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Allard talks about career, 6 racing Saturday
January 31, 2013
With youth and success on his side, trainer Rene Allard has set a goal of concentrating more on quality than quantity in his stable in 2013, as well as placing an emphasis on racing the bulk of horses in the US.   The tireless 26-year-old from Saint-Esprit, Quebec, the youngest traine
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The Meadows no eask task in WHHC qualifier
January 31, 2013
Contestants in Friday's leg of the World Harness Handicapping Championship, when The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is one of the featured tracks, will need both a sharp pencil and an eye on the sky.   They'll need to be in top handicapping form because Friday's 15-race program at The
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Equine massage therapist Rebecca Floyd dies
January 31, 2013
Rebecca Floyd,65, died in Anderson, Ind., on Jan. 23 due to complications arising from a recent bout with pneumonia. She hailed from Philippi, W.Va., but made her way west with her family and was a 1965 graduate of the Air Academy (Colorado Springs). She loved the outdoors and the lively ar
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Monticello racing gets lost in the fog
January 31, 2013
What's the hardest call for a race announcer? Some might say calling races in the fog.   Howard Oil, Monticello Raceway's longtime race caller confronted that situation on Wednesday when the Mighty M was shrouded in fog.   Still, the veteran announcer followed as best
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Dancer's NJ legislation approved by Assembly
January 31, 2013
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by New Jersey Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth) that allows harness racing permitholders and the standardbred racing and horse-breeding industry to jointly decide how to utilize a portion of their racing purses in order to promote t
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Horse owner Arthur Levin dies at 76
January 31, 2013
Standardbred owner Arthur Levin, who campaigned horses with his wife, Shirley, died Saturday, Jan. 26, at age 76, after a three-month battle with leukemia. The Levins resided in the Chicago suburb of Barrington Hills. The Levins campaigned and/or bred such notables as th
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New Weekend Preview now available!
January 31, 2013
One of the top free-for-all trotters has changed barns as trainer Ron Burke has begun preparing the 2010 Kentucky Futurity winner Wishing Stone for his 2013 campaign. Also, Illinois-based owner Dave Clinard traveled to the Meadowlands for the recent Tattersalls Mixed Sale and he made two big-tic
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Hall of Fame's breeding auction set to begin
January 31, 2013
The Harness Racing Museum is pleased to announce an exceptional roster of stallions for the 2013 breeding auction. This year's list includes Hall of Fame inductees Camluck (2008) and Cam's Card Shark (2007). Bids must be postmarked by February 16, 2013. The list of stallions follows below. &n
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Whicadidja, Gold Deuce ready for Cal Expo series
January 31, 2013
The first leg of the Bill Conlin Pacing Series is in the spotlight at Cal Expo Saturday night, with Gold Deuce heading a contentious field of nine. A 14-race program is on tap, with the Conlin set as the fifth on the evening.   Gold Duece will appreciate getting away from th
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Shopping With Art pays off again at Dover
January 31, 2013
Shopping With Art is a winner, at least in his last six races, Versado returned with a 1:50.1 front-pacing victory in the $35,000 Preferred Handicap, and Catchmecullen A closed strongly to win the $30,000 Delaware Special at Dover Downs on a windy Thursday.   Owner-trainer-
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NJ Ag names Toscano Horseperson of the Year
January 30, 2013
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher awarded the 2012 Governor's Award for Horseperson of the Year to Linda Toscano, one of harness racing's most successful trainers, at the 56th annual Breeders' Luncheon in Eastampton on January 27. Toscano, who lives in Freehold, trained the 2
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Saratoga Harness Racing buys Colorado casino
January 30, 2013
Saratoga Harness Racing Inc. (SHRI), owner of Saratoga Casino and Raceway in Saratoga Springs, NY, has announced the official completion of its acquisition of Fitzgeralds Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado, on Tuesday (Jan. 29). SHRI began operating Fitzgeralds Casino Black Hawk
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Royal Dream: new record; no 5/8 mile track races
January 30, 2013
Royal Dream set a new race record in winning the Prix d'Amerique on Sunday in Paris. His mile rate time was 1:55.3, which erases the previous mark of 1:55.4 held by Offshore Dream and Ready Cash.   In other post-Prix d'Amerique news, trainer-driver Jean-Philippe Dubois said he wo
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Blooded Horse Sale still taking supplements
January 30, 2013
Supplemental entries for the Blooded Horse Winter Mixed Sale can be made through Saturday, February 2. This sale attracts buyers from across the United States and Canada and takes place in Delaware, Ohio February 11-12. Over 570 racehorses, broodmares, young prospects, yearlings, and stall
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Western Fair cancels Wednesday's live card
January 30, 2013
Unseasonably warm temperatures and heavy rains over the past two days have forced the cancelation of Wednesday's live program at The Raceway at The Western Fair District.   The track will remain open for afternoon and evening simulcasting and live racing is scheduled to resume this Fr
