21, 2011
The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday declined to hear a case on Instant Racing machines at the racetracks. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) promulgated rules governing Instant Racing, which was upheld by a ruling by a Franklin County Circuit Court Judge. The Family Foundation then file
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Artimittateslife nearing $1 million, motherhood
April 21, 2011
Artimittateslife made her 92nd career start Thursday afternoon at Harrah’s Chester and in a perfect world for Robert Young, co-owner and breeder of the 6-year-old daughter of Art Major, she won’t make it to start 100. Young told harnessracing.com shortly before Artimittateslife went to post in the
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HTA supports RCI drug initiative
April 21, 2011
The Executive Committee of Harness Tracks of America (HTA) has voted to recommend to its Board of Directors that it support the recently announced call by the outgoing and incoming chairmen of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) for a “five-year phase-out” of equine medicatio
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Gural says he may move forward without union
April 21, 2011
Dave Little, an active member of the U.S. Harness Writers Association who works for the New York Daily News, reported on Thursday that a union leader said Jeff Gural didn't extend an early enough invitation to meet with them.   "They didn't have any plans of meeting with him," said Pat B
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Inter Dominion winner has test "irregularity"
April 21, 2011
Adam Hamilton, racing writer for the Melbourne Herald Sun and a special contributor for harnessracing.com, has reported that horseman Lance Justice is vehemently denying that his Inter Dominion champion Smoken Up was treated with DMSO before the race.   "I'm devastated," Justice said. "T
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Krivelin takes home the matzo at Monticello
April 21, 2011
In his first time competing in Monticello Raceway’s Passover Pace Bob Krivelin walked away a winner Thursday afternoon after he reined Whitaker Blue Chip to a 2:01.4 triumph in the "Race for the Matzos."   “I felt like Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt,” Krivelin joked. “This is the first p
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Meeting between tellers, NJ legislators
April 21, 2011
John Brennan, who has been covering the Meadowlands situation for New Jersey's Bergen Record newspaper, reported at 6 pm Thursday evening that a meeting took place earlier in the day between tellers, state Senator Richard Codey and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.   Tom Luchento, president of the St
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Border Fighting wins sixth at The Meadows
April 20, 2011
Border Fighting knifed through the slop with ease in Tuesday’s Valentowner Pace at The Meadows, capturing his sixth straight race and stamping himself as the favorite in next week’s series final. Fall Bliss and Zipnthruthehall also took $15,000 second-leg divisions in the series for 3-year-old colts
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Yonkers announces purse increase
April 20, 2011
Yonkers Raceway has announced a sizable, across-the-board purse increase, beginning next Monday, Apr. 25. Effective next week, all condition races (including those with optional claimers) go up 15 percent, while all straight claiming races increase by 10 percent. After the hike, purses range fr
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Dover Downs 2010-2011 recap
April 20, 2011
Dover Downs 42nd season came to a close on April 14 with two Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Three-Year-Old finals for colt and geldings. Powerful Mist, handled by Tim Tetrick, took the colt pace final easily with a 1:52.2 performance while Bret Brittingham guided Mob Boss home in 1:59
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$600,000-winner Mattscape Seelster euthanized
April 20, 2011
Mattscape Seelster, a winner of more than $651,000 in his long career and a regular on the Woodbine Entertainment circuit for many years, was euthanized Tuesday morning after suffering a spiral fracture of his left hind cannon bone in the 12th race at Western Fair Raceway Monday.   "We
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Meadows joins Pick 4 guarantee in May
April 20, 2011
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino announced today it is teaming with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program to guarantee $5,000 pools on Pick 4 wagers at the track each Monday and Tuesday in May. The initiative kicks off Monday, May 2.   The USTA in early April i
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Tioga bringing back "Pick Six Sundays"
April 20, 2011
Tioga Downs has announced that it will bring back its "Pick Six Sundays" for its upcoming meet with an even larger guaranteed pool. In co-ordination with owner and trainer Peter Kleinhans and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association, Tioga Downs will now guarantee its Pick Six at
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One More Laugh to make first start Saturday
April 20, 2011
Double millionaire One More Laugh is set to make his 2011 debut on Saturday night at Vernon Downs in the $10,000 Open Pace, slated as race 10 on the 12-race card.   The gelded son of McArdle-Fancy Creek Funny has prepped for his 4-year old campaign with two qualifying events at Poco
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Top breeder Brittany Farms to scale back
April 20, 2011
George Segal, who shares ownership of The Red Mile and is a part of Jeff Gural’s group trying to lease the Meadowlands, is planning to downsize his Brittany Farms breeding operation that since 1986 has been located on historic Pisgah Pike just outside of Lexington, Ky. For almost a quarter century,
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Maywood Park joins Pick 4 frenzy
April 20, 2011
Maywood Park, with the support of the USTA Strategic Wagering initiative, will offer its first $10,000 guaranteed Pick  4 pool on Thursday, April 21. With the help of a $5,143 carryover, the guarantee will be surpassed with ease. The track estimates a final Pick 4 pool of $20,000.  
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Gural gives update about union meeting
April 20, 2011
Jeff Gural, who is trying to put together a plan to lease the Meadowlands racetrack and have harness racing continue there, issued the following statement late Wednesday afternoon.   "I met with Bob Ligouri, Head of the Tellers Union, today (Wednesday), however, for reasons known only to them
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RMTC meets; Dr. Scoggins to be project manager
April 20, 2011
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board of directors announced today that it will join the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in organizing an international summit this summer to address race day medication. The e
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Maryland eligibles now available online
April 19, 2011
The list of 3 year olds foals of 2008) eligible to the Maryland Standardbred Fund and the Maryland Sire Stakes on Feb. 15, 2011, is now on the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund website.  Also available is the list of 2 year olds (foals of 2009) that made the Mar. 15, 2011, payment
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Benefit account set up for Heather France
April 19, 2011
A benefit account has been established to assist with the medical expenses of Heather France, a groom who was injured on Monday, April 11, in an accident on the backstretch at Balmoral Park Racetrack. Heather was catch-paddocking and working part time with the horses and going to Fox College in
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Buck I St. Pat wins 2011 qualifier debut
April 19, 2011
Buck I St. Pat, the unanimous choice as the 2010 Older Trotting Mare of the Year—her third consecutive year voted the divisional champion—won a qualifier Tuesday morning at Harrah’s Chester in her first appearance on the track since winning the American National final at Balmoral Park last November.
