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Racing writer Rees comments on racing & jobs
February 29, 2012
Jennie Rees, an award-winning horse racing writer for the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper, has written about the business of horse racing--and the jobs it creates--on her blog on the newspaper's website.   Rees, who has covered the Kentucky Futurity and other top harness races at
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See You At Peelers to qualify on Thursday
February 29, 2012
The 2011 Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year See You At Peelers will make her 4-year-old debut Thursday morning in qualifying action at the Meadowlands. Also scheduled to start in the nine-race session are two winners of more than $3 million each: reigning Pacer of the Year Foiled Again and t
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Heather Wilder working on PR, marketing at Meadows
February 29, 2012
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) has announced that Heather Wilder has joined the association as public relations and marketing director. The MSOA recognizes that horsemen's associations need to promote attendance and handle at the racetrack, and has budgeted substantial funds
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PA Horse Conference set to address funding
February 29, 2012
In the midst of great uncertainty about the future of the horse racing and breeding industries in Pennsylvania--following Governor Tom Corbett's proposed $72 million cut to the Horse Race Development Fund–members of the Pennsylvania equine community will gather in Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania
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Alagna in the Big M's "Sulky" on Friday
February 29, 2012
After a year layoff, Put On A Show returns to action in the $40,000 opening leg of the Overbid Series on Friday (March 2) at the Meadowlands. The Chris Ryder trainee was one of the top pacing fillies in the country before knee trouble placed her on the sidelines. Watch what Chris Ryder has to s
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Bier buys Keystone Thomas for $100,000
February 29, 2012
One of the best open-class trotters in Florida of recent vintage, Keystone Thomas,has been sold by private treaty and is likely to re-surface soonin a more northern jurisdiction.   The 6-year-old Revenue S-Keystone Taboo gelding was sold by Fred Monteleone of Pompano Beach to the conn
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Sustaining payments due March 15 for Delaware
February 28, 2012
Sustaining payments for the 68th Little Brown Jug, the 43rd Jugette, the 61st Old Oaken Bucket and the 62nd Buckette at Delaware, Ohio, are due March 15. These are for foals of 2010 and will be raced in 2013.   Sustaining payments are also due for the 73rd Standardbred 2-year-old colt
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Sand E Fiftyfive speeds to 10th straight win
February 28, 2012
An old Jerry Reed song proclaimed "when you're hot….you're hot” and that's just what Sand E Fiftyfive is. The 6-year-old I Am A Fool mare scored her 10th consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon, Feb. 27.   For the second week in a row trainer Billy Kapinos handed
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Harness Eye's Giwner to call race at Big M
February 28, 2012
A guest announcer will step into the booth in Thursday night's fifth race at the Meadowlands. Derick Giwner, managing editor of harness content for the Harness Eye and Daily Racing Form, will dust off his binoculars to call the $18,000 division of the Horse & Groom Series for conditioned tro
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Bee Fullof Steinam ready to sting in Damsel
February 28, 2012
When Bee Fullof Steinam lines up behind the gate on Friday evening at Woodbine to compete in the second leg of the $40,000 Damsel Pacing Series, driver Paul MacDonell has plenty of reason to be optmistic about their chances.   A lightly-raced daughter of Life Sign-Caliterra, Bee fullo
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Monticello cancels Wednesday due to snow
February 28, 2012
Monticello Raceway has cancelled its Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 29) race card due to the National Weather Station forecast of heavy snow in the Catskills that day. Along with the cancellation of the pari-mutuel program, simulcasting, both day and night, is also cancelled.   Racing
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Wrenn looking for Hoosier Park 'four-peat'
February 28, 2012
Peter Wrenn completed a three-peat last season, earning his third straight leading driver title at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. He has established himself as the "go-to guy” for several of the top contenders in stakes races and brings in a wealth of experience and success, not only on the l
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Bet On The Law--And the law won!
February 28, 2012
Following a break in stride in his lifetime debut on Feb. 7, Bet On The Law was back to redeem himself as the overwhelming 1-9 choice in the opening race of the Tuesday program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   The 3-year-old gelding by Bettor's Delight-Outlawed Beauty ma
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No Bad Luck is all good luck at Dover
February 28, 2012
There was no luck involved in a 1:51.2 victory by No Bad Luck in the $23,000 Mares Open pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday. Paradise Lost found the winner's circle for the second straight time in the $16,500 Mares winners-over pace.   Montrell Teague moved out of third heading to the half
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Back-to-back wins for Southern Allie
February 28, 2012
Southern Allie waited patiently in the pocket, then pounced in the Lightning Lane to capture his second straight victory in Tuesday's $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   When Jojo N Goliath and Valentowner moved smartly on the outside after the leader, Biletnikoff, it ap
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Meadows to host Sadie Hawkins races
February 27, 2012
In the fertile imagination of Li'l Abner creator Al Capp, Sadie Hawkins Day was a once-a-year occasion when a woman could marry a man of her choosing — if she could catch him and drag him across the finish line. Capp's 1937 invention spawned Sadie Hawkins Day races across the country. On leap ye
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Rosie Snyder, 84, dies in Washington, Pa.
February 27, 2012
Rosie Snyder, 84, of Washington, Pa., the mother of horsemen Dane and Doug Snyder and Dee Smith, the wife of Illinois horseman Perry Smith, and the widow of the late horseman Richard "Dick" Snyder, died Sunday (Feb. 25) at Evergreen Assisted Living facility, where she had been a resident for two
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Hoosier Park eyes purchase of Indiana Downs
February 27, 2012
Following the announcement last week that Indiana Live/Indiana Downs has filed a motion in bankruptcy court that would place the facility up for sale, published reports in Indiana state that Centaur, the parent company of Hoosier Park Casino & Racing, is an interested buyer.   A s
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Hoosier Park gearing up for March 27 opener
February 27, 2012
Final preparations are underway for the 19th season of Standardbred racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The 80-day meet begins Tuesday, March 27, offering five days of racing per week through Saturday, July 14. Post time Tuesday through Saturday is set at 5:30 p.m. Eastern.  