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Hanover Shoe Farms honored with HTA award
January 30, 2013
Hanover Shoe Farms of Hanover, Pennsylvania, one of harness racing's premier and storied breeding farms, has been named the 2013 winner of Harness Tracks of America's Stanley F. Bergstein Messenger Award, the highest honor bestowed by the association of major racing organizations in the United S
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USTA's Full circle program explained in video
January 30, 2013
The USTA's Full Circle program offers a free, no obligation means for anyone who'd like to know if a horse in their life, past or present, may need their help. There are nearly 5,000 horses enrolled in Full Circle, which mirrors similar programs offered by the American Quarter Horse Association,
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I'll Tell You What trots to 1:55 Pompano win
January 30, 2013
I’ll Tell You What, who had been knocking at the Open I winner’s circle door the last few starts, finally was able to gain entrance on Wednesday night at Pompano Park by scoring a convincing open lengths victory in 1:55 for Dave Ingraham. The hard-hitting 8-year-old son of Lockkeeper, away si
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More progress on Centaur taking over Indy Downs
January 30, 2013
Indianapolis-based Centaur Holdings, LLC has announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976 review of the company’s pending acquisition of Indiana Grand Casino and Downs in Shelbyville, Ind. expired at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 29 without the Federal Tra
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Purses to decrease by 10 percent at Meadows
January 29, 2013
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) announced today that purses will decrease by 10 percent at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino starting February 1, 2013. The MSOA represents owners, trainers, and drivers of Standardbred horses racing at The Meadows, which is located near Washingt
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New Jersey Sires Stakes payments due Feb. 15
January 29, 2013
The Feb. 15 deadline for New Jersey Sired Stakes first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of NJ-sired 2-year-old and 3-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to the 2013 Premier and Green Acres racing programs.   The NJSS Premier Division will be contested exc
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NJ Sires Stakes have payment due Feb. 15
January 29, 2013
The February 15 deadline for New Jersey Sire Stakes first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of NJ-sired two-year-old and three-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to the 2013 Premier and Green Acres racing programs. The NJSS Premier Division will be contested excl
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Positive wagering at Big M; new FFA Series
January 29, 2013
The positive wagering trend continued at the Meadowlands this past weekend despite the adverse weather conditions. Post time temperature hovered between 17 and 20 degrees the three days and blowing snow blanketed Friday's fields throughout the card.   On the tote board, the
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Frank Chick's Sale moved to April 9
January 29, 2013
Frank Chick's Harness Horse Sale has announced a change in date for its annual spring sale.   The sale has been moved from its traditional March date to April. It will be held on Tuesday, April 9. beginning at 12 noon at Harrington Raceway in Harrington, Del.   Ho
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Ladies needed for Lady Godiva Pace
January 29, 2013
It may be early but responses are coming in slowly from potential participants in Monticello Raceway's 11th annual Lady Godiva Pace which is slated for Valentine's Day, Thursday, Feb. 14. The race, part of the track's Heritage Drivers Series 2013, is exclusively for lady drivers.   "A
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New racino at Northfield Park: Rocksino
January 29, 2013
The Akron Beacon Journal has reported that the new racino that is currently being built at Northfield Park will be called Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. The announcement came Monday from Hard Rock International which said in a statement that the name pays tribute to Cleveland as the bi
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Indiana-sired millionaire Go On BB retired
January 29, 2013
When filly pacer Summer In Fiji was sidelined by an injury during her 2-year-old season after going 5-for-5 and winning the 2006 Indiana Sires Stakes summer championship, owner Frank Baldachino worried his fun might be ending.   Instead, the good times would go on.   Baldac
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TSM Photo Bugger flies to Meadows win
January 29, 2013
TSM Photo Bugger used a powerful first-over move to swallow up the leader and go on to a facile victory in Tuesday's $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   TSM Photo Bugger was sitting fourth down the backside when Mike Wilder sent him after the le
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Carlson pulls "Holdup" at Dover Downs
January 29, 2013
Stagecoach Holdup came from off the pace to capture the Tuesday feature, a $20,000 male claiming pace, at Dover Downs.   After a month's respite, Stagecoach Holdup returned to the races and struck with a 1:51.4 victory, a lifetime record, with Eric Carlson at the controls. Philanthrop
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CHHA stallion auction begins Monday
January 28, 2013
The Christian Harness Horsemen's Association Stallion Auction begins Monday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. and runs through Saturday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. on ongait.com. Visit www.chha.net/stallions for an up-to-date listing of available breedings. Bids may also be called in to Lee at 603-898-1927.