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Walsh Harness reins in new Antonacci owners
April 19, 2011
When Lindy Farms’ Frank M. Antonacci approached Walsh Harness and Saddlery about providing equipment for the newly created Bourbon Slush Stable, Walsh’s president Paul Treiber didn’t need much time to deliberate.  “I told Frank we were onboard with this stable and to let me know what they need
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St Elmo Hero lost shoe last Saturday night
April 19, 2011
Standardbred Canada has reported that Ontario Racing Commission judges have added a "broken equipment" notation to St Elmo Hero's charted line from Saturday night, April 16, when he was defeated for the first time in 25 career starts.   "It was brought to our attention by driver Jody Jam
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Callahan wins six at Harrington
April 19, 2011
Driver Corey Callahan is starting the Harrington Raceway meet where he left off at Dover Downs. The 32-year-old driver won six races Monday at Harrington, just days after finishing the Dover Downs meet as the track’s leading driver.   Callahan has won 10 races in two days at Harrington, inclu
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Woodbine extends Sat. Pick 4 $100K guarantee
April 19, 2011
Woodbine Entertainment Group and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association have extended the $100,000 guarantee on the early Pick 4 pool, offered on Saturday*s Standardbred racing cards, until the end of the Woodbine meet.   The early Pick 4 pledge on Saturdays was raised earl
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Pick 4 guarantee program continues its success
April 19, 2011
The U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program continues to be a success as bettors continue to flock to the guaranteed Pick 4 wagers now offered at five tracks with a sixth scheduled to join in May. The idea was spearheaded by California-based USTA director Chris Schick. Northfield Par
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Strongbow bests 2:00 at Monticello
April 19, 2011
It’s a rare occasion when a trotter shades two minutes at the Mighty M so when one does its newsworthy. The aforementioned happened on Monday when Strongbow and driver Jimmy Taggart Jr.  crossed the finish line in 1:59.1, which was one of three wins on the card for the Monticello
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Gural says he's cautiously optimistic
April 19, 2011
At approximately 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 19,  Jeff Gural issued a statement to horsemen regarding his efforts to lease the Meadowlands racetrack and continue live harness racing there while working with Local 137, the union representing the Meadowlands Racetrack's mutuel tellers."Thanks to
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Pentland hoping luck with fillies continues
April 18, 2011
When Patsys Luck goes behind the starting gate for the Ontario Spring Filly Stakes elimination this Thursday, trainer John Pentland is hoping his luck with training fillies continues. Pentland, a resident of Dorchester, Ont., has had multiple success in the past with fillies. Luck Of Michelle, a d
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US-bred 4YOs to compete in Norway
April 18, 2011
The Easter holiday in Scandinavia means lots of harness racing in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. In Finland on Easter weekend, the Finlandia Trot takes place and is expected to attract Commander Crowe (Juliano Star-Somack, by Mack Lobell) and probably Rapide Lebel (Ginger Somolli-Koranie des
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Dean eyeing LBJ for Big Jim
April 18, 2011
It is mid April and North America’s leading 3-year-old colt pacers are getting ready for the long and challenging 2011 stakes schedule. Big Jim, reigning 2-year-old colt pacing champion in both the U.S. and Canada, will make his first qualifying start on Friday, April 22, at Southern Oaks Train
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Vernon has double draw on Tuesday
April 18, 2011
The Vernon Downs race office would like to remind all horsemen that it will be holding a double draw on Tuesday, April 19, for the cards on Friday and Saturday night. The entry box will close at 10 am on Tuesday morning and entries should be called into the race office at 315.829.6825. Vernon will h
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San Pail upset, Il Villaggio wins in qualifiers
April 18, 2011
Reigning O’Brien Award winner San Pail came up short in a qualifier Monday morning at Mohawk Racetrack, while the 2009 O’Brien Award winner Il Villaggio was victorious. San Pail, making his first appearance since winning the $125,000 Glorys Comet final last January, sat third throughout the qualifi
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East beats West in Cal Expo tourney
April 18, 2011
This past Friday a band of nomadic harness drivers visited a gold mine close to where the rush of 1849 began. The weather was a dry 75 degrees and the ore they saw was shiny, heavy and quite valuable and pondered why it took them so long to extract value from this land of riches known as California.
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Better Caviar sets 1:55.3 season's mark
April 18, 2011
Monday’s second leg of the Rembrandt Spur Trot at The Meadows paired the undefeated Washingtonian with the once-beaten Better Caviar. But what appeared a showdown turned into a “beat-down” when Better Caviar blew by Washingtonian with an uncovered bid and went on to score in 1:55.3, fastest this yea
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Benefit for Eustis's daughter begins Monday
April 17, 2011
An online auction to benefit Michelle Eustis’s 7-year-old daughter Haylee will be taking place beginning on Monday, April 18 and ending at midnight on Saturday, April 23. All proceeds from this auction will go directly to the Haylee Kofoid Benefit Fund.   Among the items that will up for
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Harrington opens 65th season of racing
April 17, 2011
Harrington Raceway opened its doors for its 65th season of live harness racing Sunday to a large crowd of racing fans who were greeted by an abundance of promotions to celebrate the commemorative anniversary.   A hat giveaway as well as 65-cent live racing programs and food concessions were e
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St. Elmo Hero defeated after 25 wins
April 16, 2011
Through a deep stretch battle, the undefeated St Elmo Hero tasted defeat for the first time in his career Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack. St Elmo Hero, who remained undefeated in 25 starts coming into Saturday, was defeated by Art Professor in a photo finish in 1:51.   With the scratch
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Almost 3,500 turn out for Vernon opener
April 16, 2011
The proven veteran Scorpion Moon helped Vernon Downs’ 58th season get off to a fast and successful start with a 1:54.3 victory in Friday evening’s (April 15) $10,000 Open Trot.   A large (3,460) and energetic crown turned out for opening night’s promotional activities and 10 pari-mutuel races
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Brioni, Formula One win in Sweden
April 16, 2011
Brioni captured Sweden's prestigious Olympic Trot on Saturday at the Aby track in Gothenburg, winning the 2,140-meter race in a mile rate time of 1:54.4. Joakim Lovgren drove the son of Timberland out of the Florida Pro mare Armbro Edith.   Marshland (From Above-Trapped, by Bonefish) finished
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Foiled Again wins again in Levy action
April 16, 2011
Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series continued Saturday night, with five, $50,000 divisions comprising a wet and windy fourth round.   The first division was won by a down-the-road Real Nice (George Brennan). Leaving from post position six, he was able to get around a b
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Pro hockey player see grandfather's horse win
April 16, 2011
A Hollywood actress and prominent pro hockey player with close ties to harness racing turned out for the Saturday evening program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Both reported they were cashing tickets and having a great time in the Florida warmth during their stay.   "My grandfather,
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Dry Gulch takes Vernon Saturday feature
April 16, 2011
Dry Gulch joined stablemate Scorpion Moon as the fastest performers of the fledgling 58th harness racing season at Vernon Downs following his 1:53.3 victory in Saturday night’s (April 16) $10,000 Open pace. Assigned the outside nine post in event 10 by racing secretary Scott Warren, the favorite D
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Big Bad John wins qualifier in 2011 debut
April 15, 2011
Big Bad John, whose freshman season last year ended with a pair of Grand Circuit victories at The Red Mile, made his 2011 debut Friday morning at The Meadows. With new driver Brett Miller in the sulky, Big Bad John held an open-lengths lead throughout the mile as he posted fractions of :28.2, :58.4
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Powerful Mist, Mob Boss win $100,000 DSBF finals
April 15, 2011
Powerful Mist was overpowering, Mob Boss showed his grit in $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Colt and Gelding Finals while Cams Art was named Horse of the Meet, Josh Green won his seventh straight Leading Trainer honors and Corey Callahan took Leading Dash Win Driver award on a Sp