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Payments for PASS, fair racing due March 15
February 27, 2012
Approximately $12 million is ready to be won by Pennsylvania's brightest and fastest harness racing stars during Pennsylvania Sire Stakes competition in 2012.   With slots play in the state at an all-time high of more than $30.3 billion last year, the Pennsylvania Race Horse Deve
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Pocono stable area to open Thursday
February 27, 2012
After one of the mildest winters on record, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is preparing for its 2012 racing season by opening the stable gates Thursday (March 1), for the arrival of horsemen and horses. Racing kicks off Tuesday, April 3.   Luann Reynolds, stall superintendent, will be on
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PL Daley takes Don Mills final in 1:55.4
February 27, 2012
After posting a pair of second-place efforts in the preliminary rounds of the Don Mills Trotting Series, PL Daley was guided to the winner's circle in the rich $75,000 final Monday evening at Woodbine by regular pilot Chris Christoforou.   Christoforou elected to use off-the-pace tact
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Hennesseys win with Eyewitness Account
February 27, 2012
Following closely after his milestone 8,000th winning drive and his February private purchase of pacer Waterside Champ bringing him a pair of wins in his first three starts, Hall Of Fame driver Wally Hennessey has done it again with a private acquisition of pacing mare Eyewitness Account at The
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Photo Fantasy upsets in Meadows mare trot
February 27, 2012
Dismissed at 11-1, Photo Fantasy worked out a comfortable pocket trip, then charged through the Lightning Lane to score the upset in Monday's $22.500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot at The Meadows.   Although competitive in The Meadows' top distaff trot, Photo Fantasy had been earning
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Tetrick drives 5 winners on Dover card
February 27, 2012
RossWolfenden put Southwestern Dream into the lead on the clubhouse turn and Southwestern Dream held off Ise The By Boy the rest of the way while chalking up a 1:50.4 victory in the $31,000 Preferred Pace at Dover Downs on Monday (Feb. 27).   In other Dover action, the ever-improving
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2,000 wins for Jordan Stratton
February 26, 2012
With his second win on Yonkers Raceway's Saturday night card driver Jordan Stratton won the 2,000th race of his career. Stratton, who reached 1,999 with Foreign Officer ($9.30) in the $27,000, eighth-race pace, hit the milestone when Lola's Cruiser ($13.60) was both good and lucky in t
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Roxane Griff beats Ready Cash in Prix de Paris
February 26, 2012
The Prix de Paris, the last of the three giant races during the 2011/2012 winter-meeting at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, was raced Sunday afternoon.   Surprisingly, Ready Cash made another start before entering stud and it was a test of his stamina in the marathon-event, which is conte
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Tetrick is Fool Of Ideas at Dover
February 26, 2012
Tim Tetrick drove Fool Of Ideas to his second consecutive victory in the $15,500 pace on a balmy Sunday at Dover Downs. Meet leader Corey Callahan had a four-win "grand slam" on the card.   For the second week, the I Am A Fool-Enlightened One gelding Fool Of Ideas took the
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Near-perfect qualifiers at Rosecroft
February 25, 2012
Over a track rated as fast, but with a two-second allowance given for howling winds, 22 of the 23 horses that competed Saturday morning at Rosecroft qualified. The day's most impressive mile was put up by I Told Gordy who backed off the half and outsprinted a determined Devil's Ivy to score a 1:
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Illinois-based trainer Jerald Grevengold dies
February 25, 2012
Friday was a tough day for horsemen and fans of Maywood Park as longtime trainer Jerald Grevengoed passed away late Friday afternoon.   The 69-year-old Grevengoed, who had sent out almost 300 winners after embarking on a training career in 1992, was found unresponsive in a tack r
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Drivers hurt in Maywood race accident
February 25, 2012
A nasty wreck in the 10th race at Maywood Park on Friday night sent four horses and drivers tumbling to the ground after Stylish Soiree N and John Roberts set off a chain reaction accident while storming to the lead while three wide after the three-quarter-mile mark.     Just
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Drive All Night drives hard late in Pompano win
February 25, 2012
It might have seemed to reinsman Anthony Napolitano that he had to drive all night before prevailing in an 8-1 upset photo finish decision in Pompano's $12,000 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday. And that's exactly what he did. With an unlikely trip scenario, Napolitano teamed Drive All Night to a h
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Blatantly Good wins Big M Invitational
February 25, 2012
Driver Ron Pierce tipped Blatantly Good from fourth approaching the half and the 8-year-old son of Albert Albert remained game despite a first-over journey the rest of the distance to win Saturday night's $30,000 Invitational Pace at the Meadowlands in 1:50.2.   Brian Sears left faste
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Itrustyou's streak ends at 13 in Cam Fella
February 25, 2012
Itrustyou had his impressive 13-race win streak come to an end Saturday night when Modern Legend captured the opening round of the Cam Fella Pacing Series at Woodbine. Driver Jack Moiseyev, who swept both $30,000 divisions, guided Modern Legend to the winner's circle. The 4-year-old gelding exte
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Moffett to make polar plunge for charity
February 25, 2012
Heather Moffett is known for her compassion and raising money for charity, almost as much as she is known for her bubbly, energetic personality on the two harness racing television shows she hosts. Organizing fund raisers, getting people involved in community service and raising awareness for he
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Joe Sacco dies in Michigan
February 24, 2012
Joseph O. Sacco, 82, a longtime Standardbred owner and one of the original owners of Sports Creek Raceway in Swartz Creek, Mich., died Thursday, Feb. 23.   Mr. Sacco was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 2, 1928. He was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev., for 13 years, and was formerly o
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MacDonald scores in Yonkers debut
February 24, 2012
Mark MacDonald made his Westchester--and 2012 seasonal--debut Thursday night, driving a Yonkers Raceway duo.   MacDonald's first drive was a last (sixth)-place finish behind Heaven and Hall in the $11,000, second-race trot. He then found paydirt in the $14,000, 10th-race pace, wi
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Favorites score in Yonkers features
February 24, 2012
Keeper's Destiny (Eric Goodell), snapped on the money in her local debut a week ago, had no such issues Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace.   Leaving from post position five, the 11-10 choice worked around pole-assigned Arctic Fire N
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CPMA now testing for ethanol
February 24, 2012
On Jan. 16, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agencyannounced that official samples will be tested for ethanol, effective Feb. 13.   Ethanol, a central nervous system depressant, is widely available in many forms. The CPMA is advising industry participants to take care and to read the label of
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Sunshine Pro-Am series for Florida, California
February 24, 2012
In a very unique format, Pompano Park has set the dates of its "Sunshine Pro-Am Challenge”. A series of at least six races will be conducted over two race nights, Monday and Tuesday, March 12th and 13th at the Florida oval. Two amateurs and two professional reinsmen each from Cal-Expo and Pompan
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Five qualifiers on tap Saturday at Rosecroft
February 24, 2012
The box for the first qualifiers of the winter-spring 2012 meet at Rosecroft Raceway closed at noon today and five qualifiers will be on tap for Saturday at 11 a.m.   After a Thursday training session where participants were pleased at the good condition of the track it is expect
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Owner puts up his 'dukes' in Don Mills final
February 24, 2012
Don Culham loves the excitement that being astandardbred owner brings him. Dukester, a 5-year-old gelding, is one of his horses that had him on the edge of his seat the last time he was at Woodbine.   After flying late to score a 19-1 upset by three-quarters of a length in the second
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Judges announced for Stanley Bergstein Writing Award
February 24, 2012
Frank Deford, Bill Nack, Bill Christine and Richard Eng will serve as judges for Team Valor International's inaugural Stanley Bergstein Writing Award.   Barry Irwin, founder and chief executive officer of Team Valor International, instituted the award last fall to foster the type of w
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Anders Bluestone rallies in sloppy Big M feature
February 24, 2012
Anders Bluestone followed the cover of Hava Kadabra and was then able to edge past his rival in the final strides to win Friday night's $30,000 Invitational Trot at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Driven by Ron Pierce, Anders Bluestone crossed the wire in 1:54.4 over a "sloppy" track for his fourth w
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Bongiorno scores 'Hudson River Double'
February 24, 2012
Eighteen-year-old driver Joe Bongiorno posted his first professional wins at both the Meadowlands and Yonkers racetracks on Friday night.   Bongiorno steered Don't Blame Her to the winner's circle in the third race at Yonkers before crossing the George Washington Bridge in time to gu
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Oceans Motion fastest in Damsel opener
February 24, 2012
In the opening leg of the Damsel Pacing Series, Oceans Motion and driver Jody Jamieson clocked the fastest division on Friday evening at Woodbine Racetrack.   In the third and final $30,000 division, Oceans Motion came from off the pace to notch a hard-fought victory over post time fa
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Get Chipped gets nod in Mighty M blanket finish
February 23, 2012
Before they went to post for Wednesday's weekly trotting feature at Monticello Raceway the race appeared to be very competitive, perhaps because post positions were assigned by the racing secretary. Whether that was the redeeming factor or not, the contest was one of the best of the season
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Winning Mister wins third straight at The Meadows