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Historic Stakes move to Harrah's Philadelphia
January 28, 2013
The Historic Stakes, some of the oldest and most prestigious races on the Grand Circuit, conducted for more than 80 years, have a new venue for freshman pacers and trotters.   In 2013 the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association and Harrah's Philadelphia will host the quartet of ev
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Trainer Magie moonlighting as basketball coach
January 28, 2013
Brian Magie has enjoyed success with Standardbreds. He is pretty good with Mustangs, too. Magie, a 54-year-old harness racing trainer from Chesterfield, N.J., is in his fourth season of coaching the girls' basketball team at New Jersey United Christian Academy in nearby Cream Ridge. The school i
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Yonkers cancels Monday due to weather
January 28, 2013
Due to impending inclement weather in the greater New York area, Yonkers Raceway has cancelled both live racing and evening simulcasting on Monday evening.   Horsemen are advised that Mohday's draw for Friday's card remains as scheduled, with the entry box closing at the usu
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NJ Breeders honor best of 2012 season
January 28, 2013
Chapter Seven, Linda Toscano and Walnridge Farm were among the honorees at the 56th annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Luncheon on Jan. 27 at Charley's Other Brother. Chapter Seven was the recipient of the New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year award. Chapter Seven's trainer, Linda Toscano
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Michigan horseman Larry Jones dies
January 28, 2013
Longtime Michigan-based horseman Larry Jones, of Jackson, died Sunday, Jan. 27. He was 69.   Along with his wife, Linda, Mr. Jonesraised and raced many very nice horses over his years in the business, Stir Fry, Insipid, Oakmont, Spicy Cinnamon and Casino Showgirl were just a
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Tremor Hanover breaks out of "seconditis"
January 28, 2013
Tired of being the bridesmaid, Tremor Hanover took matters into her own hands Monday at The Meadows when she powered to the lead and fashioned a game victory in the slop in the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace. Tremor Hanover had finished second in 11 of her
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Dancer's bill for mobile betting signed by governor
January 28, 2013
Racetrack patrons would be permitted to place bets on special mobile gaming devices under legislation signed on Monday by Governor Christie and sponsored by Assembly Republican Ronald S. Dancer. "With this innovation, horse race fans could place a bet and collect their winnings without leav
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Michael's Power, Coleman in O'Brien spotlight
January 27, 2013
Standardbred Canada announced the winners for the 2012 O'Brien Awards, which honor Canada's best in harness racing over the past season, on Saturday night. The annual Black Tie Gala was held at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, Ont.   The awards are named in honor of the
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Something For Doc best in Yonkers feature
January 27, 2013
Something for Doc (Matt Kakaley) finished what he started Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Assigned penultimate post position No. 7, "Doc"--as is his custom--has nose on gate. He made the lead around locally-debuting Intheblinkofaneye (Jason Bart
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Golden Receiver goes back-to-back in Presidential
January 27, 2013
Golden Receiver made it back-to-back Presidential Series finals on Saturday night at the Meadowlands with a 1:49.3 effort to take home the winner's share of the $103,500 purse.   Driven by Tim Tetrick, Golden Receiver left from post seven and dropped in second early as the fast-leavin
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Strategy reversal pays off for Northern Companion
January 27, 2013
Northern Companion, among the top 10 older pacers in wins last year with 17, resumed his winning ways at Pompano Park on Saturday night in the Open Handicap Pace with an ever-so-easy two length win for Robbie Hoffman in 1:51.2.   The 5-year-old gelded son of Cambest ditched his
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Royal Dream wins Prix d'Amerique
January 27, 2013
In this photo by Gerard Forni, Royal Dream trots to an upset victory over Ready Cash in the 1 million euro (about $1.3 million) Prix d'Amerique on Sunday afternoon in Paris, France. Royal Dream, an 8-year-old stallion by Love You, followed Ready Cash's moves and then trotted by his rival in
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Longtime Michigan publicist Dan Conway dies
January 27, 2013
Longtime Michigan publicist Dan Conway, who worked for Standardbred groups in the state for many years, and whose stories appeared on the pages of The Horseman And Fair World, died Jan. 17. He was 68.   Despite being wheelchair bound, Mr. Conway was a regular at racetracks in Mic
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Kirby wins with Panfully Cool at Dover
January 27, 2013
Vic Kirby waited until the homestretch to unleash Panfully Cool and the 5 year old responded with his second straight victory, a 1:52.3 mile on Sunday at Dover Downs. For driver Kirby, it was one of his three wins during the card.   In the $11,500 male pace, Panfully Cool blitzed down
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Handle up Friday at Meadowlands
January 26, 2013
The snow and cold couldn’t slow down the drivers Friday Night at the Meadowlands.  Of the 11 races that were held, 9 different drivers found their way to the winner’s circle, with Tim Tetrick and Andy Miller being the only two drivers to win more than one race.  Miller put bookends on
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Thebandfromboston wins in Buffalo
January 26, 2013
In what was arguably the best race of the night, Thebandfromboston won the $8,500 featured trot in 2:03, for owners Foulk Brothers Inc. of Dover Delaware, here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night (January 25). It was the third win this season for the seven-year-old Boy Band-Pleasecometoboston mare.