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Dave Yarock wins NAADA trot
April 15, 2011
On the warm and sunny afternoon  of Thursday, May 14  Dave Yarock reined Biggerthebetter to a gate to wire 2:01:1  triumph  in the third leg of the of the North American Amateur Drivers Associations Spring Series Trot at Monticello Raceway.For Yarock and Biggerthebetter it was a
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Ohio governor says all gaming "tied together"
April 15, 2011
Ohio Gov. John Kasich has announced that the state has hired two gambling consulting firms to assist it in sorting out the future of gaming in the Buckeye State.   The Columbus Dispatch reported that in commenting on retaining the consultants, Kasich said," I'm not an expert in it. But I have
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Well-bred pacer on the trot at Western Fair
April 15, 2011
Wish N Win, a 5-year-old mare steeped in pacing blood, will make her first lifetime start on the trot Friday night at Western Fair Raceway.   "She was never really happy on the pace, it just wasn’t her cup of tea," explains her owner Morag Watt of Clinton, Ont. whose husband Jim handle
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Oy vey! Kleinans to drive in Passover Pace
April 15, 2011
On Thursday, April 21, when the marshall calls the pacers for Monticello Raceway’s 13th Annual Passover Pace, Peter Klienhans will be among the drivers participating this year.   “I drove last year and though I didn’t have a particularly good horse I did finish fourth,” Kl
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169 claims for $5.1 mil at Yonkers this year
April 15, 2011
Through April 12, there have been 169 claims at Yonkers Raceway this year at Yonkers Raceway. Total cost of the claims--$5,171,750. If the numbers continue at this pace, the total money spent on claiming tags might just exceed $ 20 million for the year. (Standardbred Owners Associatio
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Gural issues statement to horsemen
April 15, 2011
At approximately 3 pm on Friday, April 15,  Jeff Gural issued a statement to horsemen regarding his efforts to lease the Meadowlands racetrack and continue live harness racing there. He said he does not at this time expect the track to reopen for racing on May 7, and is attempting to move the G
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Menary gives update on 3YO Prodigal Seelster
April 15, 2011
Last year's $297,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final winner Prodigal Seelster is a few weeks away from qualifying, according to trainer David Menary.   The 3-year-old colt by Camluck captured the $291,000 Battle of Waterloo last year along with a single OSS Gold final and an elimination
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Jans Luck vs. Spring Break
April 15, 2011
Affirmed and Alydar dueled through perhaps the most storied rivalry in Thoroughbred racing history, but those legends have nothing on two outstanding Standardbreds, Jans Luck and Spring Break. When the two locked horns in Friday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Pace, it was the 34th time they ba
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All Meadowlands operations to shutdown May 12
April 15, 2011
In a press release issued early Friday evening, Governor Chris Christie called Thursda'y's inaction by the union representing the mutuel clerks at Meadowlands Racetrack on a proposal from prospective track operator Jeff Gural a potentially fatal obstacle to continuing racing operations at the East R
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Flex The Muscle sets 1:52.4 Pocono mark
April 15, 2011
Flex The Muscle set a new track record for 4-year-old trotting stallions in winning the featured Open Trot on Friday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in 1:52.4. The race carried the night’s top purse of $30,000.   Leaving from post position four as the 3-1 second betting choice, Flex The
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Maddy Seelster wins Hoosier mare feature
April 15, 2011
Maddy Seelster and trainer-driver Ross Leonard made a quiet move at the end to surprise a field of nine in the $24,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Pace Friday, April 15 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The duo covered the distance in a time of 1:55.1, their first win of 2011.   Startin
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All Spirit fastest in Matchmaker; Ginger falters
April 15, 2011
Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker continued its run Friday night, with four, $40,000 divisions. The first event was won by a wrapped-up Shacked Up (Eric Goodell, $2.70) in 1:53.4.   Rev Me Up (Yannick Gingras) made the early (:27.2 opening quarter) lead before Shacked Up--away fourth fro
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PA fair champ wins at The Meadows
April 14, 2011
Filly Bay, last year’s divisional champion of the Pennsylvania Fairs, made a successful 2011 debut with a game victory in Wednesday’s Tom’s OK Lady Trot at The Meadows. Love U Overandover captured the other $15,000 opening-leg split in the series for 3-year-old filly trotters. Filly Bay hadn’t
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Enough Talk, One More Laugh, Jezzy win qualifiers
April 14, 2011
Defending Breeders Crown Open Trot champion Enough Talk, also voted the 2008 and 2010 Older Trotter of the Year, made his 2011 debut a winning one Thursday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in a qualifier. Also scoring qualifying victories Thursday were the 2010 Meadowlands Pace winner One More La
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San Pail to qualify Monday at Mohawk
April 14, 2011
The two-time defending Maple Leaf Trot winner, San Pail will be scheduled to qualify this coming Monday at Mohawk Racetrack, according to trainer Rod Hughes. Hughes, a resident of Dunsford, Ontario, recently trained his star trotter in 2:03 over Kawatha Downs and it's all systems go.   “He’s
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California amateurs announce 2 series
April 14, 2011
The California Amateur Driving Club (CADC) and the California Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) have announced two late-closing series for amateur drivers, sponsored by TVG.   Each series will feature two legs and a final with an estimated purse of $8000.  The first series, to b
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East vs. West at Cal Expo this weekend
April 14, 2011
With March Madness in the rear view mirror, the eyes of the world will be on Sacramento, California for the two-day, East versus West, Amateur Driving Challenge.  This weekend was specifically chosen so these races would not take away from the attendance at AT&T Park, as the World Champion
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Gural to appear on Fox TV at 8 Thursday
April 14, 2011
Jeff Gural, the owner of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, who is also negotiating to take over the Meadowlands, will appear on Fox News Channel's 'The O'Reilly Factor' on Thursday night (April 14). The show airs live at 8 pm (EDT) and repeats at 11 pm.   Gural said he was invited to the sho
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Big Jim trains in 1:57.3; set to qualify April 22
April 14, 2011
Big Jim, the 2010 Dan Patch 2-Year-Old Colt Pacer of the Year, trained a mile in 1:57.3 on Monday at the Southern Oaks Training Center in central Florida and is scheduled to qualify at Southern Oaks on Friday, April 22.   Trainer James Dean said Phil Hudon, Big Jim's regular driver, is p
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Maine's Gardner Patterson dies at 97
April 14, 2011
Crosby Gardner Patterson, 97, who was involved in the Maine harness racing community for many years, died April 11 at his home.   Patterson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine in journalism and English, as well as a Master of Education degree several year
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Pari-Mutuel clerks reject Gural's offer
April 14, 2011
Jeff Gural's efforts to lease the Meadowlands and keep the track open for harness racing may have ended Thursday night. Security personnel at the Meadowlands voted Thursday evening to accept an offer from Gural that called for wage concessions, but the pari-mutuel clerks refused to even ca
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Dubois 3YO trotting colt wins Tie Silk final
April 14, 2011
With post time favorite, Ibrox making a costly break in stride before the start of the $60,000 Tie Silk Final, the race turned into a wide-open affair. Onirique, a son of Andover Hall, used a first-over attack to score his first career victory in 1:57.3.   Only the Best It (Simon Allard)
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Widger wins five at Hoosier
April 13, 2011
It looks like Sam Widger has brought some of his luck from the Chicago circuit to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Widger, who was the leading driver at Balmoral Park before relocating to Indiana for the start of the 2011 Standardbred season, pulled in five wins on the program Tuesday, April 12. Co
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Higher And Higher wins Dover Open
April 13, 2011
Higher And Higher smilingly too far back on the final turn turned on the burners and closed to victory in 1:52.1 to win the last $26,000 Mares Open pace on an intermittently rainy Tuesday, April 12 at Dover DownsDaryl Bier driving Higher And Higher sat on the outside in a group trailing No Bad Luck
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Glam Cam: Hennessey's new stable standout?
