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See You At Peelers two-for-two in 2012
March 31, 2012
Yet another Yonkers Raceway Ladies Night Friday, with the second round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker for Open pacing mares. As was the case in the opening round. five, $40,000 divisions went postward.  As always was the case, See You at Peelers (Brian Sears) was ready for her close-u
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A 'Per" of General Brock contenders
March 31, 2012
Veteran trainer Per Henriksen finds himself in what can be termed a good dilemma. When he sends top contenders Charlie Is A Joker and Guiltywithanexcuse postward in the $50,000 General Brock Series final on Monday at Woodbine, Henriksen isn't certain which one offers him the best bet to take all
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MSOA announces 2012 college scholarships
March 31, 2012
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2012 MSOA collegiate scholarships, for the 2012-13 academic year. The scholarships are worth a total of $10,500, the highest amount since the program's inception.   In a
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San Pail repeats in Glorys Comet
March 31, 2012
After making his 2012 debut a winning one last week, San Pail returned to victory lane in the second leg of the Glorys Comet Series on Saturday evening (March 31) at Woodbine. The 2011 Horse of the Year on both sides of the border repeated his 1:52.1 clocking for trainer Rod Hughes,
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Florida amateur drivers find a new cause
March 31, 2012
The Florida Amateur Driving Club (FADC) has broadened the scope of their charitable giving and a trackside cheque presentation ceremony on Saturday evening, March 31 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park served to cement the new relationship going forward.      "Her
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Winning streaks on the line Sunday at Dover
March 31, 2012
Believe This Bob and Ben G look to continue win streaks in the $18,000 4&5-Year-Old Male pace feature race at Dover Downs this Sunday, and no foolin,’ it’s April 1. Sunday post time is now 1 p.m. The April Fool’s day feature finds Mary Larrimore’s Believe This Bob, with three consecutive
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Piston Broke goes back-to-back in Youthful
March 30, 2012
After scoring a 1:50.3 lifetime best in the opening round of the Youthful Series, Piston Broke proves to be the horse to beat in the rich $50,000 final after he found the winner's circle again in the second leg on Thursday evening at Woodbine.   Driver Sylvain Filion guided the six-ti
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Alleigh Girl romps in DSBF prelim
March 30, 2012
Favorite Alleigh Girl and first-time winner Cruisin Susan won the two $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Three-Year-Old Filly trot 1st leg preliminaries on Thursday at Dover Downs.   As expected prohibitive favorite Alleigh Girl won the first DSBF prelim easily romping
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Preferred Equine launches social media pages
March 30, 2012
Preferred Equine Marketing has now joined the social media blitz in having launched new pages on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, it was announced Friday.   The sales agency plans to use the networks as a way to stay in close communication with clients and other interested parties, and
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PA Equine Coalition addresses NY Times story
March 30, 2012
The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition - a statewide group representing more than 10,000 trainers, owners and breeders of the horseracing industry in Pennsylvania – today called for a series of meetings on the state level made up of key stakeholders in the Pennsylvania horse racing industry with the
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Our Lucky Chip wins by 14 at Hoosier
March 30, 2012
Six legs of the Jerry Landess Series, a late-closing event open to 3 and 4-year-old Indiana-sired colts and geldings that are non-winners of $7,500 lifetime, were contested on Thursday at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.   Our Lucky Chip stole the show in a dominant 1:55.3 romp. Trai
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St. Elmo Hero trying for big "Spring" victory
March 30, 2012
This time last year, St Elmo Hero, a winner of $461,300, was arguably the most talked about standardbred racehorse in North America. The 6-year-old son of Western Hero started out his career with a fabulous 25-race win streak before tasting defeat for the first time, by a nose to Art Professor,
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Freehold to raise purses by 20 percent
March 30, 2012
Freehold Raceway announced that effective Thursday (April 5) purses will be increased by 20 percent. With the increase, purses will average $48,000 per day.   According to Freehold Director of Racing Karen Fagliarone, "We will continue to feature New Jersey sired horses and preference
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Stakes finals on tap at Yonkers next week
March 30, 2012
Yonkers Raceway's stakes agenda continues next week, led by a pair of rich series finals. Starting on Monday night, April 2, the $66,400 finale of the Petticoat Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares goes as the sixth race.   Sir Jillian Z Tam (Patrick Lachance)&nb
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Coleman asst. Harris fined $750 by NYSRWB
March 30, 2012
Trainer Casie Coleman's assistant, Andrew Harris, who became the listed trainer for the stable following Coleman's 45-day suspension that commenced March 30 as a result of a positive test earlier in the month at Woodbine, has been fined $750 by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board (NYSRW
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Pocono, Chester requiring negative PCR test
March 30, 2012
Until further notice, horses shipping from Saratoga to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs or Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack will be required to show proof of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for strangles. The change is effective for the Tuesday (April 3) draw at both tracks. (P
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Winning It completes Donna Dunn sweep
March 30, 2012
Away a worrisome sixth as the 1-5 favorite, Winning It rallied strongly third over to capture Friday’s $27,400 championship of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at The Meadows and complete her sweep of the series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares. Although Winning It won her first two Dunn d
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New classification system in place at Pompano
March 29, 2012
Things went a little better than expected when a new classification system was rolled out for the first time at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park on the Wednesday program.   "We're really pleased at the more generous payouts and keen competition this method produced for us on t
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Balmoral Pick-5 pool tops $100,000
March 29, 2012
A six-digit Pick 5 pool brought harness and Thoroughbred players to wager on Balmoral Park Wednesday night. When the 10-race card was finished, $1,005,526 had been wagered on the program. The Wednesday numbers moved the March handle at Balmoral to $13,510,847 for 12 programs, a nightly average o
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NY court denies Fusco's appeal
March 29, 2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board's five-year license ban of a harness trainer who repeatedly violated the Board's rules regarding banned substances will be upheld, after the New York State Court of Appeals refused to hear the trainer's appeal.   Last fall, the New York Sta
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NEW Weekend Preview now available
March 29, 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 this edition Breeding Banter has the story of the stakes-winning Native Bride, who recently delivered
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Big Hoosier opener for handle, Dillander
March 28, 2012
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino opened its 19th season of Standardbred racing in front of a packed house of racing fans on Tuesday. On-track handle was up 94 percent from the first Tuesday of the 2011 Standardbred meet with one additional race on the card. Export handle also saw
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I Told Gordy wins Rosecroft feature
March 28, 2012
On a cold March Tuesday night the racing action at Rosecroft was red hot. I Told Gordy, trained and owned by Thomas Swann, used a two-hole trip to win the winners-over handicap over favored Gone Nuclear (Frank Milby). Driver Justin Brenneman worked out a perfect trip and pounced on a hard used l
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Livelikeurdying sweeps Meadows series
March 28, 2012
Livelikeurdying overcame his initial reluctance to follow the leader and kicked home in the stretch to capture Tuesday's $27,200 championship of the John Sitzer Memorial Pace at The Meadows and complete his sweep of the series for 3- and 4-year-old colts, horses and geldings.   Alth
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Check out Winbak's stallion contest
March 28, 2012
This is just a reminder to be the first to emailstallions@winbakfarm.com today and receive $500 off of Village Jove's stud fee. Village Jove stands in New York and is the sire of 2012's richest and fastest pacer, Golden Receiver.   Interested in learning more about our stallion contes
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24-hour health certificate RQ'd at Tioga, Vernon
March 28, 2012
All horses shipping into Tioga Downs or Vernon Downs that have raced or resided at Saratoga Harness from March 1 through March 21, 2012, must have a 24-hour health certificate and rectal temperatures must be recorded.   The following statement must appear on the health certificate: "H
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Harder talks about Woodbine starter Golden Receiver
March 28, 2012
Golden Receiver has proven to trainer Mark Harder that he is a professional racehorse and after a gate-to-wire score in first leg of Spring Pacing Championship Series, they are ready for round two to get underway, Saturday at Woodbine.   When Golden Receiver lines up behind the starti
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Mister Herbie held out of Glorys Comet leg
March 28, 2012
An original list of 41 nominees for the Glorys Comet Series at Woodbine Racetrack led to just nine entries for last weekend's opening leg. The cast has been cut by nearly half again for Saturday night's $60,000 second leg, with reigning Horse of the Year San Pail a prohibitive favorite to repeat
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3YO colt State Treasurer sets 1:52.3 track mark
March 28, 2012
State Treasurer, a 3-year-old colt by Real Desire trained and driven by Dr. Ian Moore, set a track record at Spring Garden Ranch on Tuesday in a qualifying race. The colt edged his stablemate Eighteen, a 4-year-old, in 1:52.3, with a last quarter in :26.4.   Bred by Brittany Farms, St
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Second round of Levy comes up 'sixes'
March 28, 2012
"Six" was the magic number of divisions in last week's opening round of Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. As luck would have it, "six" is again the defining digit for Saturday night's second round, as in races 3,4,6,7,8 and 9...at $50,000 a pop.   All six w