February 23, 2012
Winning Mister made his third straight victory look as convincing as the first two when he barreled to the lead and waltzed home unchallenged in 1:54 in Thursday's $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   Winning Mister went an evenly rated mile for Dick Stillings, clocking m
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Record $44,675 Pick-5 payout at Balmoral
February 23, 2012
With a two-night carryover of nearly $30,000 and a $100,000 guaranteed pool helping to fuel interest, the eyes and wallets in the harness racing world were trained on races two through six on Wednesday night at Balmoral Park.   Looking for that one big “score,” fans poured another $140,9
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KY Senate votes down bill for expanded gaming
February 23, 2012
After nearly two hours of debate which began late Thursday afternoon (Feb. 23), the Kentucky state Senate voted down a bill that called for a November referendum on the issue of expanded gambling. The bill received 16 "aye" votes, with 23 needed to pass a constitutional amendment
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Northern Luck dies at 18 after colic surgery
February 23, 2012
Northern Luck p,3, 1:49.1 ($907,974), a horse known for his striking dark color, was euthanized at Charles Sturt University in the state of New South Wales, Australia, due to complications following colic surgery on Feb. 13. He was 18. A son of Camluck and the Big Towner mare Town Sweeth
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Put On A Show, Anndrovette win qualifiers
February 23, 2012
The 5-year-old pacing mare Put On A Show won her second qualifier of the season at the Meadowlands Thursday morning in preparation for her 2012 debut in the Overbid Series. The Overbid Series gets underway March 2 at the Meadowlands.   With Brian Sears up behind her for just the secon
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Standardbreds part of Houston funeral in Newark
February 23, 2012
The Newark (NJ) Mounted Police Department assisted in providing security for the funeral of the late pop singer Whitney Houston on Feb. 18 and 19 and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation's (SRF) horses were part of that effort.   Seven of the horses in the police department's mounted d
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NEW Weekend Preview with Florida Files
February 23, 2012
The latest edition of HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is now available by clicking below or by signing up by following the link at the top of this home page. The Weekend Preview is FREE and in addition to insights into the East Coast driving colony it includes an installment of The Florida Fi
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Simpson making his mark at the Meadowlands
February 23, 2012
Brandon Simpson has combined training a small stable with his sizable driving talent to become a strong presence at the Meadowlands.     Simpson will steer three of his trainees, in addition to the rest of his catch-drives on Friday night. The 30-year-old Illinois nativ
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Man's Treasure, Trouble take Singer splits
February 23, 2012
Man's Treasure and Trouble captured the two $12,500 splits in second leg action of the Charles Singer Memorial Series Thursday night at the Meadowlands.   Man's Treasure, the betting favorite, was put on the lead by driver Tim Tetrick and won in 1:58.1. Don Niccum is training the 3-ye
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Valley View license story is erroneous
February 22, 2012
Pennsylvania State Gaming Control Board director of communications Doug Harbach says statements issued on Tuesday, including on harnessracing.com that used reports from the Ellwood City Ledger website, claiming the gaming license for the Valley View Downs project was approved are erro
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Tioga discontinues LCs, adds NYSS "preps"
February 22, 2012
Tioga Downs will begin its 2012 live racing season on Saturday, May 5, and some changes have been made to this season's opening schedule of races. The New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) will start in mid May this year, resulting in the late closers restricted to 3YOs offered in past se
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Steve Wolf new president of Harness Writers
February 22, 2012
Long-time horse racing publicist Steven Wolf has been elected president of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA).   Wolf, a resident of Coral Springs FL, has been writing and covering harness racing for more than 30 years. He is currently the president of StableTracker
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WEG's Eaves says tracks make $1.5 billion for ONT
February 22, 2012
On Wednesday morning (Feb. 22), as the horse racing community was poised to rally at a park in downtown Toronto, Ont., to voice opposition to a government plan to take money away from the province's racing program, Woodbine CEO Nick Eaves delivered some powerful data in a story published in Toro
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Summertime Yankee's 1:54.3 sets season's mark
February 22, 2012
Summertime Yankee willingly accepted cover early, then powered through the lane to capture Tuesday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows in 1:54.3, fastest this year by an older mare on a five-eighths-mile track.   Summertime Yankee yielded the point to Photo Fanta
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Sugar Valley Farm in Ohio to hold open house
February 22, 2012
Sugar Valley Farm will host an open house and stallion parade on Saturday (March 31) from 2-4 pm. There will be two parades -- one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 3:30 pm. The stallions will be available to be viewed throughout the afternoon.   Food will be provided by Jeff Short of Shorty's Ba
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KY gaming bill passes committee after revision
February 22, 2012
The Kentucky Senate's State and Local Government Committee on Wednesday voted 7-4 in favor of Senate Bill 151, a constitutional amendment that would put a question on the November ballot authorizing up to seven casinos in the state. The bill will be heard next on the Senate floor.   The bill
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Norwegian Wassberg visits Pompano
February 22, 2012
Even though he has never before been away from his stable and never before been on a vacation, top Norwegian trainer and driver Ove Wassberg admitted he was glad he made a stop at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. His visit was a major highlight of the Wednesday program in South Florida. &n
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Tagyoureit upsets at 13-1 at Dover
February 22, 2012
Overlooked at 13-1,Tagyoureit Hanover made his first start since early November a winning one to win the $23,000 Mares Open trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday. Matt Kakaley catch-drove the Andover Hall-Tags Sweetie gelding for red-hot trainer Eric Ell and owners Gorden, Rekoon, Goldberg and Ken Wood.
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Mitchell says racing must make business case
February 22, 2012
Hugh Mitchell, chief executive officer of Western Fair District, which operates Western Fair Raceway, and a former president of Harness Tracks of America, has been commenting publicly about a proposal in Ontario to change horse racing's share of slots revenues.   Mitchell says the horse racin
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Michigan's Claudia Wright dies
February 21, 2012
Claudia J. Wright, 68, a USTA member from Charlotte, Mich., and the wife of longtime Michigan owner Gordon Wright, died Sunday, Feb. 19, at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor after an extended illness.   Mrs. Wright was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Al Hambra, Calif., the daugh
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Aaron Merriman gets 5,000th win at Northfield
February 21, 2012
Aaron Merriman, 33, reached career win number 5,000 when he drove Genesis See Yah to a 1:54.3 victory in Race 9 on Monday (Feb. 20) at Northfield Park.   Despite missing time because of injuries, Merriman became the fifth youngest driver to reach that milestone. A total of 79 drivers hav
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HHYF announces July camp dates
February 21, 2012
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is pleased to announce its July horsemanship camp schedule. The HHYF and its stable of Trottingbreds will travel to Goshen Historic Track, Tioga Downs, Pocono Downs and Gaitway Farms, in addition to a holding a two-day program for the New Jersey Girl Scouts. Spac
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$100,000 Pick 5 guarantee Wed. at Balmoral
February 21, 2012
The USTA Strategic Wagering Initiative and Balmoral Park have combined to announce an instant guaranteed pool of $100,000 on the 50 cent Balmoral Pick 5  Wednesday night. Making this possible is a carryover of $29,672 which will be added to the pool.   We estimate a final Pick 5 pool of
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Longtime race secretary Mark Lydon dies
February 21, 2012
Mark Lydon, 74, a longtime racing secretary who was also one of the breeders of 1971-72 Horse of the Year Albatross, died Saturday, Feb. 18,   Mr. Lydon was a lifetime member of the North American Harness Racing Secretaries Inc., and worked as racing secreta
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McNair says 'I do' to pair in Damsel Series
February 21, 2012
Driver Doug McNair is set to steer a pair of mares in the opening leg of the Damsel Pacing Series on Friday evening at Woodbine. With three $30,000 divisions drawn for Friday’s 12-race program, the young driver will guide one of his father Gregg’s trainees, Synergy Seelster, and the Joe Pereira
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Summertime Yankee sets 1:54.3 season's mark
February 21, 2012
Summertime Yankee willingly accepted cover early, then powered through the lane to capture Tuesday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. The time was 1:54.3, the fastest mile this year by an older mare on a five-eighths mile track. Summertime Yankee yielded t
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Morgan becomes 4th driver to win 14,000 races
February 21, 2012
Tony Morgan became the fourth driver in harness racing history to win 14,000 races, driving Timmylynn to a victory in a $13,500 purse race for mares on Tuesday (Feb. 21) at Dover Downs. Only Herve Filion, Dave Palone and Cat Manzi have more career wins than Morgan.   Morgan made good use of s
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Winner by DQ in top French race for 3YOs
February 20, 2012
The Criterium des Jeunes, the most important stake for the French 3-year-olds, was raced Sunday at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. At the end of the season the 3-year-olds have another chance in the Criterium des 3 Ans. The filly Vanika du Ruel won the race after a disqualification.  