April 13, 2011
After a life's mark victory of 1:53.2 earned by Glam Cam in a $6,000 purse conditioned test on the Tuesday evening, April 12 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, trainer Dan Hennessey was happy to comment on the five year old Camotion-CR Charisma mare's future potential. "It was kind
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No Satin Intended in Meadows series upset
April 13, 2011
No Satin Intended, who hadn’t raced since Oct. 6, converted a perfect pocket trip to a shocking 21-1 upset victory in a division of Tuesday’s Valentowner Pace at The Meadows. Also capturing $15,000 opening-leg splits in the series for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers were Fall Bliss, Border Fighti
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Cactus Creek wins Monticello feature
April 13, 2011
Five years ago Cactus Creek not only won a division of the Little Brown Jug but the altered son of Artsplace also was victorious in the Adios (Stakes). Some could make a case for geldings winning major stakes in that they return to the racing wars and create some media attention. Though Cactus Creek
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It's not 8675309 but 5386742 worth $25K at Northville
April 13, 2011
Each Friday and Saturday night at Northville Downs, one lucky patron is selected to play one of two exciting games where the contestants can win up to $100,000 in cash. Friday Nights are Royal Flush Fridays where contestants choose five cards from a game board and try to match a royal flush for $1
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St. Elmo Hero goes for 26 at Woodbine
April 13, 2011
After posting his 25th consecutive victory in his most recent start two weeks ago at Woodbine, St. Elmo Hero has been entered into the $45,000 Open Pace this Saturday at the Toronto oval. The daughter of St. Elmo Hero's Illinois-based trainer Charles Eustis, died Monday in a Balmoral Park bac
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Ranger sidelined by separated shoulder
April 13, 2011
Bruce Ranger will be out of action for the Wednesday and Saturday evening programs (April 13 and 16) at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park because of a separated shoulder suffered in a racing mishap on Tuesday evening. The 51-year-old horseman is the leading driver of the current meet with 191 wins
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Scot Waterman leaving RMTC
April 13, 2011
The Thoroughbred racing magazine The Blood-Horse has reported that Dr. Scot Waterman, executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) for almost 10 years, is leaving the post at the end of April. Blood-Horse writer Tom LaMarra said "multiple industry sources" confirmed
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Gural meets state officials about "economic issues"
April 13, 2011
Jeff Gural’s efforts to lease the Meadowlands continued on Wednesday when he and other New Jersey harness racing leaders met with officials from the administration of Gov. Chris Christie at the statehouse in Trenton. According to a report by Bob Jordan of the Asbury Park Press, Christie has
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Series action underway at Hoosier
April 13, 2011
Action Jackson and driver Sam Widger made his 1:57.4 win on Wednesday night in the second leg of the $12,500 Jerry Landess Series at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino look easy.   After finishing second in the first round, the four-year-old son of Kentucky Spur brought home his first win
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Fund set up for late horsewoman's daughter
April 13, 2011
Members of the horse racing community are banding together in honor of their friend, Michelle Eustis, who was killed in a fatal accident at Balmoral Park on Monday. In addition to her parents and siblings, Michelle leaves behind her 7-year-old daughter Haylee (Koifoid).   Michelle Eustis died
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Corleone Kosmos continues comeback
April 13, 2011
It was a return to winning ways after months along the comeback trail for 2008 Breeders Crown champion trotter Corleone Kosmos. The 9-year-old gelding scored in 1:54.4 Wednesday night at the Isle Pompano Park.   "It's a big relief to get this one out of the way and only thanks to great o
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$100,000 Delaware filly finals held at Dover
April 13, 2011
Pacer Badlands Jenny closed with a rush and trotter Overnight Command was never headed in $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) action  for 3-year-old fillies on a drizzling Wednesday night at Dover Downs.   In a rare off-the-pace demonstration, Badlands Jenn
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Washingtonian remains unbeaten at Meadows
April 12, 2011
Washingtonian made a decisive quarter-pole move to the lead and went on to capture a division of Monday’s Rembrandt Spur Trot — a victory that kept him undefeated in three career starts — at The Meadows.Better Caviar took the other $15,000 opening-leg split in the series for 3-year-old colt and geld
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Schoolkids, Astounding Hanover win at Dover
April 12, 2011
Schoolkids was a convincing winner of the $35,000 Preferred Handicap win while Astounding Hanover won the $32,500 Delaware Special in 1:50 on a Summer-like Monday, April 11 at Dover DownsIn the $35,000 Preferred Handicap, Pat Berry sent Schoolkids moved to the front at the quarter and never looked b
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Entries still open for May Blooded Horse Sale
April 12, 2011
The Blooded Horse Sale is still taking entries for the 48th Annual Spring Sale May 9 at Delaware, Ohio. This very popular sale offers racing stock, young green horses, yearlings, broodmare prospects, and mares with foals. Entries can be made online at www.bloodedhorse.comor faxed to the sale office
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Eight new series at Pompano
April 12, 2011
The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is pleased to announce the offering of eight new series which are scheduled to be contested with their divisions and finals in the period of May 2 through July 2 at the South Florida venue. Nominations, at $200 each,  are due by Friday, April 15 for The
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Misti Maiden delivers in Celias Counsel final
April 12, 2011
After scoring a victory in her elimination last week, Misti Maiden was pressured for most of the stretch drive in the $60,000 Celias Counsel Stakes final, but she survived the pressure to earn her largest payday of her career.After being purchased for $10,000 at the Fall Extravaganza Mixed Sale in l
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Legislation just one step toward Rosecroft reopening
April 12, 2011
Late Monday night (April 11) Maryland lawmakers passed legislation which was critical to the revival of harness racing at Rosecroft Raceway. However, more action must still take place outside the legislature before the track’s reopening is set.   "This is just one of several steps that n
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Dancer makes statement on date reduction
April 12, 2011
Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-Burlington, Ocean, Mercer and Monmouth), the son of the late Hall of Famer Stanley Dancer, has issued a statement following New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's signing of legislation which allows a reduction in the number of live racing dates in the state, if agreed to by
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Dean hoping for big year for Big Jim
April 12, 2011
Big Jim, voted 2-year-old pacing colt divisional honors last year in both the U.S. and Canada, is currently training at James “Friday” Dean’s winter base at Southern Oaks Training Center in Sorrento, Fla., and is likely less than two weeks from making his sophomore debut. The 48-year-old Dean, who
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Vernon Downs set to open April 15
April 12, 2011
Despite being in the midst of negotiations with the Harness Horse Association of Central New York (HHACNY) for a new contract to replace the one that expired in March, Vernon Downs is scheduled to open its 58th season of racing on Friday, April 15. Although the recent two-year contract with the HHA
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Eustis tragedy update; arrangements announced
April 12, 2011
Reports from Balmoral Park on Tuesday morning indicate that 21-year-old caretaker Heather France has been upgraded from “critical” to “fair” condition at a local hospital one day after being involved in an alleged DUI accident on the track backstretch that killed 25-year-old Michelle Eustis, the dau