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Feegee giving Irish trainer a "Survivor" chance
March 28, 2012
Feegee may have the luck o' the Irish on her side in Friday's kick off of the Spring Survivor Series at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The Conway Hall filly, trained by 29-year-old Dublin, Ireland native Joe Hanney, has drawn post six in the first of two $12,500 divisions, carded as races two and fo
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Anders Bluestone wins 4th straight at Dover
March 28, 2012
Anders Bluestone won his fourth straight start at Dover Downs this year with a win in the feature $27,500 Open/HandicapTtrot while Windsheild and I'm So Striking scored impressive victories in two $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Colt & Gelding trot first leg preliminaries
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Thomas Pontone going to "driving school"
March 28, 2012
Thomas Pontone has seen the view from atop the sport, having been among the owners of 2009 Horse of the Year Muscle Hill. In two months, he will see it from the rear.   Pontone, who with his father Louis make up the TLP Stable, will be among the "students” in this year's U.S. Trotting
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3YO trotting colt Vic Smith sold to Swedes
March 28, 2012
Vic Smith will race for new owners this year, but he will stay in familiar hands. Julie Miller, who trained and co-owned Vic Smith with her husband, Andy, and Larry Baron's Baron Racing Stable, said Wednesday that the 3-year-old colt trotter was sold to Swedish interests in a deal brokered by ag
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Expanded gaming bill defeated in New Hampshire
March 28, 2012
The New Hampshire House of Representatives soundly rejected the expansion of gambling on March 28 by a wide margin even though both supporters and opponents predicted that the vote would be razor thin.   HB 593 called for the construction of four casinos, two small and two large, with
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Horses available for adoption Sunday
March 28, 2012
The universal birthday for all horses is January 1. But for 23 Standardbreds from Carroll County, Md., October 6 might be a fitting date for the start of a new life. October 6, 2011 is the date 23 Standardbreds, ranging from age 2 to 15, arrived at Hanover Shoe Farms in Hanover, Pa., after legal
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Philly cop in Spring Survivor with Markz Moose
March 28, 2012
Philadelphia police officer Owen Eiler Jr. will send out a pair of starters, including Markz Moose in the Spring Survivor Series, on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The 49-year-old trainer had an early season success with Super Bowl Series champion Dontevenknowmymame. He will try to k
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St. Lads Farm blossoms at Woodbine
March 27, 2012
Twenty-three sophomore fillies put on a show Monday night in three opening round divisions of the Blossom Pacing Series at Woodbine, but it was breeder St. Lads Farm that stepped out into spotlight. St. Lads Penny Lane and St. Lads Morgan, who were bred and raised by the Ruscom, Ont. breeder, ca
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$60,000 guaranteed pool at Balmoral Wednesday
March 27, 2012
A one day Pick 5 carryover of $13,722 will once again bring the North American gambling spotlight to the ten race program at Balmoral Park on Wednesday. With the large carryover in play again, the USTA and Balmoral Park have created a $60,000 INSTANT GUARANTEED POOL on the Wednesday Pick 5. Post
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Meadowlands requires 24-hour health certificate
March 27, 2012
All horses shipping into the Meadowlands Racetrack must have a 24-hour health certificate and rectal temperatures must be recorded. The following statement must appear on the health certificate:   "Horses on this certificate have not originated from a barn with a confirmed or suspect cas
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Miss Paris prepping for mostly ONT campaign
March 27, 2012
When Miss Paris captured the $300,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final last season in her final start of her freshman campaign, she established herself as a top threat this season in the provincial program. The regally-bred daughter of Kadabra-Pizza Dolce was a $210,000 yearling purchase an
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Big Rigs romps in Chester qualifier
March 27, 2012
Trainer Kelly O'Donnell qualified a pair of 4-year-old trotters Tuesday morning at Harrah's Chester, scoring a 1:56.3 victory with Big Rigs and a 1:58.4 win with Bambino Hall. Big Rigs, whose four wins last year included the $174,940 Matron final at Dover Downs and a $113,000 Bluegrass divisi
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Five Matchmaker splits on tap at Yonkers
March 27, 2012
After five divisions in last week's opening round of Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker, another quintet is on tap for Friday night's second leg. The groupings of Open Mare pacers—each worth $40,000--go as races 4,6,7,8 and 9 on the dozen-race dossier. Post time is the customary 7:10 p.
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Pocono, Chester not accepting Saratoga horses
March 27, 2012
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack will not be accepting horses that have recently raced at Saratoga. The PHHA will issue updates as they become available. (PHHA)
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Monticello cancels 5 races due to Saratoga strangles
March 27, 2012
A strict quarantine at Monticello Raceway due to the occurrence of strangles at Saratoga Raceway has resulted in five of 13 races Tuesday afternoon being cancelled and another 27 horses scratched from the remaining eight contests, leaving short fields. In addition, three of 11 races on Wednes
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Lifetime Achievement Award for Dr. Overstreet
March 27, 2012
Longtime Kentucky-based Standardbred breeder and owner Dr. Luel Overstreet has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Henderson, Ky. Dr. Overstreet grew up in south-central Kentucky on a farm that didn't have electricity until 1950, according to the Evansvi
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Palone wins 15,000; returns standing in sulky
March 27, 2012
Dave Palone did a couple of imitations of Herve Filion on Tuesday afternoon at The Meadows. First, he won race 10, which was his 15,000th winning drive. Then, with Filion in attendance, he stood in the seat of the sulky as he brought his horse back to the winner's circle, something Filion was al
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OSS 3-year-old hopeful wins Pompano debut
March 27, 2012
A sure sign of the oncoming spring season emerged at Pompano Park on Tuesday as Canadian Hall Of Famer Doug Brown unveiled Ontario Sire Stakes (OSS) hopeful Kylie Hall for the first start of her 3-year-old season.   She was last seen on the track on Nov. 12 at Woodbine
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Winter Night wins Dover feature in 1:53.1
March 26, 2012
Winter Night overtook We The People to win the $18,500 3,4&5-Year-Old pace on Sunday, March 25, one of four wins for meet leading driver Corey Callahan on "Harness A Cure Day,” a fund-raiser for Cancer Research at Dover Downs. One of only two three-year-olds in the feature race, Winter Night
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Herve to join Palone for 15,000 win celebration
March 26, 2012
When Dave Palone gets career win 15,000 at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, one of his biggest fans will be there to congratulate him. Herve Filion, who holds the North American harness racing record of 15,180 career victories — and the man whose mark Palone is chasing — will join the 15,000 w
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Monticello takes strangles precautions
March 26, 2012
Monticello Raceway announced Monday that it is taking precautions to limit its exposure to an occurrence of streptococcus equi, commonly known as strangles, at Saratoga Harness Raceway. Strangles is a non-lethal, acute bacterial respiratory infectioncharacterized by fever, lethargy, nasaldi
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Scarborough updates its strangles policy
March 26, 2012
In light of recent developments regarding an outbreak of the equine disease known as "strangles" at Saratoga Raceway (New York), Scarborough Downs will immediately implement the following policies regarding all horses entering to race or desiring to be stabled at the track:   1. All o
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Pacer aims to prove Youthful win no fluke
March 26, 2012
After a longshot score in last week's opening leg of the Youthful Pacing Series, Real Infusion has established himself as a top contender heading into the $30,000 second leg, Thursday evening at Woodbine.   While the toteboard suggested he was an outsider in his latest start,Real Infu
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NY Racing Board says 14 cases of strangles
March 26, 2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board chairman issued an update on Monday (March 26) regarding the occurrence of strangles, a highly contagious, non-lethal equine bacterial infection, at Saratoga Raceway.   "The Racing and Wagering Board continues to partner with veterinarians
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Uszak, Ornellaia Dream honored at Pompano
March 26, 2012
You can't ask a horse to do much than win all of their starts and take a lifetime record in a single month. For those achievements, the 7-year-old trotting mare Ornellaia Dream and her groom, Joan Uszak, were an easy and overwhelming choice for the February Horse and Groom Of The Month Awar
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Special T Rocks takes Dover feature
March 26, 2012
Special T Rocks pulled a mile surprise winning the $36,000 Preferred/Handicap Pace at Dover Downs Monday, while Flying Instructor, It's Outta Here and Bail Money won Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund preliminaries.   Daryl Bier became a two-time owner- trainer-driver winner, pilotin
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Pine Of Broadway 69-1 winner for Fahys
March 26, 2012
A monstrous longshot at 69-1, Pine Of Broadway saved ground, brushed wide late and pulled off a stunning upset in Monday's $28,600 championship of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot at The Meadows.   Dave Palone notched two wins on the 15-race card, lifting his career total to 14,996 as he
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Real Nice leads Levy Series winners at Yonkers
March 25, 2012
The grown-ups came out to play Saturday night, with Yonkers Raceway beginning its George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. A half-dozen, $50,000 divisions comprised the first leg for Free-For-Allers, and the participants saved the fastest for the lastest.   Defending series champ R
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See You At Peelers a narrow winner in return
March 24, 2012
She was both the star attraction and the biggest question entering Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker for Open pacing mares. Friday night featured the 4-year-old debut of See You at Peelers (Brian Sears), and, even though she only came away with half a loaf, she a was whole lot better.