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FL USHWA inducts new Hall of Famers
February 20, 2012
With the largest attendance in more than 15 years, the Florida chapter of the the United States Harness Writers Association held its 21st annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet Sunday at the at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North Hotel. The inductees were horsemen Jim McDonald, Walter "Wally" Ross S
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Morgan wins 13,999th career race
February 20, 2012
Fool Of ideas captured the $15,500 featured pace on Sunday at Dover Downs, while Tony Morgan advanced to 13,999 career wins.   Tim Tetrick scored the first of two wins by piloting Fool Of Ideas to a 1:53 victory, equaling his personal career-best clocking, to win the
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KYSS receives $2 million in 2012 funding
February 20, 2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) announced Monday that the Kentucky Breeders' Incentive Funds are distributing more than $12.8 million in awards. The KBIF was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength and growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. This fund is financed through t
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Pavia within a dozen wins of 5,000
February 20, 2012
With Wally Hennessey's 8,000th lifetime winning drive now on the books, the milestone watchers at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park are turning their attention to Joe Pavia Jr. The 51-year-old horseman hailing from Utica, NY will soon be joining the 5,000 lifetime win 
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Morgan still trying for 14,000th driving win
February 20, 2012
In the last race on Monday at Dover Downs, Tony Morgan finished one length shy of driving his 14,000 winner. Morgan was driving the betting favorite, the Josh Green-trained Moisee Terror, and took the lead at the top of the homestretch, but then was passed by Elijah Hanover.   In other Dover
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PA horseman Dale Rennick dies
February 19, 2012
Pennsylvania horseman M. Dale Rennick, 75, of Allegheny Township, died Saturday, Feb. 18, in the emergency room at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Pittsburgh.   He was born July 27, 1936, in North Buffalo Township, to the late Martin August and Ethel Claypoole Rennick. He has been a resident of
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Itrustyou wins 13th straight in Exit 16W final
February 18, 2012
Itrustyou made it a lucky 13 in a row as he won the $74,600 Exit 16W final, the headliner in a trio of stakes contested Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.     The 13-race card also produced the highest total handle of the meet, with $3,144,519 wagered.   The mile
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Summer Camp wins Yonkers Open
February 18, 2012
Invading Summer Camp (Jason Bartlett) went the distance Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $33,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position four as the 7-5 choice, Summer Camp worked around PH Jackpot (Cat Manzi), making the lead just after a :27.4 opening quarter mile. He then
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Siblings sweep Woodbine finals for Johnson
February 18, 2012
Young trainer Corey Johnson and owner Michael Sergi made a profitable journey to Woodbine on Saturday night as they sent out a pair of $50,000 Series final winners in Bay Of Sharks and his half-sister, Bay Girl.   In the WEGZ Series final, Bay Of Sharks, who found the winner's circle in both
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Wally Hennessey joins 8,000-win club
February 18, 2012
After a succession of near misses on Pompano's last card before Saturday night, Wally Hennessey made no mistake in reaching the 8,000-win career milestone with his very first drive on the Saturday night program. The 55-year-old reinsman hailing from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, thus bec
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Texas Ridge springs 80-1 Don Mills shocker
February 17, 2012
Texas Ridge and driver Sylvain Filion pulled off an 80-1 shocker in their $35,000 Don Mills Trotting Series division on Thursday night at Woodbine.   The Richard Gillock trainee also lowered his lifetime mark to 1:55.2 in notching his second win of the season in six starts. &n
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Indiana stakes March payments due
February 17, 2012
There are two important payment deadlines for Indiana Stakes in the month of March: Thursday, March 1, is the payment deadline for Indiana-sired Late Closers IS-30 and IS-31 while Thursday. March 15, is the payment deadline for Indiana Sire Stakes (3 year olds & older), Indiana-
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Winbak Farm has new social media competition
February 17, 2012
Winbak Farm is proud to introduce a new daily contest. In honor of breeding season, we will feature discounted breedings to those who win.   Thursday's featured stallion was Rustler Hanover. Our lucky winner will receive $500 off of a breeding.    The contest will feature a d
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Perretti eyeing additions to broodmare band
February 17, 2012
The reports that Perretti Farms is going out of business, to paraphrase Mark Twain, are greatly exaggerated.   Perretti Farms in Cream Ridge, N.J., is in the market for fillies coming off the track to add to the broodmare band of the state’s largest Standardbred farm.     Thi
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Chester qualifers on March 2, 6
February 17, 2012
Horsemen are to be advised that Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack will hold pre-meet qualifiers on Friday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 6, with first post at 10 a.m. each day.   Entries will be accepted the day prior on both occasions, with the box scheduled to close at 11 a.m.
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Symphony In Motion, Jamie Sue win mare finals
February 17, 2012
Symphony In Motion (inside) caught the favorite Higher And Higher in the final strides to win the $63,750 Cape & Cutter Final on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Later in the card, Robert Di Nozzi’s Jamie Sue capitalized on a miscue by the leader to take the $47,000 Tender Loving Care
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Breakheart Pass best at Yonkers with 1:53.2 mile
February 17, 2012
Breakheart Pass (Jason Bartlett) needed every bit a perfect pocket trip Friday night to win the $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace in 1:53.2 at Yonkers Raceway.   One of three leavers--she from post position four--Breakheart Pass was stuffed into the two hole. Invading Canad
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Put On A Show wins off 15-month layoff
February 16, 2012
The 5-year-old pacing mare Put On A Show won a qualifier at the Meadowlands Thursday morning in 1:53.3, the first appearance for the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover since her 2010 season in which she was overwhelmingly voted the 3-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year. Trainer Chris Ryder told The Horseman
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Rosecroft racing applications available
February 16, 2012
Rosecroft Raceway reminds those intending to race at the track’s winter-spring meet that an application must be on file before training, qualifying or racing at Rosecroft. The application is available at http://www.rosecroft.com/ on the internet. The first training session will occur on Thursday, F
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MHHA president asks governor for help
February 16, 2012
Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association president Brett Boyd on Thursday morning sent a letter to Governor Rick Snyder asking for his help saving the state's horse racing industry. In the letter, Boyd highlights the overwhelming financial power of the tribal casinos and the significant gro
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Rags to Riches gets underway at Meadowlands
February 16, 2012
Kentucky Rebel (pictured), a 10-year-old gelding by Armbro Operative, was one of the winners in Rags to Riches Series action at the Meadowlands Thursday night. The condition for the race--3 year olds and up who have started for a base claiming price of $10,000  or less once in the last four sta
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Ohio casinos to open, legislation passes House
February 16, 2012
Ohio’s first two casinos got the green light today to open in May, and Cleveland will go first, with Penn National Gaming's Toledo casino set to open the week of May 28.  A casino in downtown Columbus is expected to open later this year.   Meanwhile, on Wednesday (Feb. 15) the Ohio House