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Indulge Me retired, to be bred to Art Major
April 12, 2011
Following a victory by Indulge Me Friday, April 8, at Harrah’s Chester, trainer Ed Lohmeyer announced the retirement of the 5-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight.   Indulge Me p, 2, 1:52 ($675,165) won 18 of 72 starts, with her biggest victory coming in the $203,425 Empire Breeders Classic
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Zeron talks Rainbow and Martini
April 12, 2011
After celebrating a career year as a trainer last season with $1,725,343 earned, Oakville, Ont. resident, Rick Zeron is hoping to succeed that goal in 2011. The 2010 O'Brien Award winner for Horsemanship is eagerly anticipating the return of his two stable stars, Lady Rainbow and Peach Martini. &
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Vernon draws for opener, has tentative contract
April 12, 2011
Vernon Downs completed the final tune-up for Friday’s (April 15) 58th season’s opener last night. On Tuesday the track's Media Night program consisted of seven races. Earlier in the day, racing secretary Scott Warren, beginning his initial season at the central New York harness track, cond
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42-1 Caviart Tyler, CC's Fred win Dover features
April 11, 2011
Caviart Tyler put on a strong finish to chalk up a 1:52 lifetime fastest victory at 42-1 to win the $16,500 3,4&5-Year-Old pace while CC’s Fred has found the winning formula in the $14,500 trot on a sunny Sunday, April 10 at Dover DownsWith Corey Callahan in the bike, Tom Cooke’s Dragon Again-Ca
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Misti Maiden favored in Celias Counsel final
April 11, 2011
Misti Maiden, a 3-year-old daughter of Angus Hall, will headline this year's group of sophomore trotting fillies coming into Monday night's $60,000 Celias Counsel Stakes final   The Frank Coville trainee scored the fastest elimination victory last week with a gate-to-wire, maiden-breaking s
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Insurance agent Jim Fry dies in Ohio
April 11, 2011
Longtime insurance agent Jim Fry, a familiar face at horse sales and raceracks for probably 40 years, died Monday morning at a care facility in central Ohio after battling cancer. A native of Ohio, Jim and his father operated Fry's Horse Transportation for many years before selling the business. At
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Tragedy at Balmoral Park
April 11, 2011
Michelle Eustis, the 25-year-old daughter of Charles Eustis III, the trainer of the undefeated St. Elmo Hero, was killed in an accident on the Balmoral Park backstretch early Monday morning. The accident also left a caretaker seriously injured. Sources have told harnessracing.com that Eustis a
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NJ bill signed to permit less live racing
April 11, 2011
The Asbury Park Press newspaper has reported that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed into law legislation that permits the state's racetracks to race as few as 75 live dates a year with approval by the state's horsemen's associations.   Previous legislation required Freehold Raceway to
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Flamboro driver arrested for stealing sulky
April 11, 2011
After an OPP/ Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) investigation into the theft  of a $7,000 race bike at Flamboro Downs, a licensee has been arrested, charged and released on an appearance notice. Driver Mark Pezzarello, Wheatley, Ont., has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5,00
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Wishing Stone wins first race in Europe
April 10, 2011
Wishing Stone took his first victory in Europe Sunday when he captured the Grand Prix du Sud-Ouest (group II) at the Toulouse track in France. Although he had post seven, he took command early and was then not really challenged in the 2,150 meter race (about 1.33 miles).   The Britt
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Urgent Action taken in Sagamore Hill final
April 10, 2011
Yonkers Raceway offered its richest race of the season to date Saturday night, with the $67,200 final of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings. As was the case with Friday night's final of the Petticoat Pacing Series, the human connections of that victress--Fu
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Southern Allie's 1:52 fastest in Levy splits
April 10, 2011
Saturday night's stakes agenda at Yonkers Raceway included the third round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. The opening event was won by 3-10 favorite Blatantly Good (Bartlett) in 1:52.1.   Leaving from the pole and wanting no part of seat behind Versado (Yannick Gingras
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Wrobbel horses ready to race at Hoosier
April 10, 2011
Horses require special care both at the track and while at home, which is why the job of a blacksmith is so important. Several great blacksmiths are available at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. One of them is Ron Wrobbel.    Wrobbel’s interest in horses began around the age of nine whe
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Whiskey Pete bottles up foes in Pocono Open
April 10, 2011
Whiskey Pete continued his torrid tour of Eastern tracks with an impressive win in Saturday night’s featured Open Handicap Pace at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $25,000. Whiskey Pete, who followed up wins in two out of three starts at the Meadowlands with a
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Dragon's Blood's win sweet for Pompano connections
April 10, 2011
There were going to be broad smiles anyway after the win by Dragon's Blood following the Saturday night feature on April 9 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, but the occasion was made even sweeter for the pacer's connections by the events of the week leading up to the race.    "Last
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Lisagain bests Hypnotic Blue Chip at Woodbine
April 10, 2011
Lisagain came up a 1:50 winner in Saturday night's $45,000 Open Pace Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack, besting Hypnotic Blue Chip by a half length and reversing the finish of last weekend's Spring Pacing Championship.   Driver Rick Zeron left fast with Lisagain from the inside post, takin
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Combs, 74, loves his blacksmih trade at Hoosier
April 09, 2011
The term loyal employee may have been made for blacksmith Loren Combs. Combs has been the blacksmith for the backside of the track since before Hoosier Park was even open for business. Being an employee since 1994 makes Combs one of the longest standing employees here and he says he can’t think of a
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Maryland committee approves racing subsidies
April 09, 2011
The Daily Record in Maryland reported Saturday that a state Senate committee voted to approve changes that would limit a proposal by Gov. Martin O’Malley to help the horse racing industry. According to the report, the Maryland Jockey Club would have to reach a simulcast agreement with Rosecroft Rac
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Pocono trot goes to Likeabatoutahell
April 09, 2011
Likeabatoutahell controlled matters on the front-end to capture Friday night’s featured Open Trot at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $25,000.   With John Campbell driving for trainer Trond Smedshammer, Likeabatoutahell, an 8-year-old gelding,
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Former claimer Neptune T wins Meadows Preferred
April 09, 2011
Dismissed at 10-1, converted claimer Neptune T made his debut in the $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot a successful one as he raced first-over to victory Friday at The Meadows.   Trainer William Rhoades grabbed Neptune T for his own account from a $20,000 claimer on March 8, and the 6-year-old
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Gloria Lewis dies
April 08, 2011
Gloria Diamond Lewis, mother of well-known trotting trainer Gary Lewis, died on Thurday night, April 7, in Florida, just a month after celebrating her 93rd birthday. She had been in declining health.   She was a familiar figure at Pompano Park for many years and owned horses for more than
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Hoosier's celebrity drivers race for charity
April 08, 2011