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Spring Survivor Series begins next week
March 24, 2012
Meadowlands Racetrack will hold the first round of its Spring Survivor Series for trotters and pacers next week.  The trotting series begins Friday, March 30, with the entry box closing at 9 a.m. Monday, March 26.  The pacing series commences Saturday, March 31.  That entry bo
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Toscano hoping to play her 'air guitar' at Woodbine
March 24, 2012
Air Guitar Hanover will make her Canadian debut in the opening round of the inaugural edition of the Blossom Pacing Series, Monday evening at Woodbine.   While racing at Harrah's Chester, The Meadows, the Meadowlands and Tioga Downs, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover-Armbro Amorettoc
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San Pail wins 2012 debut; nearing $3 million
March 24, 2012
San Pail, the 2011 Horse of the Year on both sides of the border, notched his 50th career win in 1:52.1 in the lone division of the opening leg of the Glorys Comet Series at Woodbine. With the victory, the son of San Pellegrino-Village Beauty brought his career earnings to $2,913,106. Driven
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Campagnuolo sweeps FADC trots at Pompano
March 24, 2012
Avid horse owner and amateur driving enthusiast John Campagnuolo of Loxahatchee, FL had a dream night he won't soon forget on Saturday evening, March 24 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. The 49 year old trucking company operator was in the bike to win both of trotting events in the week
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Sparky Mark, Golden Receiver win at Woodbine
March 24, 2012
On Saturday’s programme at Woodbine, four-year-old and older pacers contested two $50,000 divisions of the opening leg of the Spring Pacing Championship Series. Both Sparky Mark and Golden Receiver prevailed as favourites in their respective tilts. Sparky Mark, in rein to driver Sylvain Filion, s
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Conditions approved excluding progeny of 4YOs
March 23, 2012
The official language designed to exclude the progeny of 4-year-old stallions (absent meeting one of the listed exemptions) from stakes races at The New Meadowlands, Tioga and Vernon Downs has been approved for inclusion in stakes conditions at those tracks beginning with horses bred in 2013, foals
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Racing canceled at Saratoga due to strangles
March 23, 2012
Due to an outbreak of Strangles, all racing at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has been cancelled. Qualifiers were scheduled for Friday morning but were canceled, and disinfection of the paddock was underway. Racing will resume, barring any complications, on April 11.   "We ha
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Ontario commission warns about oxygen-carrying substances
March 23, 2012
The Ontario Racing Commission advises all members of the Ontario racing community to use caution when administering substances that may cause a positive test. In particular are those drugs which affect the oxygen-carrying ability of the hemoglobin molecule. Severe penalties and sanctions will be
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Negative tests for stranges required at Tioga, Vernon
March 23, 2012
Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs in preparation for the 2012 race seasons, will open their barn areas on April 1. The main racetrack at Vernon Downs will open on Monday, March 26, due to the warm weather, while Tioga will open on Monday, April 2, to gear up for the first qualifying events (April 13
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Notables return to track in Big M qualifiers
March 23, 2012
Trainer Jim Campbell sent out his 2010 stakes star Fashion Delight and his 2011 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion Opening Night in qualifying action at the Meadowlands Friday morning and both horses won and appear ready for the 2012 season.   Opening Night, a 4-year-old son of Broadway Hall w
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Machapelo on track to begin season in Ontario
March 23, 2012
When co-owner Marc Hanover receives the status report on his prized pacer, Machapelo, from trainer Linda Toscano, he keeps hearing "he's all business."   A homebred son of Mach Three-Capelo Rose, Machapelo enjoyed a profitable rookie campaign last season with a record of 3-5-2 from 14 starts
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Sugar Valley Farm open house on March 31
March 23, 2012
Sugar Valley Farm will host an open house and stallion parade on Saturday (March 31) from 2-4 p.m. There will be two parades -- one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m. The stallions will be available to be viewed throughout the afternoon. Food will be provided by Jeff Short of Shorty's Barbequ
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Majority of Ontarians approve of slots at tracks
March 23, 2012
Fully three quarters of Ontarians say they approve of the 'Slots at the Racetrack' program (74%), and two-thirds approve of the specific terms of the deal OLG currently has with Ontario's horse racing tracks (61%) according to a new survey conducted by Forum Research on behalf of the Ontario Horse R
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Yonkers, Freehold, Maine react to strangles case
March 23, 2012
Effectively immediately, all horses entering Yonkers Raceway's paddock and barn area shall be required to have a current health certificate. No exceptions are to be made to this edict, which remains in effect until further notice. For further information, please contact the race office at (914)
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Stay granted, Reibercrombie back in Levy
March 23, 2012
Reibercrombie will compete in the George Morton Levy Memorial Series at Yonkers on Saturday night. Owner Steve Calhoun appealed the ruling of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, which honored the horse's suspension in Ontario, and a stay was granted.   Earlier in the we
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Memorial service for Dave Rankin Saturday
March 23, 2012
A small memorial service for Dave Rankin, an Ohio Hall of Fame horseman, will be held at Mt. Sterling Methodist Church at 1 p.m. in Hopewell, Ohio. Rankin died last week after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The church is located at 8185 National Road (Route 40) just west of Zanesville
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Gottaseeaboutagirl scores Night Styles final
March 23, 2012
Gottaseeaboutagirl worked out a second over trip and easily overcame the leaders to win the $46,000 Night Styles final on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.  Driver David Miller steered the lone 3-year-old in the field of filly and mare pacers to a mark of 1:51.3.  Just A G
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Hoosier Park cards 13 races for Tuesday opener
March 23, 2012
The stage is set for the 19th Standardbred season opener at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The 80-day meet will kick off on Tuesday, March 27 with 13 races on the card. With more than 187 entries flooding the box for opening night, the card will feature four legs of the Miss Windfall Seri
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Palone now at 14,994 after Meadows triple
March 23, 2012
Undeterred by post 7, Winning It powered to the front and drew off to capture her second straight series win in Friday’s Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Chloe Hall and Metro Ville also took $15,000 second-leg divisions in the series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares which conclude
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Maxine The Mighty breaks maiden in series
March 22, 2012
A 10-race maiden entering the event, Maxine The Mighty unveiled a mighty brush in the lane Wednesday and captured a division of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot in a sharp 1:56.4 at The Meadows.   Pretty Paper took the other $15,000 second-leg split — her second straight Wohlmuth win —
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Noble to make Meadowlands debut Friday
March 22, 2012
Harness racing's 2011 dash king, Dan Noble, will make his Meadowlands debut on Friday night. He has seven drives on the card, including Tu Sei Bella in the $46,000 Night Styles Series Final. Noble will also be the guest on "In the Sulky,” prior to the card.   In a breakout season, th
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Cruzin Angel, You Little Rascal ready for "Night"
March 22, 2012
A change in strategy helped Cruzin Angel to a career-best 1:53 victory last week at the Meadowlands. She looks to follow up that effort in the $46,000 Night Styles Series Final on Friday night.   In round two of the series, Cruzin Angel withstood heavy pressure on the lead en route a
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Reibercrombie declared ineligible for Levy
March 22, 2012
The 5-year-old pacer Reibercrombie, entered in Saturday night's opening round of the George Morton Levy Series at Yonkers Raceway while under a 90-day suspension imposed by the Ontario Racing Commission as a result of a positive test earlier this month, has been scratched. According to the
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Tioga reopens for simulcasting on April 2
March 22, 2012
Tioga Downs will once again be open for simulcasting seven days a week beginning on Monday, April 2. As in years past, Tioga had ceased simulcast operations on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter months due to lack of product and interest. "With more tracks opening up for their spring meet
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NEW Weekend Preview now available!
March 22, 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 this edition also includes a historical primer on the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series, which gets und
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Plainridge moves season opener up two days
March 22, 2012
Plainridge Racecourse general manager Steve O'Toole announced Thursday that the Massachusetts State Racing Commission has approved a request to move its season opener up two days. As a result the 2012 season at the harness track will get underway on Saturday, April 21, with a special 1
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My Man is best in Dover featured trot
March 22, 2012
My Man was "thee man” in the $16,000 trot Thursday at Dover Downs, giving Ross Wolfenden his fourth win of the day.   A son of the late Malabar Man-In To Me, My Man posted his third win of the year in eight of nine in-the-money starts mastering a field of nine in the feature
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Charlie Is A Joker all business in General Brock
March 22, 2012
After capturing his division in the opening leg of the General Brock Series last week, Charlie Is A Joker returned to victory in the second leg, taking home the lion's share of the $30,000 purse Thursday evening at Woodbine.    The 4-year-old son of Angus Hall sat in the two hole
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Gottaseeaboutagirl in the Night Styles final
March 21, 2012
Gottaseeaboutagirl might be small in size, but she is racing big. Unraced last season at age two, Gottaseeaboutagirl has won three of seven races, finished second twice, and earned $26,100 this year for trainer Bob Rice and owners Mike Horn, Charlie Bonham and Rice's father, Alexander.   No
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Passover Pace slated for April 12 at Monticello
March 21, 2012
Arguably the biggest favorite of Monticello Raceway's eight ethnic races is "the Race for the Matzoh's” better known as the Passover Pace, which features the talents of drivers of Jewish heritage.   As proof of its continued interest earlier this week the racing office had three call
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Keystone harness writers announce awards
March 21, 2012
The "Burke Brigade,” after a successful season in 2011, as expected took the lion’s share of Pennsylvania awards for that season in balloting recently conducted by the Keystone Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.   Ron Burke, also voted national champion, of course claime
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San Pail's fans to attend his 2012 debut
March 21, 2012
Racing fans aren't the only ones gearing up to see trotting titan San Pail make his return to the racetrack, as he readies to defend his title in the opening round of the Glorys Comet Series, Saturday at Woodbine.   San Pail, who swept the 2011 edition of the Glorys Comet, has an envi
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Palone nearing 15,000 wins, Filion's record
March 21, 2012
Dave Palone would rather find out about a milestone after reaching it. But when chasing numbers as momentous as those ahead of Palone, it is difficult to proceed unnoticed. Entering Wednesday, Palone was 13 wins from 15,000 career victories. Only one driver in North American harness racing histo
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Zeke Parker wins 3 at Monticello after layoff
March 21, 2012
After a 2 1/2-month hiatus due to prostate cancer surgery, Billy "Zeke” Parker Jr. got back in the winner's circle at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (March 21). And that afternoon Zeke had his photo taken three times.   He won both ends of the early double; first with Mo Jo Stables'
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Pompano's 10-cent Mega-9 pays $12,092
March 21, 2012
The first-ever winner of the 10-cent MEGA-9 wager, offered only by The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, has been traced to Maryland. For a dime investment on the Tuesday, March 20, program, the single succesful ticket returned $12,092.   Pompano's Director Of Racing Operations Jo