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Trainer confident in Bay Of Sharks despite post
February 16, 2012
One evening, featuring two series and two pacers looking for a clean sweep in their respective $50,000 Series, highlight Saturday night's card of racing at Woodbine.   Bay Of Sharks will headline the WEGZ Pacing Series final. The son of Cams Card Shark-Whitley Bay, who is four-for-five this y
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NEW! Fla. Files, Breeding Banter & Burke Brigade
February 16, 2012
The latest edition of HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is now available by clicking below or by signing up by following the link at the top of this home page. The Weekend Preview is FREE and in addition to insights into this weekend’s Winter Series finals at the Meadowlands, this week’s edition include
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John Wagner drives 5,000th career winner
February 16, 2012
Outlaw went straight to the winner's circle after taking a $13,500 pacing event for 4- and 5-year-olds at Dover Downs on Thursday. In other action, John Wagner drove his 5,000th career winner.   With meet leading driver Corey Callahan in the bike, Outlaw was on his best behavior, scoring a 1:
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Handle at Maywood Park up 16.9% in 2012
February 16, 2012
With no sign of Old Man Winter in sight, business figures at Maywood Park have been heating up as well. Friday nights in particular have seen an increase in handle of 16.9% compared to the same dates in 2011.   Through Feb. 11, Fridays at Maywood Park are averaging $1,027,864 compared to $879
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Pick 5 pool gives Big M another strong handle
February 16, 2012
Thanks to a Pick 5 pool of $164,344 which was spurred by a carryover of $27,470, handle for the Thursday night card at the Meadowlands was within $4,326 of the track's handle on the comparable night in 2011, with one fewer race this year.   Total handle on Thursday was $1,885,527 for the 10-r
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Up Front Ben tops Blooded Horse Sale at $39,000
February 15, 2012
Good racehorses and well-bred broodmares were in demand at the two-day Blooded Horse Sale. Five out of the top nine horses sold were for racing and four were for breeding.   Up Front Ben, from the Upfront Racing consignment of Ed Mullinax, topped the sale at $39,000. Tracy Brainard purch
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Case, Beeson win Pompano Sweetheart features
February 15, 2012
The competitors with the most and fewest lifetime winning drives earned the top prizes in the 2012 Sweetheart Pace and Sweetheart Trot as part of the Valentine's program festivities at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   A cast of nine female drivers was assembled for the races which carri
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Nearing 14,000, Morgan heading to Northfield
February 15, 2012
After posting one win on Tuesday’s card at Dover Downs, Tony Morgan is just three victories away from reaching the 14,000-win milestone for his career. Morgan is slated to drive at Dover on Wednesday and Thursday as he continues his quest for 14,000, but on Friday—Dover is dark on Fridays and Saturd
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Allmar Surprise 3 for 5 in 2012
February 15, 2012
Local favorite Allmar Surprise was overlooked in the $16,500 winners-over trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday, scoring a 1:54.4 victory in the feature. Tony Morgan moved to within two winning drives of becoming the third driver in North American history to win 14,000 races.     Since
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Making a case for keeping ONT's deal with racing
February 15, 2012
The Ontario horse racing industry has stepped up to make its case why horse racing shouldn't be cut out of the deal it make with the provincial government to agree to slots gaming at its facilities. Dave Briggs, editor of The Canadian Sportsman, made a case for racing in a Guelph, Ont., newspaper.
[read more]

KY governor unveils casino/racino amendment
February 14, 2012
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear unveiled a casino gambling amendment Tuesday that would allow five racetrack casinos and two others if legislators and then voters approve.   The proposed amendment does not specify which racetracks would get casinos, or where the non-track casinos could be lo
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'Fisher' King for Zeron in Don Mills?
February 14, 2012
When trainer-driver Rick Zeron returns home Thursday evening after attending his Oakville Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the horseman hopes to see that E W Fisher fared well in the $35,000 second leg of the Don Mills Trotting Series at Woodbine. The 2011 General Brock winner has eight wins
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Arrangements announced for Jim Ewart
February 14, 2012
James E. “Jim” Ewart, 72, one of the sport’s best-known racing secretaries, died Feb. 14, in Grove City, Ohio, following a long struggle with cancer.   A visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1 p.m. until a 3 p.m. memorial service at Barkley Funeral Home, 300
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Mary Frocione, wife of Lon Frocione, dies
February 14, 2012
Mary C. Frocione, 81, of Syracuse, NY, the wife of owner Lon Frocione, who has campaigned such stakes winners as Big Apple Deli, died Saturday, Feb. 11, at Saint Joseph's Hospital after a brief illness.   Mrs. Frocione was born Sept. 2, 1930, in Syracuse. She was a eu
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Big carryovers Thursday at Meadowlands
February 14, 2012
Carryovers in the Pick-5 and Pick-6 top the wagering opportunities Thursday night (Feb. 16) at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   The 50-cent Pick-5 begins in race one with a $27,470 carryover. In partnership with the USTA Strategic Wagering Program, the gross pool for Thursday’s Pick-5, including
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Morgan now 3 wins from 14,000
February 14, 2012
Mystra, a frequent visitor to the Dover Downs winner’s circle, did it again winning the $23,000 Valentine’s Day Mares Open pace on Tuesday. Also on the card, Tony Morgan registered win number 13,997 for his career.   With Brad Hanners at the controls, Mystra held off strong charges from
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Eaton, Welch named IHHA Hall of Famers
February 14, 2012
The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association's Hall of Fame committee has announced that the following were chosen for induction into the Illinois Harness Hall of Fame.   Living Inductee: Jim Eaton and Roger Welch; Equine Inductee: Million Dollar Bye and Valley Victor. Also being honored
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Jojo N Goliath posts first-over win at Meadows
February 14, 2012
Taking advantage of demanding early fractions, Jojo N Goliath pounced on the leaders down the backside and drew off to a convincing victory in Tuesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Away third for Eric Ledford, Jojo N Goliath moved uncovered to collar the leader, Valentow
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WEG nominations close Wednesday
February 13, 2012
Nominations for Woodbine Entertainment Group’s (WEG) spring series and major stakes events, including the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup and the $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic, close Wednesday, Feb. 15. Also, sustaining payments are due for the 2012 Simcoe, Simcoe Filly and SBO
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Palone drives 5 winners on his 50th birthday
February 13, 2012
Dave Palone celebrated his 50th birthday at the place he's often the happiest--in the winner's circle. Palone, who turned 50 on Monday, drove five winners on the 15-race card at The Meadows.   One of Palone's five winners was Kandor Hanover in the $22,500 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Tro
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Ontario slots revenue targeted in budget talks
February 13, 2012
Just one week after the Pennsylvania horse racing and breeding industry saw the state's governor target funds from slots earmarked for racing in his proposed budget, Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan said Monday that subsidies totaling $345 million to the horse racing industry last year are ‘no
[read more]

Royal Dream beats Ready Cash in Prix de France
February 12, 2012
Ready Cash failed to win the 400,000 euro Prix de France on Sunday afternoon at the Vincennes track in Paris, finishing third behind Royal Dream. The time was a mile rate of 1:55.1 for the 2,100 meter race (1.3 miles). Ready Cash finished third as the runner-up was a Yankee Glide stallion.  