The second annual Hoosierdega Nights is gearing up for another evening of fast paced action at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The evening will bring a Nascar feel to the atmosphere as the Fab Five Standardbred Drivers are joined by The Champion and The Challengers in a special race for charity Sa
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Ibrox scores in Tie Silk elimination
April 08, 2011
With just a single elimination necessary for the Tie Silk Stakes, Ibrox and driver Jody Jamieson went gate-to-wire to score the victory in 1:57 Thursday night at Woodbine.   The son of Yankee Glide wasted little time off the gate from post five as he controlled the tempo past the first
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DSBF prelims continue at Dover
April 08, 2011
 Powerful Mist and Dyslexic won the paces, Mob Boss and Smart Strike the trots, in Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) second-leg $20,000 preliminaries on a sunny Thursday at Dover Downs. Ross Wolfenden had a driving grand slam. As anticipated, Powerful Mist was too much for six
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Jam And Jelly toasts foes at Cal Expo
April 08, 2011
A class drop was just what the doctor ordered as Jam And Jelly got the dough.A field of nine trotters, six in on a condition, three to be claimed, were featured at Cal Expo on Thursday night (April 7), on which Jam And Jelly won for the 29th time in her career.In advance of starting from post-five,
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Smoken Up wins Inter Dominion final
April 08, 2011
Smoken Up, third in last year’s Inter Dominion Pacing Championship to Black’s A Fake, reversed the outcome this year as the 8-year-old gelded son of Tinted Cloud posted a 3:17.1 victory in the $800,000 race over a distance of 2,700 meters (approximately 1 ¾ miles) held Friday night at Alexandra Park
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Cal Expo joins USTA's Strategic Wagering
April 08, 2011
Cal-Expo Raceway and the California Harness Horsemen’s Association have joined the USTA’s Strategic Wagering program. The California raceway will offer a Thursday night Pick-4 with a $10,000 guarantee. The wager will be conducted on races six through nine. It will begin Thursday, April 14, and be of
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Delaware's Jackson suspended 366 days
April 08, 2011
Delaware-based Tom Jackson has received a 366-day suspension and $3,000 fine from the Delaware Harness Racing Commission as a result of a positive test for morphine on his horse Up Front Boy following a race Jan. 12 at Dover Downs. The post-race urine sample was found to contain morphine a
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Arch Madness wins, Lucky Jim breaks
April 08, 2011
A sloppy racetrack at Harrah’s Chester Friday afternoon was to Arch Madness’s liking as the 7-year-old son of Balanced Image rallied to a 1:54.3 victory in the $35,000 Open Handicap Trot. However, the off footing apparently took its toll on the 2009 Older Trotter of the Year Lucky Jim, who
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Petticoat final gets the Full Picture
April 08, 2011
Full Picture (Jason Bartlett) did something her main rival could not Friday night...negotiate the first turn. That's the Reader's Digest version of Yonkers Raceway's $66,000 final of the Petticoat Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares.   Leaving from outside post position six
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Matchmaker prelims continue at Yonkers
April 08, 2011
This week's Matchmaker mare merry-go-round at Yonkers Raceway offered up four, $40,000 Friday night divisions, comprising the third round.   Defending champ Ginger And Fred (Gingras) strolled at 3-10 in the opening event, effortlessly disposing of six rivals in 1:53.3.   Leaving from p
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Wall, Sparling hurt in Western Fair spill
April 08, 2011
A first-race accident at Western Fair on Friday has left driver Dave Wall with a fractured ankle and driver Rob Sparling Jr. likely suffering the same injury.   The chain-reaction spill began when Strident Hanover, driven by Wall, stumbled on the last turn. Wall was then hit from behind&
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Indiana Downs' parent company files bankruptcy
April 07, 2011
According to published reports, Indianapolis Downs LLC, the parent company of Indiana Downs in Shelbyville, on Thursday in federal court filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Company officials have stated both the track and casino will continue to operate normally during the restructuring. Ce
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Young drivers off to great start at Hoosier
April 07, 2011
Standardbred racing is in full swing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, and drivers are thrilled to be back racing around the track. This year, Hoosier Park is excited to have two teenage drivers joining the meet. Tyler Smith and Kyle Wilfong, both under the age of 20, are racing and are already s
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Arriba Amigo Wins Dover Open - DSBF continues
April 07, 2011
Arriba Amigo was a 1:55.4 winner in the $26,000 Open Handicap trot while favorites dominated Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund 2nd leg preliminaries on Wednesday, April 6 at Dover Downs.Ron Pierce and Arriba Amigo had little trouble besting five rivals in 1:55.4 to win the week’s top trot racing f
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Andover America nips Corleone Kosmos
April 07, 2011
It went down to the closing few strides for former Breeders Crown champion Corleone Kosmos to be caught in his return to racing action. The career winner of almost $2 million hadn't been been in a pari-mutuel event since last July 30 at The Meadowlands and he was the focus of the $14,000 weekly top
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My Leap Of Faith wins Pocono feature
April 07, 2011
My Leap Of Faith made a powerful stretch drive to capture the featured condition trot on Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $16,000.With Hall of Famer John Campbell doing the driving for trainer Brian Seidel, My Leap Of Faith left from post posi
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Vernon qualifiers set for Saturday, Tuesday
April 07, 2011
Vernon Downs is set to host its second set of qualifiers in preparation for the beginning of the 2011 race season. Qualifiers will be held on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 11 a.m. Horsemen wishing to enter horses to qualify should call the Vernon Downs’ race office at (315) 829-6825 by Friday
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HHYF scholarship applications due April 30
April 07, 2011
Applications for several Harness Horse Youth Foundation scholarships must be postmarked by April 30. The scholarships, for students who are at least high school seniors, are awarded based on GPA, financial need, completeness of application and quality of essay (where applicable). For compete applica
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Freehold announcer Lederman recovering
April 07, 2011
Freehold Raceway announcer Larry Lederman told harnessracing.com Thursday afternoon that tests are scheduled for Friday to determine the status of a brain tumor discovered earlier this week. Lederman had taken his daughter Leslie’s car to an auto shop on Monday when he suddenly passed out. “I b
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One More Laugh wins Pocono qualifier
April 07, 2011
One More Laugh, whose victories last year included the Meadowlands Pace, Cane Pace, Art Rooney final, American National final and Cleveland Classic, made a successful return to the races Thursday as he won a qualifier at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in 1:53. The now 4-year-old son of McArdle—whose c
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Cal Expo to honor memory of Pulse on Saturday
April 07, 2011
Cal Expo has named Saturday night’s eighth race for Pulse, the popular 13-year-old pacer who died last week. Pulse died from injuries suffered when he was attempting to breed at Shannon Machovec’s Second Chance Farm in Elk Grove, Calif.   “It was tragic, and we’re still trying to re
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Mystra wins Dover mares open
April 06, 2011
Mystra took the lead early and was never headed in the $26,000 Mares Open Handicap on Tuesday, April 5 at Dover Downs.Ron Pierce was at the controls of the six-year-old by Art Major-Pastrami Hanover in her first victory at the $26,000 Mares Open level. After consecutive second-place finishes racing
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Speed N The Tunnel going strong at 8