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Tagyoureit Hanover sets 1:53 Dover mark
March 21, 2012
After being locked in last week, Corey Callahan put Tagyoureit Hanover on the front end en route to a track record 1:53 performance in the $27,500 Open/Handicap Trot at Dover Downs Wednesday. Brad Hanners drove three winners on the card.   Following two straight wins to
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USTA states position on Lasix
March 20, 2012
After a year of considering all the issues concerning the race day administration of furosemide, commonly known as Salixor Lasix, the U.S. Trotting Association believes the determining factor should be the welfare of the horse. Concluding this past Sundaywith the testimony of Dr. Alice Stack, Dr. Ja
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'Youthful' Zeron doubles up in series opener
March 20, 2012
Real Infusion and driver Scott Zeron pulled off a 39-1 shocker in the opening leg of the Youthful Pacing Series Monday evening at Woodbine.   In his $20,000 division, the Randy Van Meer pupil got under the wire in a career-best performance of 1:51.4, while visiting the winner's circle for
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Switzer notches four-bagger at Monticello
March 20, 2012
There's a new kid in town and he's getting noticed. And why shouldn't he? After all Kevin Switzer Jr. was the leading driver last year in his home state of Maine and now he's brought that talent to the Mighty M.   On Monday afternoon, the 24-year-old Switzer reined four winners o
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Instant $50,000 Pick 5 guarantee at Balmoral
March 20, 2012
A one-day Pick 5 carryover of $13,901 will once again bring the national gambling spotlight to the 10-race program at Balmoral Park on Wednesday. The 50-cent Pick 5 wager is offered on races 2 thru 6. With the large carryover in play, the USTA and Balmoral Park have created a $50,000 INSTANT
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42 of 51 nominated entered in first Levy leg
March 20, 2012
Six, $50,000 divisions have been drawn for Saturday night's opening round of Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. A total of 42 horses (from a talent pool of 51) of the best older horses in training are scheduled to compete in races 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. A quickie glimpse
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Full Of Sand full of pace in Meadows victory
March 20, 2012
Customarily a closer, Full Of Sand made an early move to the lead and apparently liked the view as he cruised to victory in Tuesday's $22,500 Preferred Pace at The Meadows. His time of 1:50.4, a career best, is the fastest this year by a 4-year-old gelding on a five-eighths-mile track.   Fu
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Monochromatic holds on to win Dover feature
March 20, 2012
Monochromatic had just enough to hold off fast-finishing No Bad Luck to win the $27,500 Mares Handicap Pace in 1:52.1 on Tuesday at Dover Downs. Mach Lady won the $19,000 mares winners-over pace on a female dominated 15-race card.   Corey Callahan steered Monochromatic, a 7-
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Hearthetrainacomin around the bend at Woodbine
March 19, 2012
Hearthetrainacomin, a 4-year-old son of Mr. Lavec, will look to find the winner's circle again via the second leg of the $30,000 General Brock Trotting Series,Thursday evening at Woodbine.   Dr. John Chandler, who trains and owns the bay, couldn't be more pleased with how his gelding
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Heartbeat of Ontario racing video released
March 19, 2012
In light of the recent announcement from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, that it plans to end the province-wide Slots at Racetracks program in March 2013, the following two and a half minute video was created to illustrate the wide range of people who will be dramatically affected by
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Broodmare producing upset winners at Pompano
March 19, 2012
Cara Mia Hanover has earned a deserved reputation as a broodmare responsible for producing offspring that raced to a remarkable number of upset wins in the 2011-2012 campaign at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. The latest noteworthy winner from the mare was Jump Start at 17-1 in the fifth ra
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37 entered in Blue Chip Matchmaker opener
March 19, 2012
Five $40,000 divisions have been drawn for Friday night's opening round of Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker. A total of 37 (from a pool of 43) of the finest pacing mares in training are scheduled to compete in races 3,4,5,7 and 8.   A quick perusal of the overnight sheet finds
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NF Notebook wins Meadows debut in 1:57.3
March 19, 2012
NF Notebook, whose experience consisted of a single qualifier, made a sparkling debut Monday at The Meadows when he launched an uncovered bid that carried him to victory in the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot. His time of 1:57.3 was the fastest this year by a 3-year-old gelding on a five-eighths-mile t
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Fancyfreeshark wins Dover feature
March 19, 2012
For the third straight week Fancyfreeshark has stepped up in class and for the second week in a row the 5 year old has turned in the fastest time of the week at Dover Downs, this time scoring a 1:50 victory to win the $36,000 Preferred Handicap on Monday. Tim Tetrick was at the contr
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Dan Noble to drive at Meadowlands
March 17, 2012
  Dan Noble, the 2011 dash leader, will drive at the Meadowlands for the next few weekends. The Ohio-based Noble won driving titles at Northfield Park, Scioto Downs, Lebanon Raceway and The Red Mile en route to 773 victories last year. The 28-year-old reinsman, who bested George Brennan
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Talk To Tony surprises in 1:51.1 at Pompano
March 17, 2012
You couldn't blame millionaire pacer Aracache Hanover for wanting to get away from Florida after his first two races of 2012. Specificially, Aracache Hanover would likely want to get away from driver Wally Hennessey if he could voice his opinion on the topic.   In the $12,000 purse Op
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Anndrovette, Art Z take Overbid, "Clover"
March 17, 2012
Anndrovette dominated the field from gate-to-wire in the $101,750 Overbid final on Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack. And in the $78,400 Four Leaf Clover final, longshot Art Z split rivals just in the nick of time to win.   Deftly driven by David Miller, Art Z sat behin
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Woodbine cancels after 9 due to fog
March 17, 2012
After Brave Alex Semalu won the $50,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Saturday night, the remainder of the racing card was canceled due to fog. The Ontario Racing Commission judges were unable to utilize the photo finish equipment as a result of the fog, which caused the cancellation of the card after t
[read more]

Dave Rankin dies at age 65
March 16, 2012
Ohio Hall of Fame horseman Dave Rankin, who had been battling cancer for some time, died  Thursday night at the age of 65. Rankin, who was a top colt trainer of his generation, was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame last January.   A native of Bremen, Ohio, Rankin
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Taggart wins St. Paddy Pace
March 16, 2012
Jimmy Taggart Jr. gunned Prince Aidid away from the gate from the six hole and worked out a picture- perfect two-hole journey en route to a 2:00 victory in the 11th edition of the St. Paddy Pace at Monticello Raceway on Thursday.    Besides scoring his initial triumph in the event which
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PA Harness Week show starts Saturday
March 16, 2012
"PA Harness Week,” harness racing's fastest-paced half-hour television show, is back with more action and a longer season. New episodes will air Saturdays at 1 pm through Dec. 29 on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.Tomorrow's season premiere will air at the special time of 12 noon due to NHL hockey.
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NJ veterinarian Joseph DeLeo dies at 68
March 16, 2012
Joseph R. DeLeo, DVM, 68, one of the leading equine veterinarians in New Jersey, died Tuesday (March 12) at University Medical Center in Princeton, NJ.   Born in Far Rockaway, NY, Dr. DeLeo was a Cranbury resident for many years. Dr. DeLeo earned both his undergraduate degree and do
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Penn National makes deal to move OH tracks
March 16, 2012
Penn National Gaming Inc. announced Friday (March 16) it has reached an agreement with the State of Ohio that will help pave the way toward the relocation of its two Ohio racetracks and the development of new approximately $200 million racetrack/video lottery terminal facilities (inclusive
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R Caan ready for Monday's Youthful opener
March 16, 2012
Trainer-driver Larry Small will send R Caan postward in the $20,000 opening leg of the Youthful Pacing Series on Monday evening at Woodbine, but the veteran horseman revealed that up until a few months ago, he wasn't certain if he would still have the 3 year old in his barn. But he decided
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Fred And Ginger qualifies in 1:48.4
March 16, 2012
Fred And Ginger paced the second fastest qualifying time in harness racing history Friday, winning in 1:48.4 at Meadowlands Racetrack. Foiled Again, his stablemate from the barn of trainer Ron Burke, was second in 1:49.2 as he prepped for next weekend's start of the George Morton Levy Memor
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New Jersey OTB on target for July opening
March 16, 2012
New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC’s (NMRLLC) first off-track wagering facility, Winners in Bayonne, NJ, is on target for a July opening. The 25,000 square-foot venue will boast two large simulcast viewing areas, a VIP room and an energetic, 38-seat sports bar. McLoone’s will operate a custom-designe
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Breakheart Pass wins at Yonkers in 1:53.3
March 16, 2012
Breakheart Pass (Jason Bartlett) set it up from second-over Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace.   Leaving from post position No. 5, Breakheart Pass watched the early action as Qucksilvercandy A (Larry A (Larry Stalbaum), 10-10 favorit
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Fountainbleau Volo crushes foes in stakes record
March 16, 2012
Fountainbleau Volo completed a sweep of the Horse & Groom Series with a dominant five-length win in the $82,000 final on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Driver David Miller sat patiently in fourth with the 4-5 favorite as Here Comes Numbers took the field to the half
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Winning It captures Donna Dunn Memorial Pace
March 16, 2012
Hammered down to 1-9, Winning It justified that faith Friday when she jogged to an easy victory in the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Sand Latte’ and Sharkist Breeze also captured $15,000 opening-leg divisions in the series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare pacers.   The
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Teague Stable shines in Dover qualifiers
March 15, 2012
For the second straight time, the George Teague stable, with Montrell Teague driving, dominated Wednesday morning qualifying races at Dover Downs.   Again this week, Teague, who usually qualifies his top young horses at least twice, sometimes three times, before sending them into
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Court Street now 2-for-2 at The Meadows
March 15, 2012
In only her second career start, Court Street followed cover beautifully and captured a division of Wednesday's opening leg of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trotting Series for 3- and 4-year old fillies and mares at The Meadows.   A daughter of SJ's Caviar-Hollybrook Lane, who was unrace
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Michigan Hall of Famer C.J. Osborn dies
March 15, 2012
C.J. Osborn, 86, a member of the Michigan Harness Racing Hall of Fame, died Tuesday, March 13, in Jackson, Mich.   Mr. Osborn was known for his expertise at conditioning 2- and 3-year-old trotters and pacers and always recording a high Universal Rating as both a driver and trainer; h
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HOY San Pail wins qualifier in 2012 debut
March 15, 2012
San Pail, the 2011 Horse of the Year in both the United States and Canada, won a qualifier at Mohawk Racetrack Thursday morning in his first appearance of the year. With Randy Waples driving, San Pail scored a 1:55.3 victory, besting by one length Canada's 2010 Two-Year-Old Colt Trotter of
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PA horsemen meet with legislators
March 15, 2012
Pennsylvania legislators joined representatives of the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition, a statewide group representing more than 10,000 trainers, owners and breeders of the horseracing industry in Pennsylvania, today at a press conference in the Pennsylvania Capitol Building Rotunda to express the
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Gural says Big M whipping rules to be changed
March 15, 2012
In a statement released Thursday afternoon (March 14), Jeff Gural, operator of the Meadowlands, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs racetracks, said he was contacted by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which express concerned about whipping in horse races at the Meadowlands.  