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San Pail HOY; Foiled Again Pacer of the Year
February 12, 2012
With a crowd of more than 300 in attendance, the Canadian-based trotter San Pail was revealed first as the 2011 Trotter of the Year and then moments later as the Horse of the Year at the annual U.S. Harness Writers Night of Stars awards dinner, held in Orlando, Fla. Foiled Again, who was the di
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Heyden, McKee on ballot for Communicators Corner
February 12, 2012
Two of the best and brightest communicators in the sport – who just happened to be hosting the TV show at the nation's flagship track Saturday night – were finalized as ballot candidates for the Communicators Hall of Fame election this summer. ThesDirectors of the U.S. Harness Writers Associati
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Turn The Tide dies at Walnut Hall Stock Farm
February 12, 2012
Turn The Tide p,3, 1:53.2 ($860,993), a top stakes performer of her era who went on to produce the winners of more than $2 million, died Saturday (Feb. 11) at Walnut Hall Stock Farm in Lexington, Ky., her home for the past 20 years. She was bought by Walnut Hall Stock Farm owners Katherine and
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Joan Van Blarcom dies in Lexington
February 12, 2012
Joan Van Blarcom, the widow of John Bradley, a noted pedigree expert and Tattersalls sale company manager, died Friday (Feb. 10) at her home in Lexington, Ky., after battling cancer. She was 62.   Van Blarcom worked at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame before moving to Lexington wi
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Westwardho Hanover wins by head in Aquarius leg
February 11, 2012
Camaes Fellow (7) pressured Westwardho Hanover (9) from the half all the way to the finish line, but Westwardho still had the edge at the wire, winning the second leg of the Aquarius Series by a head at the Meadowlands Saturday night. The time of the mile was 1:51.1 on a night when the toteboard had
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Hennessey scores with new horse, nears 8,000
February 11, 2012
Not only is Wally Hennessey about to become the 21st driver in history to reach 8,000 wins, he also still has a very sharp eye for acquiring a promising horse. The 55-year-old driver has made a private purchase of Waterside Champ in partnership with Ian Smith. Dan Hennessey continues as the tra
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2 opens in a row for Tobago Cays at Yonkers
February 11, 2012
Tobago Cays, given a slick drive by Jim Pantaleano, defended his title Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $33,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from behind the eight-ball, Tobago Cays was double-digit lengths out of it early, beating no one. Corky Baran (Pat Lachance) yielded to Gallan
[read more]

Nominations due for Meadowlands EClosers
February 10, 2012
Stakes applications are available under the Horsemen Section at MeadowlandsRacetrack.com.  Twelve of the 14 early closing stakes feature a 20 percent reduction in nominating and sustaining fees for 2012.  The early closers [with estimated purses and dates of finals] include
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Post positions set for Sunday's Prix de France
February 10, 2012
The top three finishers in the Prix d’Amerique are among the entered starters for the 400,000 euro (about $530,000) Prix de France, set to be raced on Sunday at the Vincennes track in Paris. Prix d’Amerique winner Ready Cash is in the field and has drawn post six.   The distance for the race,
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Hoosier Classic sets dates, adds sale
February 10, 2012
The Hoosier Classic Sale Company of Indiana has announced their dates for the 2012 auction season. The company will conduct its annual yearling auction October 26 and 27 in the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis IN. The 2012 auction will be a select event wit
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Itrustyou wins 12th straight in Exit 16W action
February 10, 2012
Itrustyou (pictured) won his 12th straight race when he captured a division of the second leg of the Exit 16W Series in 1:50.3 on Friday night at the Meadowlands, but it wasn't an easy victory. The other Exit 16W splits went to Special T Rocks and Real Flight, both clocked in 1:50.4.
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Big M engaging fans in ownership
February 10, 2012
Some lucky racing fans will get to enjoy the thrills of horse ownership without paying any of the bills in the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Rags To Riches promotion. For four consecutive weeks, February 16 – March 10--guests will root for their horse to advance through the series for the chance to s
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Fire kills person, horse in hyperbaric chamber
February 10, 2012
According to reports, an explosion on Friday (Feb. 10) in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber at the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC) in Ocala, Fla., has reportedly killed one person and a horse and severely injured another person. KESMARC also has a hyperbaric oxygen ch
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Fox Valley Sage tops Yonkers mares in 1:54.1
February 10, 2012
Fox Valley Sage (Cat Manzi) proved best Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. She defeated Keystone Katherine by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:54.1.   Unhurried early from post position four, Fox Valley Sage watched as first Celtic Danser (La
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Mud Pie Hanover pays $121.60 in Cape & Cutter
February 10, 2012
Higher And Higher and Mud Pie Hanover won the two divisions of the second leg of the Cape & Cutter Series at the Meadowlands Friday night, with Higher And Higher an expected winner and Mud Pie Hanover a huge surprise, paying $121.60 for a $2 win ticket.   Higher And Higher started tr
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Bay Girl's 1:51.4 fastest in WEG mare series
February 10, 2012
Twenty-eight pacing mares were at Woodbine on Friday night to contest the second round of the HorsePlayer Interactive (HPI) Series. DGs Tinkerbell, Bay Girl and You Thrill Me were the ones taking top honors in the three $30,000 divisions.   In the first tilt, the Richard Moreau-trained D
[read more]

The gray Ruff Me Up brings trainer good fortune
February 09, 2012
If it was Joe Cirasuola who looked into a crystal ball last year, he would have balked at the very idea of believing a gray horse would bring him good fortune.   For most of his career, the trainer admittedly wasn’t a fan of grey horses. But the words of a psychic and Ruff Me Up, a pacer on a
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Pat Hudon talks about retirement from driving
February 09, 2012
Trainer/driver Pat Hudon has made one of the hardest decisions he’s ever had to make, choosing to focus solely on training. Hudon, 40, admits he’s been thinking about retiring from driving for a while.   It wasn’t until after an on-track incident on Nove. 10 at Woodbine, when he was unse
[read more]

Weekend Preview! News of first RNRoll Heavens
February 09, 2012
The latest edition of HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is now available by clicking below or by signing up by following the link at the top of this homepage. HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is FREE and in addition to insights into upcoming races, this week’s edition includes our Breeding Banter column an
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Taurus Dream, sire of Crys Dream, dies
February 08, 2012
Taurus Dream 3, 1:55.1 ($536,236), the sire of Crys Dream, a contender in last year's 2011 three-year-old filly trotter division, has died at the age of 13. He stood at stud in Ontario in 2011, where he was bred to 71 mares, but had been shipped to France and was en route to Sweden wh
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Well To Do Guru Illinois Horse of the Year
February 08, 2012
Like a fine wine Marilyn and James Gorman’s Well To Do Guru just seems to get better with age. On the heels of a remarkable 2011 campaign in which he posted a record of 13 wins, five seconds and three thirds in 26 starts while earning a career high $217,354, the gelded son of Richess Hanover-Gu
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Michigan owner makes long trip to race mare
February 08, 2012
At the age of sixty-nine Russell Sutherland knows a thing or two about going the extra mile. It's a six-hour, one-way trek to Woodbine Racetrack from his hometown of Morenci, Mich., but for Sutherland, it's a road worth travelling. The reason? A 4-year-old daughter of Cheyenne Rei that goe
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Sweden's Maharajah to try dual career
February 08, 2012
Maharajah, the sensational Swedish trotter who has battled with France's Ready Cash in the Prix d'Amerique and Prix de France, won't be squaring off against his rival again this winter. Trainer Stefan Hultman has issued a statement that the horse came out of the Prix d'Amerique with a leg ailment an
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PA Resident mare forms due by Feb. 15
February 08, 2012
Breeders wanting to fulfill the requirements of the Pennsylvania Standardbred Breeders Fund and thus have their mares foaling PA-sired babies in 2012 qualify as “residents” to generate Breeders Awards must have their broodmare paperwork on the way to the PA Harness Commission by Feb. 15.  