April 06, 2011
Speed N The Tunnel and driver Sam Widger proved that one year later has not slowed them down at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The duo picked up a win in the meet’s first $24,000 Invitational Trot of the year Tuesday, April 5, covering the one-mile event with a gate to wire performance in a time
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Ridge Jumper in Pocono upset
April 06, 2011
Ridge Jumper snuck out of the pocket late to rally for an upset win in Tuesday night’s featured Open pace for fillies and mares at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $25,000.Leaving from post position #5 in a field of 6 as a 13-1 shot, Ridge Jumper, a 7-year-old m
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Bryan's Ideal scores at Pompano
April 06, 2011
The tote board said it was a 13-1 upset but owner-trainer Jim Mattison wasn't surprised that his new stable leader Bryan's Ideal won the $14,000 purse pacing mares weekly feature on Tuesday, April 5 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. "We've had her at the top of her game for close to a mon
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Petticoat, Sagamore Hill finals on tap at Yonkers
April 06, 2011
Though their earlier exploits may have been overshadowed by the big girls (Blue Chip Matchmaker) and big boys (George Morton Levy Memorial), the lasses and lads of Yonkers Raceway's "other" series grab the limelight this weekend. Friday night, it's the $66,000 final of the Petticoat Pacing Seri
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Cameron Chip wins Meadows trot
April 06, 2011
Taking advantage of the leader’s miscue, Cameron Chip vaulted from mid-back around the final turn and went on to capture Tuesday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot at The Meadows.BV’s Sister made a powerful first-over move to the front and opened a daylight lead on the field, only to break st
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Tioga late-closers close April 15
April 06, 2011
Tioga Downs' 2011 live racing season will begin on Saturday, May 7, and brings with it the annual slate of late-closing events. The Tioga series' are the only events available in the region that are restricted to 3 year olds.   Pacing (the Kenneth J) and trotting (the Morrisvi
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Dobson is 'speaking Greek' at Monticello
April 06, 2011
In Monticello Raceway’s winners-over pace on Tuesday afternoon, former Adios Pace winner Cactus Creek got the bettors' support and Jake Of Diamonds was second choice. But when the judges hung the "official" sign, the 7-2 shot Speaking Greek had rallied to a two-length triumph in 
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Indiana passes racino ownership bill
April 06, 2011
A bill that would allow Indiana racino operators to own more than one facility in the state passed through the Statehouse on Tursday. The law would apply to the ownership of Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs.   “Basically we really wanted parity with what you have in the riverboat industry,” sai
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First-time winners in Celias Counsel elims
April 05, 2011
A pair of $20,000 Celias Counsel eliminations for 3-year-old trotting fillies took place Monday night at Woodbine with Misti Maiden and Surveillance taking home top honors.   Misti Maiden, driven by Jack Moiseyev, front-stepped her way to a 1:59 score in the first elimination. The daughter
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Woodbine raises Pick 4 guarantee to $100,000
April 05, 2011
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA), pleased with the $116,000 wagered into last Saturday’s $100,000 guaranteed early Pick-4 pool at Woodbine, has raised the guarantee on Saturday nights for the rest of the month.   Originally offered a
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Yonkers joins Pick 4 guarantee program
April 05, 2011
Yonkers Raceway has announced it shall offer guaranteed Pick 4 pools twice weekly as part of the U.S. Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering program. Beginning this Saturday, April 9, and continuing each Saturday and Monday at least through the end of the month, the late Pick 4 (races 7 th
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We Will See, Dial Or Nodial win Chester qualifiers
April 05, 2011
We Will See, whose four wins last year including the $200,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship and a North America Cup elimination, romped to an 11 ½-length qualifying victory Tuesday morning at Harrah’s Chester, with his 1:53.1 clocking being the fastest of the 14 qualifiers. We Will See, who
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Big victory for Cams Art at Dover
April 05, 2011
Cams Art took a big step toward being voted "Horse of the Meet," romping to a 1:50 victory in the $32,5000 Delaware Special on a spring-like Monday at Dover Downs. Dina’s Gamble romped to a 1:50.3 victory in an $18,500 winners-over male pace.   With chief contender Solano scratched,
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Vernon stall apps now available
April 05, 2011
Stall applications are now available online and in the race office at Vernon Downs. If you plan on applying for stalls for the 2011 race season, please fax your application in by Monday, April 11, to (315) 829-3364.   Vernon Downs management is currently negotiating in good faith a new c
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Oropuro sets Italian season's mark in Bologna
April 05, 2011
It looks like the Italian 3 year olds are ready for major efforts already now, as the first important stake was opened with a new season¹s record of 1:56.1 by Oropuro Bar. The 88,000 (euro) Gran Premio Italia was raced over the half-mile track in Bologna, with 11 starters.   The early
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Strong field for 'Last Chance' for Olympic Trot
April 05, 2011
The "Last Chance" is the final elimination for the Olympic Trot, with almost $250.000 to the winner in the race scheduled for April 16 at the Åby-track in Gothenburg. Quite surprisingly (too close to the final) the "Last Chance² became the most interesting field of all eliminations,
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Hambletonian Society endorses Strategic Wagering
April 05, 2011
At the annual Winter Meeting of the Hambletonian Society on March 27, the board of directors voted to strongly endorse the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering project and applauds the success of the initial guaranteed pool efforts of Balmoral Park, Northfield Park and Cal-Expo. &n
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Mare not dreaming at Mighty M--3 wins in a row
April 05, 2011
There are truly some horses that can string many wins together and that’s usually because they fit the class they are competing in, though occasionally some horses just dominate. For Notimefordreaming, the former assessment is most accurate.   On Monday afternoon Notimetimefordreaming
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Big Jim, Feel Like A Fool top Jug nominees
April 04, 2011
The 2010 two-year-old Dan Patch Award winner Big Jim and runner-up Feel Like A Fool are the early favorites to win this year's power-laden 66th Little Brown Jug. The undefeated 2-year-old filly champion See You At Peelers and second-place finisher Idyllic headline the 40th J
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Redhot start for Illinois sophomore filly
April 04, 2011
The Illinois conceived and foaled stakes action continued on Sunday night at Balmoral Park as a field six filly and mare pacers squared off in the $9,000 Direct Balance Stake for 3 year olds.   Using the inside starting spot to perfection Redhot Hart and driver-trainer Mike Brink saved ground
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Pick 4 guarantee program an early success
April 04, 2011
If the first weekend of the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program that helps racetracks offer guaranteed Pick 4-pools is any indication, the plan is a success. The initiative—spearheaded by California-based USTA director Chris Schick—has total funding of $100,000 to help ensure the
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Vernon Downs approved to open April 15
April 04, 2011
Vernon Downs has received approval from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to kick off its 2011 race season on Friday, April 15, with a post time of 7 p.m., and has been given approval for the month of April.   Vernon Downs will race a Friday-Saturday schedule during
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St Elmo Hero makes it 25!