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Sam Glazer, father of Bob Glazer, dies
March 15, 2012
Sam Glazer, the father of Standardbred breeder and owner Bob Glazer of Peter Pan Stables, died Monday (March 12) at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, from complications of leukemia. He was 89. Mr. Glazer owned North American Systems Inc. and together with Vincent G. Marotta Sr., his friend
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NEW Weekend Preview now available!
March 15, 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 an inside look at weekend series finals at the Meadowlands, this editi
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Henderson hopes to 'put on a show' in Overbid
March 15, 2012
Craig Henderson hit a home run in his first at bat when he purchased a share of millionaire mare Put On A Show. Put On A Show, who missed her entire 4-year-old season due to injury, makes her third start of 2012 in Saturday's $101,750 Overbid final at the Meadowlands. The daughter of Rocknroll H
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Cash On Delivery pays off at Dover
March 15, 2012
Cash On Delivery took the lead in front of the grandstand and never looked back, scoring a 1:57 victory in the $16,000 featured trot at Dover Downs on Thursday.   Trainer-driver Vince Copeland posted his second straight feature trot win of the week, piloting David Miller's Cash On Del
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Varsity Hanover takes Rosecroft feature
March 14, 2012
In front of a large crowd which wagered with both fists, Varsity Hanover (Justin Vincent) celebrated his return to Rosecroft Raceway and scored his seventh victory at the "Raceway by the Beltway” in a lifetime mark setting 1:55.4.   James Whalen Jr'.s Varsity Hanover roared to the fro
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Windsor Raceway slots to close
March 14, 2012
The Windsor Star newspaper has reported that Windsor Raceway's slots operation will be closed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG), which could also prompt the closing of the racetrack. Slots operations at Hiawatha Horse Park in Sarnia, where harness racing is held, and at For
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Gural wants USTA to address marketing fund
March 14, 2012
A statement has been issued regarding Jeff Gural, operator of the New Meadowlands Racetrack and Tioga and Vernon Downs, and his hopes that the U.S. Trotting Association will address results of a recent USTA poll of members in the state of Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania at its annu
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Meadowlands changes draw schedule
March 14, 2012
Beginning Monday, March 19, Meadowlands Racetrack will draw on Monday for Friday cards and Tuesday for Saturday.   The track will follow that draw schedule for the balance of the season. The entry box closes at 9 a.m. both days. (Meadowlands)
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Weiss late-closers highlight Pocono opening week
March 14, 2012
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opens their season on Tuesday, April 3, and opening week will be filled with a trio of late-closing events named for one special track employee.   Bobby Weiss held the title of director of track maintenance for over 40 years, and was responsible for mainta
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WEG March 15 stakes payments due
March 14, 2012
Woodbine Entertainment Group's (WEG) would like to issue a final reminder all horsemen that major stakes events including the $1 million Metro Pace, $750,000G Maple Leaf Trot and $830,000E Canadian Pacing Derby closeThursday, March 15. Also, 3-year-old Ontario-sired fillies have a sustaining pay
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Drennan looking for Horse & Groom atonement
March 14, 2012
Nik Drennan will try to avenge a narrow loss in the 2011 Horse & Groom final with his trainee Here Comes Numbers in the $82,000 series final on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Here Comes Numbers drew post three in the fifth race feature for conditioned trotters. He wi
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Windsor Raceway comments on OLG action
March 14, 2012
The following press release was issued by Windsor Raceway, which also held a press conference Wednesday afternoon (March 14).   Windsor Raceway was shocked to learn today of the OLG decision to close the slots at the Windsor Raceway. It is disappointed at the lack of industry consulta
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Faraldo responds to Gural's press release
March 14, 2012
The following letter was distributed by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York on behalf of its president, Joseph Faraldo, who also serves as a director of the US Trotting Association, representing his district.   I read with interest the press release of Jeff Gural, which tr
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Don't Know Chip repeat winner at Dover
March 14, 2012
Don’t Know Chip repeated his win of last week, taking the $27,500 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on a  summer-like Wednesday, March 14. Again, Tagyoureit Hanover was race favorite and enjoyed a perfect two-hole trip behind pacesetting Mandabra. Completing the final turn, the entire
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Pavia makes L Dees Hutspa his 5,000th winner
March 14, 2012
It took until the final race of the night and some near misses in recent programs along the way, but driver Joe Pavia Jr. persisted as he has his entire career and earned his 5,000th lifetime win in the bike on Wednesday evening at The Isle Casino Pompano Park. Pavia reached the milestone w
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General Brock double for Henriksen
March 13, 2012
Conditioner Per Henriksen made the most of his trip to Woodbine on Monday evening as the veteran trainer sent out a pair of winners in the opening leg of the $20,000 General Brock Series. Henriksen captured the first two of three divisions sending Charlie Is A Joker and Guiltywithanexcuse t
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Switzer now calling Monticello Raceway home
March 13, 2012
It's not that Monticello Raceway is giving away anything special but over the years it has always been a track where drivers aspiring for bigger and better things wanted to come to race. Perhaps it's the Mighty M's locale, being so close to metropolitan New York racing, or that if they do well t
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Buswell named VP, GM at Scioto Downs
March 13, 2012
MTR Gaming Group Inc.has named industry veteran Troy J. Buswell to the position of vice president and general manager of Scioto Downs Casino & Racetrack in Columbus, Ohio, effective immediately. The casino is currently under construction and slated to open in the second quarter of 2012. &
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Mobile betting introduced by Dancer in NJ
March 13, 2012
Horse race fans would be permitted to place bets on special mobile devices under legislation introduced by New Jersey Assembly Republican Ronald S. Dancer.   "Smart phones and other mobile devices have transformed our daily lives and we can bring those modern conveniences to the horse
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Ontario's Gillis talks stable stars
March 13, 2012
After earning himself his first O'Brien Award as Canada's top trainer in 2011, Jeff Gillis has much to look forward to in the coming months. Thanks to top horses such as Frenchfrysnvinegar, Speed Again and Mister Herbie, just to name a few, the Hillsburgh conditioner celebrated a career year in
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Levy, Matchmaker eligibles announced
March 13, 2012
A total of 94 of the best free-for-all pacers in training have been nominated for Yonkers Raceway's premier events for the older crowd, the $1 million (est.) Blue Chip Matchmaker and $1.5 million (est.) George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series.   The 2012 Matchmaker has attracted 43
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Hoosier Park qualifiers on Wednesday
March 13, 2012
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will play host to 17 qualifiers on Wednesday, March 14, as it sets to get underway for the live racing season beginning on March 27. The licensing office will open early at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday (March 14) so all those participating in the qualifiers will h
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Eaves says WEG will work with government
March 13, 2012
Woodbine Entertainment president and CEO Nick Eaves issued the following statement Tuesday about Monday's announcement by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) to end its slots at the racetracks initiative in March 2013.   "The announcement by the government to cancel the Slots at
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Sagamore Hill Series gets underway at Yonkers
March 13, 2012
Yonkers Raceway's 2012 stakes season continued Tuesday night, with the opening round of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series.   The series, for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings who were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through this past Dec. 1, offered an overflow eight, $12,50
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Cal Expo bests Pompano in Pro-Am Challenge
March 13, 2012
It all came down to the stretch drive of the final race of the 2012 Sunshine Pro-Am Drivers' Challenge which pitted four man teams from California against Florida in a two-night contest which wrapped up on Tuesday evening at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.   The teams were c
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Itz Cherry Ripe N is sweet in Dover feature
March 13, 2012
Itz Cherry Ripe N used a :27.4 final panel to hold off hard-charging Shacked Up to win the $27,500 Mares Open Handicap Pace on Tuesday at Dover Downs. Jim Morand and Ron Pierce had driving triples.   Summer-like weather continued in the week's top distaff event as Moran
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Livelikeurdying in 1:53.2 in Meadows series opener
March 13, 2012
Livelikeurdying raced like he was flying, leading at every call and capturing a facile victory in Tuesday's John Sitzer Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Remix and Dungeon Dragon also took $15,000 opening-leg divisions in the series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding pacers.   After a
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Payments for PASS must be postmarked Thursday
March 12, 2012
The Pennsylvania Sire Stakes reminds horsemen that sustaining payments for the program must be postmarked by this Thursday, March 15.   For 2-year-olds, a pari-mutuel payment of $150 is due, and a fair payment of $25 – you can pick one or (what most people do, depending on circum
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Santa Rosa France just misses Varenne's mark
March 12, 2012
Santa Rosa France won the 200,000 euro Grand Criterium de la Vitesse at a distance of one mile on Sunday at the Cagnes-sur-Mer-track outside Nice on the French Riviera. Santa Rosa France, a 6-year-old daughter of Kaisy Dream, was timed in 1:52.3, two-fifths of a second off of Vare
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Ontario slot program to end next March?