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6 in a row for Burke Stable's Jessesjo
February 07, 2012
In the opening leg of the $25,000 Don Mills Trotting Series, Jessesjo extended his win streak to six after capturing his division Monday evening at Woodbine Racetrack. Four divisions took place featuring four and five-year-old trotters who are non-winners of $150,000 lifetime as of December 31, 20
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Northfield Tuesday Pick 5 has $50,000 guarantee
February 07, 2012
Northfield Park is announcing the addition of a $50,000 guarantee to Tuesday’s (Feb. 7th) Pick 5 total pool.  Beginning in Race 3, the $50,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $13,926.30.  Tuesday’s Pick 4 also has a guaranteed pool and that guarantee is $15,000.  The Pick 4 begins
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Holloway still evaluating his Social Network
February 07, 2012
Talent shows, such as “American Idol” and “The Voice,” are popular on television at this time of year. The winter series races at Meadowlands Racetrack are, in a way, not unlike those hits. They provide owners and trainers the chance to judge whether their stables’ performers should get opportunitie
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7 wins in 8 starts for Abaton Hanover
February 07, 2012
To say that Abaton Hanover has been a model of consistency would be an understatement. When the 9-year-old SJ’s Caviar gelding scored  in 2:00.2 at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon (Feb. 6), it was the trotter's fourth consecutive victory  this year.  In his final start las
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Youth Foundation needs trainers for horses
February 07, 2012
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is seeking qualified trainers to condition its stable of Trottingbreds in preparation for the organization's 2012 summer program schedule. Volunteer trainers would be expected to jog or exercise the horse on a daily basis to build stamina; no actual training mile
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Partnership between Meadowlands, Racing Form
February 07, 2012
Daily Racing Form and the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (NMRLLC), announced they have entered into a partnership that includes a dedicated Meadowlands events page on DRF.com featuring live video and analysis that will highlight the track’s racing schedule throughout the year.   This en
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PA Governor going after Race Horse Dev. funds
February 07, 2012
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has proposed huge cuts in the Race Horse Development Fund in his new budget proposal. The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition, a statewide group representing more than 10,000 trainers, owners and breeders of the horseracing industry in Pennsylvania, said on Tuesday that
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Southern Allie takes Meadows Preferred Pace
February 07, 2012
Looped while trying for the early lead, Southern Allie persevered and reeled off a comfortable win in Tuesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Although Dave Palone sent Southern Allie for the front from post 3, the 5-year-old Allie’s Western-Pershing Angela gelding was left
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$6.8 mil in stakes at The Meadows in 2012
February 06, 2012
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino's 2012 stakes schedule will offer more than $6.8 million (est.) in purses and feature both the 46th edition of the Delvin Miller Adios and all four Pennsylvania championships for 2-year-olds.   “This is a compelling, attractive schedule for horsemen and fans
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Rosecroft getting ready for March 10 opening
February 06, 2012
Preparations continue for the Rosecroft Raceway Winter-Spring 2012 meet set to begin on March 10th with a new 7:25 p.m. post time.  Applications for racing privileges at Rosecroft are now available at www.rosecroft.com/pages/racing-application. Twenty-five race cards will be contested through J
[read more]

NY horsemen, breeders, ag form group
February 06, 2012
Stakeholders from throughout New York State’s racing and agricultural industries today announced the formation of a new advocacy group, The New York Horse Racing and Agriculture Industry Alliance, whose mission is to secure support for/protection of these critically important industries in any ame
[read more]

Kandor Hanover returns to mare class and wins
February 06, 2012
Rebounding from a pair of uncharacteristic off-the-board finishes, Kandor Hanover powered through the Lightning Lane to capture Monday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot at The Meadows.   Kandor Hanover, who exited four straight races against the track’s top colts and geldings, relishe
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Summer Camp best in tight Dover photo
February 06, 2012
Only the photo-finish camera could separate the first three finishers in the $30,000 Preferred/Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs Monday night, with Summer Camp holding on for a 1:51.2 victory. Also on the card, Matt Kakaley drove two winners and is now two away from 2,000 lifetime.   Sum
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Ruff Me Up pushes streak to six in WEGZ win
February 05, 2012
In the opening round of the WEGZ Pacing Series, the grey gelding, Ruff Me Up, extended his win streak to six after capturing his $20,000 division, which was the first of three on Saturday night at Woodbine.   The Joseph Cirasuola trainee used a :27 final quarter to find the winner’s circle in
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Yonkers feature to Tobago Cays in 1:52
February 05, 2012
Tobago Cays (Jim Pantaleano) unleashed a decisive move by the half Saturday night en route to winning Yonkers Raceway's $33,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position three, Tobago Cays was away fourth as Lucky Man (Larry Stalbaum) and Silent Swing (Brent Holland) played leapfrog on
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Synergy Seelster's 1:52.1 fastest in WEG series
February 04, 2012
Driver Doug McNair made the most of his trip to Woodbine Racetrack on Friday evening as the young reinsman captured two of four divisions of the opening leg of the $20,000 HorsePlayer Interactive Series (HPI). He won with Do Me Honor (1:55) and Synergy Seelster (1:52.1) while the other splits went t
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Kindergarten Classic expands to other tracks
February 04, 2012
The Kindergarten Classic series for 2-year-old trotters has risen steadily in popularity over its five year history. Conceived by Jeff Gural with the idea of offering races for 2 year olds to gain racing experience and as an alternative to the major stakes, the series has seen both nominat
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Drive All Night scores at Pompano in 1:53.3
February 04, 2012
The combination of a late afternoon rain which dulled the track for leaders into the stretch worked in tandem with an excellent trip scenario to produce a huge upset in the Saturday night, February 4 feature at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   The $12,000 purse weekly edition of the Ope
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Westwardho Hanover takes Aquarius opener
February 04, 2012
Westwardho Hanover and driver Yannick Gingras collected an impressive victory in the $35,000 first leg of the Aquarius Series Saturday night, February 4 at the Meadowlands. Starting from the second tier, the Ron Burke-trained four year old brushed to the lead racing to the half and set the pace on t
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Winbak of Ontario studs now on the farm
February 03, 2012
Breeding season is about to begin, and Winbak Farm of Ontario has announced that the stallions on its 2012 roster are in residence at the farm.   Winbak Farm will be standing 11 stallions in 2012, including two new stallions.  The first of the two new stallions to arrive was Vintage
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Shirley Reid, mother of David Reid, dies
February 03, 2012
Shirley Mae Cuthbert Reid, 73, of Argyle, NY, the mother of David Reid, a familiar face in harness racing through his work with Preferred Equine Marketing and the Lexington Selected and Tattersalls sales companies, died at her home surrounded by her family on Jan. 30 after a courageous fight with pu
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Smith Trotting Classic payments due Feb. 15
February 03, 2012
Sustaining payments for the Charles I. and Helen Smith Trotting Classics are due on Feb. 15. The Charles Smith and its filly companion event, the Helen Smith, are for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired trotters and are sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey. &nbs
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Tioga/Vernon stall apps available online
February 03, 2012
Tioga and Vernon Downs would like to let all of its horsemen know that stall applications are available for the 2012 race seasons on the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs websites. For the first time, both tracks applications can be completed and submitted electronically under their respective racing tab
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Davis Jr. dishes--and tweets--on the Don Mills
February 03, 2012
North America’s leading dash-winning driver Billy Davis Jr. will steer a trio of 4-year-old trotters in the opening round of the Don Mills Trotting Series on Monday night at Woodbine.  Many will be watching Davi’s Twitter account to see if he feels he is on-line for a big night, especially aft
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Sand E Fiftyfive wins eighth in a row
February 03, 2012
Quietly, and without much fanfare, Sand E Fiftyfive has been winning races at Monticello Raceway. On Friday, the I Am A Fool 8-year-old mare notched her eighth consecutive victory for owner Barry Charles of New Rochelle, N.Y.   Billy Mann was in the pilot’s seat this week behind Sand E F
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Dayton now planned for relocating Raceway Park
February 03, 2012