April 03, 2011
After being scratched from the Cam Fella Stakes elimination in his most recent start, St Elmo Hero made his Woodbine debut a winning one to extend his unbeaten streak to 25 straight victories in the $28,000 Preferred 2 pace.The son of Western Hero was urged on from the start as driver Jody Jamieson
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Gingras, Burke score big in Levy splits
April 03, 2011
Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series offered up Round 2 Saturday night with another six, $50,000 Free-For-All divisions. The first division saw Legal Litigator (Dave Miller)--just about wiped out a week ago--take it the distance. Leaving from post position No. 4, he put u
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Hypnotic Blue Chip charges to SPC win
April 03, 2011
With no elimination necessary, Hypnotic Blue Chipand driver Jody Jamieson unleashed a ferocious late kick to capture the $125,000 Spring Pacing Championship at Woodbine. The Kevin McDermott trainee was sent off as the 4-5 favorite, as he scored the victory in 1:51 for owner Francis Azur.Schoolkids (
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Big Gus upsets in Balmoral stake win
April 03, 2011
The 2011 Balmoral Park stake schedule kicked off on Saturday, April 2 with a field of 10 Illinois conceived and three-year-old pacing colts squaring off in the $9,000 Taurus Bomber Stake. When the smoke cleared from this wild and wooly affair it was G&B Stable of Illinois’ Big Gus toting home to
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Magee making his mark at Hoosier
April 03, 2011
Dave Magee, who has been the reigning champion for years on the Chicagoland circuit, is now making a strong bid for the throne at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Magee scored four wins Friday, April 1 to assist in his push to the top of the driver standings for the three-day opening weekend.A nati
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High Joltage, CC's Fred win Dover features
April 03, 2011
High Joltage, the only sophomore in the $16,500 pace, and CC’s Fred after seven second-place finishes in eight starts this year, won the twin features at Dover Downs on Sunday at Dover Downs.    Overcoming a start from outside post eight, Ben Stafford Jr. guided High Joltage to
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Columbia County wins Battle of Saratoga final
April 03, 2011
The Battle of Saratoga #3 series for trotters wrapped up on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga Casino and Raceway and the winner had some similarities to the Saturday victors in the Battle of Saratoga #1 and #2 series.     Columbia County (Sierra Kosmos) went undefeated in his two le
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Daniel Elliott dies
April 03, 2011
Daniel J. Elliott, 56, of East Windsor, N.J., died March 22, 2011, after a lengthy illness.    Mr. Elliott grew up in Detroit, Mich., and began his grooming career at Detroit area tracks such as Hazel Park, Northville Downs and Wolverine Raceway. He moved to New Jersey in 1976
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Roosevelt legacy project Phase II complete
April 02, 2011
Harness Racing Museum trustee Bill Mulligan challenged the Museum and its supporters to collect $20,000 in new contributions to complete Phase II of the Roosevelt Raceway Legacy Project. In return he promised a $10,000 donation to seed Phase III, the installation of a permanent exhibit and publicati
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Calgary Seelster romps in Youthful final
April 02, 2011
After scoring a victory in his elimination last week, Calgary Seelster wired his nine rivals to capture the $60,000 Youthful Stakes final at Woodbine. In doing so, the three-year-old son of Modern Art extended his unbeaten streak to six for owner/trainer Murray Preszcator. He also equaled his larges
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Debauchee Hanover upsets in Meadows final
April 02, 2011
Taking advantage of swift early fractions, Debauchee Hanover went wide to pounce on the tiring leaders and score a 14-1 upset Friday at The Meadows in the $23,400 championship of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares. While Givemybest Hanover and Morwyn Hanover du
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Round two of Matchmaker at Yonkers
April 02, 2011
Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker offered up the second round the same way it presented the first...with four, $40,000 Friday night divisions for the girls. Headpoles R Us (Cat Manzi, $22.40), leaving from post position No. 6, won the first division. She snapped pace-setting (:28, :57, 1:2
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McLaughlin joins Hoosier Park's TV team
April 02, 2011
If you haven’t seen or met Rachel McLaughlin, you’re likely to before you know it. She is the new television commentator and co-host on the racing show with Track Announcer Steve Cross at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. McLaughlin stepped into the position with a moment’s notice and has kicked off
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NJSS payments due April 15
April 02, 2011
April 15 is last chance for New Jersey-sired two-year-old and three-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to all 2011 N. J. Sire Stakes pari-mutuel racing programs.           The NJSS Premier Division is scheduled to begin in May at The Me
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Changes announced by Ohio Racing Commission
April 02, 2011
Effective April 1, 2011, Governor John Kasich has made the following appointments to the Ohio State Racing Commission: Chairman of the Racing Commission,  Robert Schmitz ®, Bexley, Legislative Representative and former OHHA Legislative Representative;  Commission members, Todd Book, (
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Golden Receiver wins Pocono's Open
April 02, 2011
Golden Receiver led much of the way and sustained despite a blistering pace to win the featured Open pace on Saturday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. It was the first Open pace of the 2011 meet , and it carried the night’s top purse of $25,000.Leaving from post position #8 in a field of nine a
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Blue Porsche adds new owners
April 01, 2011
Trainer Blair Burgess has told harnessracing.com that his 3-year-old trotter Blue Porsche, whose five wins last year included a career-best 1:54.1 effort in the $539,000 Valley Victory at Woodbine that led to O’Brien Award honors, has picked up several new owners over the winter. Owned during his f
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Shetler wins two as Hoosier opens
April 01, 2011
Driver-trainer Andy Shetler got off to a roaring start Thursday, March 31, kicking off the 18th season of Standardbred racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino with a driving and training double. The Iowa native earned wins in the first and third races on the card with Soaring Viking and Legal Opt
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DSBF continues at Dover Downs
April 01, 2011
The Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding $20,000 trot and pace divisions got underway with first leg preliminaries with Powerful Mist, Three Martini’s, First Captain and Warrhawk One winners at Dover Downs on Thursday, March 31 at Dover Downs. Trainer Wayne Give
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Chupp and Leonard in Maywood accident
April 01, 2011
Veteran reinsmen Del Chupp and Casey Leonard were both injured in a nasty spill that took place just after the start of the second race of Maywood Park’s Thursday card.   As of 10:15 p.m. (central) the 33-year-old Leonard who hails from Harvard, IL and the 46-year-old Chupp who resides in
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Smoken Up beats Blacks A Fake in ID leg
April 01, 2011
Smoken Up, the runner-up to Blacks A Fake in last year's Inter Dominion championship, captured his second leg in the 2011 renewal of the Australasian classic on Friday night (April 1) at Alexandra Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Smoken Up beat Blacks A Fake by 3 1/2 lengths.. The first division of th
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CHHA scholarship applications due April 30
April 01, 2011
Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association scholarship Applications are due April 30, 2011. The Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association is reminding everyone that the 2011 scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2011. Application forms can be found at http://chha.net/files/sch
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PA Harness Week begins Saturday
April 01, 2011
“PA Harness Week,” harness racing’s fastest-paced half-hour, is back in 2011 with more excitement, great features and behind-the-scenes reporting. New episodes air every Saturday at 1 p.m. beginning on April 2 on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia through Dec. 24.   Fans outside the viewing are
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Pick 4 producing big numbers at Balmoral
April 01, 2011
With the help of the USTA Strategic Wagering program, Balmoral Park will offer guaranteed Pick 4 pools every weekend in April. The one-mile oval will guarantee $15,000 every Saturday night and up the ante to $25,000 on Sundays. The Pick 4 will encompass the FINAL FOUR races.   Since the
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Gural: Meeting went well on Friday
April 01, 2011
Jeff Gural told harnessracing.com Friday afternoon that a meeting held earlier in the day with major investors in his plan to lease the Meadowlands Racetrack from the state of New Jersey “went well.” A March 31 deadline imposed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been extended two weeks as Gural f
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Gary Seibel is out at TVG
April 01, 2011
Gary Seibel, known as the voice and face of harness racing on Television Games Network (TVG) since the horse racing channel launched in 1999 and the host of the "Drive Time" show, told harnessracing.com early Friday evening that he has been laid off from the network. TVG announced las
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Update on drivers after Maywood spill
April 01, 2011
Here is an update on the conditions of veteran reinsmen Del Chupp and Casey Leonard who were involved in a nasty spill that took place just after the start of the second race of Maywood Park’s Thursday night card.   Leonard, who sustained a dislocated shoulder in the wreck, had the shoul
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Winbak dominates DSBF 1st leg highlights
April 01, 2011
Three-Year-Old stakes got underway at Dover Downs on the final two days in March with 1st leg trotting and pacing $20,000 preliminaries at Dover Downs.On DSBF opening day, March 30 , Delaware-sired fillies took the spotlight. Badlands Jenna, after sweeping both the Harrington and Dover Downs 2010 tw
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Gisser named HHYF project manager
April 01, 2011
Keith Gisser has joined the Harness Horse Youth Foundation as project manager according to HHYF Executive Director Ellen Taylor. In addition to media and promotion, Gisser will be involved in recruitment and programming for the educational organization.   "HHYF is growing and moving forward w
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