March 12, 2012
More devastating news for the Ontario horse industry was delivered by the provincial government leadership on Monday morning when it announced that it had received a report from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that proposes modernization of the slots gaming system. Acc
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OHRIA responds to ending slots at tracks
March 12, 2012
The president of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) is warning that the government's announcement Monday morning to cancel the slots at the racetrack program will be costly. The OHRIA press release follows.   Ontario's horse racing industry employs over 60,000 Ontar
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Indiana program escapes legislative changes
March 12, 2012
While battles with government leaders for funds are in play in Ontario and Pennsylvania, the Indiana state legislature adjourned its annual budget session last Friday and the state's racing program was left intact for 2012.   "Nothing changed. We were lucky that we escaped the se
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Oak Ridge Boy takes Meadows series opener
March 12, 2012
Oak Ridge Boy, who had been performing in conditioned claimers, upgraded his game substantially Monday at The Meadows when he powered to victory in the opening leg of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot. Black Chip and Sky Lav, both piloted by Dave Palone, also captured $15,000 divisions in the series
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Teams tied after first night of Sunshine Pro-Am
March 12, 2012
The visitors from Cal-Expo in California came roaring out to an early lead only to see it dissipate as the driving crew from Florida came battling back stoutly and the opening night ended in a dead heat for the 2012 Sunshine Pro-Am Drivers' Challenge at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. &n
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2 sub-1:50 winners on Monday at Dover
March 12, 2012
Nova Artist ground out a lifetime fastest 1:49.3 victory on a speedy Monday card (March 12) at Dover Downs.   On a spring-like day with fast horses taking advantage of the near-perfect weather conditions, a number of the races flirted with 1:50 clockings. In addition to Nova Arti
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Large crowd welcomes Rosecroft opener
March 11, 2012
On a crisp winter Saturday night a large crowd welcomed live harness racing action back to Rosecroft Raceway. Horsemen proclaimed the racetrack was in great shape and favored neither the front end nor closers as winners came from last, next last, wire to wire, first-over and via a trip.  
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Rock To Glory scores in Yonkers feature
March 11, 2012
Rock To Glory (Eric Goodell), a bridesmaid in his last couple of starts, made it to the altar Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $33,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position five, Rock To Glory was away fourth as Foreign Officer (Jordan Stratton) led the octet through
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Break The Bank K second in Meadows return
March 10, 2012
TSM Photo Bugger inherited the lead early and made the most of it, overpowering the field once on top and capturing Friday's $22,500 Preferred Trot at The Meadows.   Mike Wilder hustled TSM Photo Bugger toward the front, and when Sharp Edge jumped it off while dueling for the lead, th
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Tioga/Vernon stakes payments due March 15
March 10, 2012
Payments to nominate to all stakes serviced by Tioga and Vernon Downs have a closing date of March 15.   The Empire Breeders Classic, Kindergarten Trotting Classic, Artiscape, Bettor's Delight, Credit Winner, Muscle Hill and Miss Versatility are all back for 2012 as part of a program
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Ouellete looks for Damsel win with DGs Tinkerbell
March 10, 2012
When driver Luc Ouellette lines up behind the gate on Saturday evening at Woodbine Racetrack in the $100,000 Damsel Pacing Series final, he knows that his charge, D Gs Tinkerbell, will give him every chance of finding the winner's circle.   The daughter of Cambest has been very consis
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Despite bobble, Modern Legend wins Cam Fella
March 10, 2012
Despite making a break in stride at the half, Modern Legend, driven by Jack Moiseyev, extended his winning streak to eight as he swept the $100,000 Cam Fella Series final on Saturday evening at Woodbine Racetrack.   Sent off as the heavy 1-9 favourite, Modern Legend settled away in third a
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Ole Miss surprises in Damsel final
March 10, 2012
Sent off at odds of 14-1 in the $100,000 Damsel Series final, driver Billy Davis Jr. guided Ole Miss to victory in 1:51.4 at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday evening, equaling the series record.   Davis wasted no time off the gate as he sent Ole Miss to the front from post 10 to reach th
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Aracache Hanover second in Pompano return
March 10, 2012
Aracache Hanover was the first millionaire pacer to appear in the $12,000 Open Handicap Pace since Big Bad John eight weeks ago when the Saturday edition turned to the starting gate at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Although he gave a robust effort from the front end after an assig
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12-1 Rockin Glass upsets in Rags To Riches
March 10, 2012
The $127,950 Rags To Riches final delivered big dividends to a field of claiming horses and a group of racing fans on Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Rockin Glass, a 12-1 shot, led the field at every call en route to a half-length victory over Alastair Hanover in the R
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Big purse, prizes up for grabs in Rags To Riches
March 09, 2012
Saturday night's Rags to Riches final is an opportunity for both claiming horses and Meadowlands fans to cash in big.   The series gave owners of low level claimers the opportunity to race for a flashy $127,950 purse in the final. The Rags To Riches was restricted to 3 year olds and
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HHYF to attend Pinehurst matinee
March 09, 2012
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation will offer a number of interactive experiences for race fans of all ages at the Pinehurst, N.C., matinee, scheduled for Sunday, April 1. The organization conducts dozens of educational programs, including overnight and day camps, across the country each ye
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Rosecroft set to open Saturday night
March 09, 2012
After a 2 ½-month break live harness racing action returns to Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday evening, with a first post of 7:25 p.m. The opening night card is heavy on distaffers with four races exclusively for fillies and mares while the rest also feature plenty of distaffers. The feature on
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Zeke Parker set to return after surgery
March 09, 2012
After a hiatus of nearly 2 1/2 months Billy "Zeke” Parker Jr. will soon be back in action at Monticello Raceway.   No, he wasn't on vacation. He had to interrupt his career to undergo prostate cancer surgery and according to Parker it certainly was no vacation. "It was tough goi
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Mayotte aims at General Brock with Herbie L
March 09, 2012
Veteran horseman Roger Mayotte has won the final of the General Brock Trotting Series twice as a driver, but has yet to win it with one of his own trainees.   Mayotte, who won the 2003 edition of the General Brock with the Roy Jeffries trainee Stonebridge Velvet and the 2007 event wit
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Keeper's Destiny wins Yonkers F&M Open
March 09, 2012
Keeper's Destiny (Eric Goodell), ordered behind a Friday night eight-ball, was sharp in winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   The 3-2 choice dropped in fourth as Arctic Fire N (James Rattray) led through early fractions of :28.3 and :58.3.
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Higher And Higher springs Overbid upset
March 09, 2012
Higher And Higher sprinted from far back to win the $40,000 second round of the Overbid Series for pacing mares on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Seventh in the early going, Higher And Higher worked out a third-over trip and stormed home to take the fourth race feature
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San Pail out of Thursday qualifier at Mohawk
March 08, 2012
Poor track conditions have delayed the 2012 debut of harness racing's reigning Horse of the Year San Pail for the time being. San Pail's trainer and co-owner Rod Hughes told Standardbred Canada's Trot Insider on Thursday morning that he didn't want to bring back his star trotter over the off
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Indiana vet suspended four years
March 08, 2012
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission issued a four-year suspension to veterinarian Jerrilee Cave. The decision was made at the Commission public meeting on March 7.   The suspension stems from an incident in 2009 in which Dr. Cave furnished a loaded syringe and needle containing a non-salix
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See You At Peelers qualifies in 1:53
March 08, 2012
See You At Peelers won her second straight qualifier Thursday morning at the Meadowlands, scoring a 1:53 victory in windy conditions. The session also saw stars Foiled Again and Arch Madness settle for second-place finishes in their first appearances of 2012. The 4-year-old mare pacer See You
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Balmoral Pick 4 pool hit $144,877 on March 7
March 08, 2012
Balmoral Park played host to the biggest Pick Four harness pool in North America this year on Wednesday. Players across the continent wagered $119,168 in new money chasing a carryover of $25,709. The final pool established a 2012 North American record of $144,877.   Competitive racing
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Meadowlands now color-coding sulkies
March 08, 2012
The Meadowlands has begun tracking sulky statistics, with the numbers available both in the racing program and on the in-house television show. To make things easier for bettors both at the track and at simulcast sites, all race sulkies will also be marked on the right arch with a color-coded st
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Will a 'legend' be made in Cam Fella final?