Published reports in Ohio indicate that Penn National Gaming Inc. has changed plans on relocating Raceway Park to Youngstown and will now seek approval to move to Dayton instead. As a result of that scenario, Penn National has changed its plans to move Beulah Park Thoroughbred track to Dayton a
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Townslight Hanover taking a shot in Aquarius
February 03, 2012
A well-managed sophomore campaign has Townslight Hanover heading into the Aquarius Series in peak form this weekend at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   The son of Bettor’s Delight, trained by Aaron Lambert is rated as the 4-1 second choice in the $35,000 first leg of the Aquarius for four-year-ol
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Rose Run Hooligan wires field to win Yonkers Open
February 03, 2012
Quicksilvercandy A (Larry Stalbaum) was farthest out and fastest home Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position two, she watched the early action, which began with Delightful Diva (Jim Pantaleano) stuffing Break
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Alberg back strong in handicapping tourney
February 03, 2012
Scott Alberg, the 2006 National Harness Handicapping Champion, once again showcased his prowess for picking winners in a qualifying tournament held January 28 at the Meadowlands.   The Washington Township, NJ resident, who sells his picks online (4NJPicks.com), nailed five winners on the card
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Itrustyou leads Exit 16W division winners
February 03, 2012
Itrustyou kept his winning streak alive with a commanding victory in a division of the Exit 16W Series Friday night at the Meadowlands. Other Exit 16W splits were won by Whogoesfirst (1:50.3), Fearless Diablo (1:50.2) and Sonic Dancer (1:51.3).   With regular driver Yannick Gingras in the sul
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Bier, Burke win Cape & Cutter openers
February 03, 2012
While there were four divisions of the first leg of the Exit 16W Series at the Meadowlands Friday night, the Cape & Cutter, a winter classic for pacing mares, needed only two opening splits.   The first went to Higher And Higher, who prevailed by nose over Oceans Motion in 1:52.1. There w
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Delaware Grand Circuit payments due Feb. 15
February 02, 2012
Sustaining payments for the 67th Little Brown Jug and the 42nd Jugette are due Feb. 15.These payments are for foals of 2009.   Sustaining payments are also due Feb. 15 for the Old Oaken Bucket 3-Year-Old Open Trot and the Buckette 3-Year-Old Filly Trot. Also, nominations for the Winbak F
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Some Big M handicappers say it's too early
February 02, 2012
With just 11 race cards and 125 races contested this year (through Jan. 28) at the Meadowlands, some keen observers believe it is still too early to determine the impact the new banking of the racetrack has had on the racing. Although it was expected the banking of the track would lead to an incre
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Winning Mister's 1:52.4 sets Meadows mark
February 02, 2012
Winning Mister hadn’t raced since December 13, but he was adding Lasix. The public wasn’t certain what that combination might mean, sending him off a middling 9-2.   Dick Stillings hustled Winning Mister to the front in a conditioned trot Wednesday at The Meadows, and the 6-year-old son
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After EPM, horse in series action at Woodbine
February 02, 2012
On July 26, 2010, Bruce Gilkinson was at home on his computer surfing the Internet, not quite realizing what he had just done. He had just purchased a horse online, sight unseen, for $21,000. Now, a few years later, he has reaped the rewards of that unique investment, as Just Ass
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WEG introduces online stakes nominations
February 02, 2012
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is pleased to announce the launch of an online stakes nomination form for both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds.   The online site will assist owners and trainers wishing to electronically submit nomination forms to enter WEG’s stakes events.
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Back to afternoons for Red Mile Grand Circuit
February 02, 2012
The Red Mile will be returning to afternoon racing for the 2012 Grand Circuit meet. The 2011 meet was held at night with the exception of Sunday programs.   The Grand Circuit stand in Lexington will open on Thursday, Sept. 27, with a 1 p.m. post, with racing Thursday, Friday, Saturd
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New! Weekend Preview spotlights streaking pacers!
February 02, 2012
In this week’s HarnessRacing Weekend Preview, a pair of streaking pacers meet up in the opening round of the Exit 16W Series at the Meadowlands, and the drivers of the pair of hot horses give their take on the much anticipated showdown. One of those drivers is Yannick Gingras, and he is off to one
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Connie Lauxmont wins again at Dover
February 02, 2012
On Groundhog’s day, Connie Lauxmont turned back seven foes en route to a equaling his own early season's record for a 3-year-old colt trot on Thursday at Dover Downs. Roger Plante guided Connie Lauxmont, a son of Conway Hall, to a wire-to-wire score in 1:59 for owners Carol and Jim Atkinso
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Eastwood Blue Chip fastest in Jr. Trendsetter
February 02, 2012
The Junior Trendsetter can be a proving ground for green 3 year olds, and a couple stepped to the front of the series contenders on Thursday night at the Meadowlands. Social Network, Take A Walk and Eastwood Blue Chip all won by comfortable margins while Eastwood Blue Chip (1:53.4) was the
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$1.6-million winner Abbey Road C retired
February 01, 2012
Trainer-driver Keith Jones has officially announced the retirement of 13-year-old trotter Abbey Road C, a career winner of $1,651,917.   The son of Incredible Abe-Jayport Whimsy was purchased as a yearling for $11,000 by owner, Mary Charlton and was conditioned by Jones throughout his entire
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Lisa America retired from racing
February 01, 2012
Lisa America, one of the top trotting mares in Europe the past few seasons, has been retired from racing. Jerry Riordan has trained the 7-year-old Varenne mare in Italy for Lou Guida's Guida Italia. She competed in the Prix d'Amerique on Sunday, but despite a trip in the pocket, she finished poorly.
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PA extends deadline to Feb. 15 for registering mares
February 01, 2012
The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission announces that the deadline for registering mares due to foal in 2012 and qualifying for the “PA-sired and –bred” category in the PA Breeders Award program has been extended until February 15, for this one year only.   Last year the registration dead
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New Jersey Sire Stakes payments due Feb. 15
February 01, 2012
The Feb. 15 deadline for New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS) first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of N.J.-sired 2-year-old and three-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to the 2012 Premier and Green Acres racing programs. The NJSS Premier Division will be contested exclusi
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Live wagering, attendance up at Big M
February 01, 2012
Live wagering and attendance at the Meadowlands Racetrack show significant growth in the track’s first month of racing under private management.  Additional advertising dollars were allocated to announcing the opening of the 2012 harness meet. More than $70,000 was spent on cable tele
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Back to the Track III scheduled for July 13-15
February 01, 2012
The U.S. Trotting Association has announced that the 2012 edition of “Back to the Track” will take place on the weekend of July 13 through 15.   Back to the Track is a cooperative effort among the USTA, its member racetracks and horsemen from coast to coast. In its first two years, the promot
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Graceful Touch gives birth to Lucky Chucky colt
February 01, 2012
Graceful Touch, one of the most prolific trotting mares of modern time, gave birth to a colt by Lucky Chucky at Hunterton Farm in Paris, Ky., outside of Lexington on Tuesday night. The mare and foal are owned by Jean-Pierre Barjon of France, who bought Graceful Touch for $560,000 from last fall's Pe
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New Vocations has 90 stud seasons available
February 01, 2012
Breedings to Deweycheatumnhowe, Conway Hall, Camluck, Dragon Again, Yankee Cruiser, and Artistic Fella are among the 90 seasons donated to New Vocations 14th Annual Stallion. The auction starts at 2:00 pm February 8 and runs through 2:00 pm Feb 14 at www.ongait.com.   The auction is conducted
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Bob McIntosh breaks pelvis in training accident
February 01, 2012
Standardbred Canada's website has reported that four-time O'Brien Award winning trainer Bob McIntosh was involved in a training accident at his farm Wednesday morning and broke his pelvis. “This morning my father was thrown from the jog cart when a yearling kicked and got his leg over the shaf
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Jaavos Boy 1:54.3 winner in Pompano trot
February 01, 2012
A few days after marking the occasion of his 50th birthday late last November, driver David Ingraham renewed acquaintances with trotter Jaavos Boy in Florida. It was the start successful winter season campaign which is showing no sign of tapering off.   In the Wednesday evening
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Big upsets at Dover; Morgan nears 14,000 wins
February 01, 2012
Race favorite The Budster won the $23,000 Open Trot on an longshot filled Wednesday (Feb. 1) at Dover Downs. Also on the night, Tony Morgan picked up one win and is now only six away from the 14,000 milestone.   Hall of Famer Ron Pierce steered Jeff Bartels’ The Budster to his first win of t
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