March 08, 2012
When a horse loves his job as much as his trainer, it makes for a winning combination. Conditioner Dave Drew and his homebred Modern Legend certainly have that one-two punch.   When Modern Legend goes behind the starting gate for Saturday's $100,000 Cam Fella Pacing Series final at Wo
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New! Weekend Preview, plus Florida Files
March 08, 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 a look at the second round of the Overbid Series at the Meadowlands and the $127,950 Rags To
[read more]

Kakaley drives 103rd winner at Dover meet
March 08, 2012
Matt Kakaley moved into three digits in wins this meet by driving My Man to victory in a $16,000 pace for 4 and 5 year olds on Thursday at Dover Downs.   My Man, with Kakaley piloting, atoned for breaking stride in the stretch last week by scoring a convincing 1:57.1 tr
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Runners working on return to Big M turf in May
March 08, 2012
The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA), which recently leased Monmouth Park from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, announced on Thursday (March 8) that it plans to hold Thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands. Jeff Gural, who leases the Meadowlands from the NJSEA
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Fountainbleau Volo cruises at Meadowlands
March 08, 2012
Fountainbleau Volo (pictured) turned in a powerful 1:53.1 victory in second leg action of the Horse & Groom Series Thursday night at the Meadowlands.   The 4-year-old gelding by SJ's Caviar was settled at the pylons for the first quarter mile but then driver David Miller move
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Gary Charette, caretaker for Dragon's Lair, dies
March 08, 2012
Longtime harness racing participant Gary Charette passed peacefully at his home in Florida on Feb. 29. He was 64.   Charette worked with the horses for many years. He was the caretaker for world champion Dragon's Lair for the Jeff Mallet Stable and also worked for the Jim Miller Stabl
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Cam Fella winner Reibercrombie tests positive
March 07, 2012
Reibercrombie, who won a division of the second round of the Cam Fella Series March 3 at Woodbine Racetrack, has been declared ineligible to race for 90 days by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) as a result of a positive test after finishing second in the Series opener on Feb. 25. According
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Seized Standardbreds ready for adoption
March 07, 2012
Homes are needed for 16 Standardbreds, eight geldings and eight fillies and mares, seized by the Humane Society of Carroll County (Maryland). They will be shown to prospective adopters on April 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Fairgrounds, 451 Eagle Avenue, Hanover, Pa. The public is invited
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Hot Pistol guns to 5th straight at Monticello
March 07, 2012
Hot Pistol had a new driver Tuesday at Monticello Raceway but it didn't matter. The pacer won for the fifth consecutive time this season in a seasonal best of 1:58.1.   Mike Merton handled the driving chores for owners Antonio and Maria Grillo and like Jimmy Marohn Jr. had d
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St. Elmo Hero wins Balmoral qualifier
March 07, 2012
Despite racing into a stiff headwind in the Balmoral Park stretch, St. Elmo Hero won a qualifier Wednesday morning in 1:56.3 with Pat Curtin driving. Now six, St. Elmo Hero was making his first appearance since finishing fourth last November in the American National at Balmoral, a race that capp
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WEG's stakes payments approaching
March 07, 2012
Nominations for Woodbine Entertainment Group's (WEG) major stakes events, including the $1 million Metro Pace, $750,000G Maple Leaf Trot and $830,000E Canadian Pacing Derby close Thursday, March 15. Also, 3-year-old Ontario-sired fillies have a sustaining payment for the 2012 WEG SBOA stakes eve
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Scorpion Moon rises to top at Pompano
March 07, 2012
Although she was not successful with her new purchase Muscles Marinara later in the card, owner-trainer Tracy Brainard had decidedly better fortune with Scorpion Moon in the $12,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday at The Isle Pompano Park.   With Joe Pavia Jr. in the bike, Scorpion Moo
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Greg Haverstick named Groom of the Year
March 07, 2012
Greg "Stick" Haverstick, a veteran groom working with trainer Colby Hubble's Maryland-based stable, has been named 2011 Groom of the Year in the annual competition sponsored by Harness Tracks of America ("HTA") and Hanover Shoe Farms. In nominating Haverstick, Hubble noted that while the sta
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Don't Know Chip knows Dover winner's circle
March 07, 2012
Don't Know Chip overtook Tagyoureit Hanover in deep stretch to win the $27,500 Open Trot in 1:54 at Dover Downs on Wednesday. Struttin Conway won the $16,000 trot by a nose in the sub-feature. Meet-leading trainer Josh Green haltered three winners.   Vince Copeland moved Don't Kn
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Christian Harness Horsemen's scholarship news
March 06, 2012
The Christian Harness Horsemen's Association (CHHA) Scholarship Application is now available at www.chha.net. This year CHHA will be awarding a John and Janet Klark Memorial Scholarship, a James "Bart” Glass Memorial Scholarship, a Carl Allen Memorial Scholarship, Rambling Willie Scholarship and a
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If I Can Dream moving to New Jersey for 2012
March 06, 2012
Bulletproof Enterprises has announced that world champion and full brother to Western Terror, If I Can Dream p, 2, 1:50.4f; 3, 1:49.4f ($1,990,276), will stand the 2012 breeding season at Deo Volente Farms of Flemington, NJ. Kentuckiana Farms will continue to serve as syndicate manager o
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Imposter A wins season-high 7th of year
March 06, 2012
Imposter A, an Australian bred-altered son of Fake Left, scored his seventh victory of the fledgling season on at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon. With that triumph the pacer now leads the nation in races won this year.   Mike Forte was in the sulky once again for trainer Elisha
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$100,000 guarantee Pick 4 Wednesday at Balmoral
March 06, 2012
Here we go again! Get ready for another giant betting opportunity Wednesday as March Madness starts early at Balmoral Park. Players will get a $100,000 guaranteed pool, a big carryover, free program pages courtesy of Track Master and a low 15 percent takeout. What more could a player ask fo
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Sulky stats now tracked at Meadowlands
March 06, 2012
By popular request, the Meadowlands Racetrack is now tracking sulky statistics for its players. Several weeks ago, the Meadowlands began color coding sulkies and tracking the information on its live television broadcast. Statistics have been compiled for the past month and will now appear in the
[read more]

More politics in Ohio as legislature negotiates
March 06, 2012
Ohio needs emergency legislation passed which specifies the rules for operating video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the state's racetracks under the supervision of the Ohio Lottery Commission, but to get that emergency legislation passed there has been some horse trading going on at the statehouse
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HOY San Pail set to qualify Thursday
March 06, 2012
San Pail, the Horse of the Year on both sides of the border in 2011, is scheduled to make his first charted line of 2012 in a qualifying session on Thursday morning at Mohawk.   Trainer and co-owner Rod Hughes confirmed that the winner of $2,977,885 who has three Maple Leaf Trot victo
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Valentowner takes Meadows feature
March 06, 2012
Valentowner waited patiently in the pocket, then roared through the Lightning Lane to capture Tuesday's $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows at a healthy 5-1. Greg Grismore pushed Valentowner to the lead, where he stung Southern Allie before yielding to the pocket. That strategy pai
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Yonkers bringing back Sheppard for 2YOs
March 06, 2012
Yonkers Raceway is bringing back the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace, for years the Raceway's signature event for 2-year-old colts and geldings.   The Sheppard, dormant since 2003, is scheduled to offer elimination races ($25,000 each division) Saturday night, July 14, with the $100,000 (es
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Aracache Hanover set to start Saturday
March 06, 2012
Millionaire pacer Aracache Hanover is about to return to the racing wars to begin his 2012 campaign. He'll be starting in the outside post position in a field of eight starters in the Saturday evening Open Handicap Pace at the Isle Pompano Park.   After a winter holiday
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Monochromatic overtakes Mystra to score
March 06, 2012
Monochromatic got up to beat Mystra in deep stretch to win the $27,500 Mares Open/Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday (March 6). Ross Wolfenden had five wins.   After enjoying a good trip sitting third until midstretch, Corey Callahan pulled Monochromatic to the outside and the&nb
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Standardbred owner Roger Bartley Jr. dies
March 05, 2012
Roger C. Bartley Jr., 44, of Columbus, Ohio, died March 1 after suffering a heart attack.   Mr. Bartley was a true salesman since the age of 13. He sold red and blue women's dress shoes at age 16, worked as a lawn mower contractor and owned several used car dealership. He also own
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76 nominated to North America Cup
March 05, 2012
An impressive group of 76 horses have been nominated to the 29th edition of the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, one of harness racing's most prestigious events, set for Saturday, June 16, at Mohawk Racetrack. The number is down slightly from the 83 nominees to the 2011 NA Cup.  
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PHHA/MSOA: Stakes probably eliminated
March 05, 2012
Governor Tom Corbett's proposed $72 million raid on the Race Horse Development Fund for 2012, together with a planned $47 million transfer to the state's general fund, would make it virtually impossible to continue stakes racing at 2011 levels according to the heads of the state's Standardbred h
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On-track wagering, attendance up at Big M
March 05, 2012
Both on-track wagering and attendance are up through the first two months of the 2012 harness meet at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   The live handle is up 13 percent through 23 nights of racing, with $6,756,972 wagered vs. $5,964,256 the previous year. The Feb. 18 card, which featured a
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Yonkers to host Golden Gloves boxing
March 05, 2012
The iconic New York Daily News Golden Gloves returns to Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Wednesday night, March 14.   The 2012 semifinals of the fabled amateur boxing tournament take place on the casino's fourth floor, it was announced jointly by ECYR President Timothy J. Rooney
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ORC rules on Crys Dream's Elegantimage win
March 05, 2012
On Monday, the Ontario Racing Commission issued its official ruling on the positive test of Henrik Hollsten, trainer of record for 2011 Elegantimage winner Crys Dream.   Following her victory in the $519,000 final of the Elegantimage Stakes on June 18 at Mohawk Racetrack, Crys Dream t
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Hoosier Park adds new toteboard for 2012
March 05, 2012
Hoosier Park Racing and Casino's 19th season of live Standardbred racing brings a number of enhancements and improvements with the opening of the 2012 race meet on March 27, which promises to be its most exciting yet. The largest and maybe most noticeable improvement is the addition of a new, st
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Nickie K takes Meadows mare trot feature
March 05, 2012
Nickie K, who lost her last three races by a total margin less than one length, ended the frustration Monday at The Meadows when she brushed wide to capture the$22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot. Shuffled to fifth, Nickie K angled off the pylons for Dan Noble and blazed home in themiddle
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Breed to Trainforthefuture for scholarship fund
March 05, 2012
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association has announced the donation of two breedings to the stallion Trainforthefuture, to benefit the MSOA collegiate scholarship fund.   John C. Green, owner of Pinnacle Racing, Ltd., is donating the breedings for the second year, and commente
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Pavia 6 wins from 5,000 after scoring with 3YO
March 05, 2012
A rather predictable development occured in the personal pursuit by Joe Pavia Jr. of 5,000 lifetime winning drives on the Monday evening (March 5) program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. The accomplished horseman unveiled yet another promising 3-year-old prospect.   The 3-year-old p
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Delivered From Zin wins in 1:51.3 at Dover
March 05, 2012
Delivered From Zin returned to the Dover Downs winner's circle for the fourth time this year while Bondy N registered his fourth triumph since arriving in the U.S. in the $36,000 and $27,500 respective feature races on March 4. Tim Tetrick won four races, nine in two days, while Corey Calla
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Funeral services Tuesday for Geoffrey Stein
March 04, 2012
Geoffrey Stein, co-owner of Preferred Equine Marketing and co-manager of both the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and Tattersalls Mixed Sales, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, March 4, at the age of 58.   Stein, known for his enthusiasm for fitness, had completed his regular morning
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Rapide Lebel huge winner in 2012 debut
March 03, 2012
The winter meet at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes was concluded on Saturday afternoon when Rapide Lebel, the runner-up to San Pail in last fall's Breeders Crown Trot at Woodbine, made his season's debut in the 160,000 euro Prix de l'Union Europenne. It was an incredible performance because ther
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Another millionaire pacing mare produces a millionaire
March 03, 2012
While achieving millionaire status, Omen Hanover vaulted Ooh's N Aah's as only the third pacing mare ever that earned more than $1 million who has also produced a millionaire daughter. The other two mares to achieve this distinction were Stienam's Place-Put On A Show and Town Pro-Darlin's Deligh
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Breeder-owner Peter Heffering dies
March 03, 2012
Prominent standardbred breeder and owner R. Peter Heffering passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday, March 3. His passing is a tremendous loss to North America's harness racing and agricultural community. A Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee, Peter w
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Hennessey scores with Forty Carrots in 1:51
March 03, 2012
Although he had to take a pass on Saturday night's NHL home game for his beloved Florida Panthers against Nashville in favor of race bike duty, driver Wally Hennessey found a way to do some stickhandling anyway.   Late in the stretch of the $12,000 Open Handicap Pace, Hennessey's
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Risk Management snags first "Clover" leg
March 03, 2012
Risk Management, a 4-year-old gelding by Western Hanover, set the pace and then held off the late rally of Fools Goal to win the first leg of the Four Leaf Clover Series Saturday night at the Meadowlands. The time of the mile was 1:52.4.   Risk Management, with Yannick Gingras driving
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Modern Legend 5 for 5 with Cam Fella win
March 03, 2012
Modern Legend (pictured) front-stepped his way to the winner's circle Saturday night at Woodbine in the second round of the Cam Fella Pacing Series, and in doing so the Dave Drew trainee extended his win streak to seven.   Itrustyou (Brett Miller) showed early speed off the gate in the
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90-year-old owner returns to racing
March 02, 2012
When Sam Durbano makes the trip to the Mohawk Racetrack backstretch in the early morning hours to see his horse, Dazzling Victor, it isn't the thought of racing for an important stakes race or a big purse that brings a smile to his face.   Durbano, age 90, arrives in his beloved 2010 silver
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Meadows adds new wager to create jackpots
March 02, 2012
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino announced that on Monday, March 5, it will introduce a wager called the "50/50 Pick 5,” a bet designed to increase the size of both jackpots and consolation payouts. The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission has approved the wager.   As with most Pick 5 w
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Im Themightyquinn wins 2nd straight Inter Dom
March 02, 2012
Im Themightyquinn, a 7-yar-old gelding by 1999 Adios champion Washington VC, captured the $1 million (Aus.) Inter Dominion Pacing Championship on Friday night at the Gloucester Park track in Perth, Australia. In a stirring stretch duel, Im Themightyquinn battled with Mysta Magical Mach before gett
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Ontariio testing for ethanol in samples
March 02, 2012
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has been advised that some samples of a compounded version of n-butyl alcohol contain ethanol. The substance was not listed as an ingredient. On February 23, the ORC issued a Notice to the Industry reminding licensees of the CPMA testing of its official samples
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Balmoral average handle $1.1 mil in February
March 02, 2012
Chicago harness racing continues to show renewed vigor as Balmoral Park showed strong handle gains in February. The one mile oval took advantage of incredible weather and super competitive racing with no dominant trainer or driver. This perfect storm created the lowest percentage of favorites
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Meadows horsemen meet legislators
March 02, 2012
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association hosted a crucial meeting on March 1 related to Governor Tom Corbett's proposed budget. The standing-room-only crowd was urged to contact their local legislators as well as the Governor to express their concerns for the plan. For those that were unable to
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Up Front Kellie Jo takes Yonkers feature in 1:54.4
March 02, 2012
Up Front Kellie Jo (Mark MacDonald) was a rainy pocket victress Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's co-featured $33,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from the pylons, "Kellie Jo" stung Mud Pie Hanover (Cat Manzi), then released her before a :27.1 opening quarter-mile. Mud
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Emily Gaskin new Hoosier Park publicist
March 02, 2012
Emily Gaskin has joined the team at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Gaskin has assumed the duties of racing publicist and executive assistant to Brian Elmore, general manager of racing.   A resident of Pendleton, Ind., Gaskin graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in
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DGs Tinkerbell, Miss Sand Creek win in Damsel
March 02, 2012
With the second leg of the $40,000 Damsel Series taking place Friday evening at Woodbine Racetrack, DGs Tinkerbell and Miss Sand Creek took home the lions share for their connections and recorded lifetime best efforts in the process.   In the first division, DGs Tinkerbell and Luc Ouellette
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Not Afraid a strong Singer Memorial winner
March 02, 2012
Not Afraid broke his maiden by open lengths in the $44,500 Charles Singer Memorial final on Friday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Also on the card was the first leg of the Overbid Series for mares and Rocklamation won in 1:52.3, with 2011 Dan Patch honoree Anndrovette third and Put On A Sho
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Danita Harvey wins Sadie Hawkins Trot
March 01, 2012
What's a mother to do when she finds herself driving in a harness race against her son and her daughter? If that mom is Danita Harvey, she puts the pedal to the metal and whups ‘em.   That's what Harvey did Wednesday at The Meadows when she drove in a special $10,000 Sadie Hawkins T
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Ontario's deal with racing "commercial contract"
March 01, 2012
Former Woodbine CEO and now chairman David Willmot has called the Ontario provincial government's plans to take money from the horse racing industry "reckless" and described the partnership between the Ontario Lottery division and horse racing as "a bilateral, commercial contract agreement
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"Dewey" scholarship applications available
March 01, 2012
The Upstate New York chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is looking for eligible high school seniors or returning college students from families of licensed owners, trainers, or drivers who participate full or part time in harness racing. They can now log on to http://www.up
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See You At Peelers wins qualifier in return
March 01, 2012
Sloppy conditions at the Meadowlands Thursday morning led to the scratches of the $3 million-winners Foiled Again and Arch Madness, but the session saw a successful return to the racetrack for the 2011 Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year See You At Peelers. Making her first appearance since
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Atkinson eyes Singer with Connie Lauxmont
March 01, 2012
Despite being a third-generation horseman, James Atkinson was a heavy equipment operator up until 10 years ago when the lure of his roots became too hard to resist.   The 57-year-old Jackson, N.J., native now resides on a farm in Georgetown, Del., and will send out Connie Lauxmont in
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Man's Treasure looking for Singer riches
March 01, 2012
A trip to the chiropractor has Man's Treasure re-aligned and ready to line up behind the starting gate in Friday's $44,500 Charles Singer Memorial final at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Man's Treasure, trained by Don Niccum, goes for his second straight win when he leaves from pos
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Western Fair handle is soaring
March 01, 2012
The Raceway at The Western Fair District is off to a strong start on the wagering front in 2012. On the heels of a 24 percent increase in wagering in January, the numbers were even better in February. A total of just under $4.3 million was wagered on The Raceway product, one of the highest
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Stall applications close soon for Tioga, Vernon
March 01, 2012
Tioga and Vernon Downs would like to remind all horsemen that stall applications close on March 9, and both the Tioga & Vernon backstretches open for the 2012 race season on April 1. For the first time, both tracks applications can be completed and submitted electronically under their respec
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Saratoga opens 71st harness season Sunday
March 01, 2012
Saratoga Casino and Raceway will open for its 71st harness racing season at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday (March 4). With 169 racing dates, the 2012 season will run through Dec. 15.   Opening day kicks off with a giveaway. A complimentary commemorative baseball cap will be provided to pat
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NJSEA OKs deal with "grant" to NJ T-breds
March 01, 2012
According to The Blood-Horse website, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) announced March 1 that it reached an agreement with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for the lease of Monmouth Park in time for the track's 2012 racing season.   The lea
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Colville, Moiseyev team up with Guns An Roses
March 01, 2012
Guns An Roses, who carries a two-race win streak, will be a top contender in the second leg of the $40,000 Cam Fella Pacing Series, setfor Saturday evening at Woodbine.   The 4-year-old son of Life Sign-Best Lady captured his first division in 1:51.3 for co-owner/breeder Joanne Colville
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Nadia Lobell 3YOFP cancelled
March 01, 2012
The Nadia Lobell for 3-year-old filly pacers scheduled for Friday, July 20 at the Meadowlands Racetrack has been cancelled because of a lack of nominations. The Red Mile, which administers the race, will refund nomination payments. (Meadowlands)
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New! Weekend Preview, plus Florida Files
March 01, 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. Due to a technical problem, subscribers who receive Weekend Preview in their email box may not be able to download it this week. If that is th
[read more]

Rosecroft qualifiers on tap Friday
March 01, 2012
The last pre-meet qualifiers will take place with a first post of 11 a.m. on Friday at Rosecroft Raceway, "The Raceway by the Beltway.”   As usual a wide variety of entrants will be attempting to qualify, with some notables to be on hand including driver-trainer Steve Warrington, of S
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Here comes Hollywood Rusty at Dover!
March 01, 2012
With two starters boasting win streaks, Hollywood Rusty pulled a mild surprise scoring a 1:57.3 victory in the $16,000 winners-over trot on Thursday at Dover Downs. Also, Matt Kakaley had a six-pack of winners.   Brad Hanners drove Hollywood Rusty into the lead and led the remainin
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Delaware North, Churchill buy Lebanon
March 01, 2012
Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) have announced their joint venture to purchase Lebanon Raceway in Lebanon, Ohio, and develop a new video lottery terminalfacility with up to 2,500 VLTs and a harness racetrack.   Through a joint ventu
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Pair of trotting series gets underway at Big M
March 01, 2012
Funny Fashion won the lone $12,500 division of the opening round of the Syrinx Hanover Series for 3-year-old filly trotters Thursday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack, while Fountainbleau Volo, Definitely Mamie and Ice Machine captured their respective splits of the first leg of the Horse & G
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