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Peter Gerry has poor racing luck in Paris
January 26, 2013
American Peter Gerry took his best shot in his first driving appearance at Hippodrome de Vincennes in Paris, France, on Saturday afternoon, but his horse broke stride and he was disqualified. Gerry, who has competed in the CKG Billings Amateur Series for years, drove in the Prix de Saint-Claude
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Love is in the air for 3rd straight time at Dover
January 26, 2013
Artomatic Love chalked up his third win in a row and Mississippi Hippy made it three wins in four starts in Saturday afternoon twin features at Dover Downs.   George Dennis drove Artomatic Love, the only 3 year old in a Delaware $12,000 female pace, to her third straight win for
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Miller trainees sweep Super Bowl final
January 26, 2013
The Julie Miller-trained Windsun Galliano and Helios finished first and second, respectively, in the $51,000 Super Bowl final for 4-year-old trotters on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.   Despite leaving from the outside post 10, driver Andy Miller was able to work his way up i
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Holdingallthecards scores in Hirt final
January 26, 2013
Driver Tim Tetrick played his best hand with Holdingallthecards in Saturday night's $67,400 Clyde Hirt Series final for 4-year-old pacers at the Meadowlands and he was rewarded with a 1:51.1 victory.   Leaving from post one with the 4-5 favorite, Tetrick settled in third as Corey
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Marcus Miller wins first at Meadowlands
January 25, 2013
It was a night of "firsts” at The Meadowlands as 23-year-old Marcus Miller made his first trip to the Meadowlands winners circle. The filly that brought him there, Ideal Ginny was doing the same, earning her first lifetime win. Miller guided his filly through a perfect pocket trip, tracking the
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Meadows cancels Friday evening card
January 25, 2013
The Meadows has canceled Friday evening's live card due to a snowstorm that swept through southwestern Pennsylvania.   All facilities remain open for simulcast viewing and wagering and live racing at The Meadows will resume on Monday at12:55 p.m., eastern. (The Meadows)
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Topping off new Meadowlands grandstand
January 25, 2013
The top steel beam for the new grandstand building at the Meadowlands Racetrack was erected on Friday morning and a large crowd gathered for the occasion. In the front in a blue jacket is New Meadowlands racetrack operator Jeff Gural, with New Jersey Assembly President Steve Sweeney, w
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Yonkers features to Chief Karen, Master Pine
January 25, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's pair of snowflake-themed Friday night $35,000 Open Handicaps--for distaff pacers and trotters of either gender--were won by Chief Karen (Larry Stalbaum, $21.20) and Master Pine (Jim Pantaleano, $68).   Watching early from post position five (in one notch after an ins
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Adenium wins Pompano Trot feature in 1:56
January 24, 2013
Adenium, handled by Dan Daley, made amends for his untimely miscue last week by eking out the narrowest of decisions in Pompano Park's Open 1 Trot on Wednesday night.   The 7-year-old son of Revenue S, though starting from the rail, lollygagged near the back of the pack in seventh as
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He's Spooky steps up in 1:53.4 at Dover
January 24, 2013
After winning a Dover Downs winners-over trot at 8-1 last week and stepping up to the $23,000 Open Handicap feature on Wednesday, bettor's didn't give He's Spooky a ghost of a chance of winning, sending him off at 16-1 odds in the feature race. He's Spooky surprised, however, scoring a
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Indiana Senate committee OKs table games
January 24, 2013
A gambling bill that would allow table games such as blackjack at racetracks near Indianapolis received unanimous support from an Indiana state Senate committee during a hearing Wednesday. The Public Policy Committee voted 9-0 in favor of the bill, which would also reduce taxes in
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Yonkers series paymnents coming due
January 24, 2013
The Standardbred Owners Association  (SOA of NY) wishes to remind all horsemen that the Petticoat Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares gets underway at the Hilltop oval commencing Monday, March 11. The Petticoat Series goes three consecutive Monday nights with a consolation
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Murray Brown comments on purse structure
January 24, 2013
Murray Brown, longtime director of public relations for Hanover Shoe Farms and general manager of the Standardbred Horse Sales Company in Harrisburg, has written the following in letter regarding the sport's purse structure.   "The relatively low sale prices for Idyllic and Marti
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WEG: purses to continue at 2013 level
January 24, 2013
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) held a press conference Thursday morning (Jan. 24) to discuss its agreement in principle with the Ontario Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which ensures the continuation of live horse racing at Mohawk Racetrack and Woodbin
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Important changes to Yonkers stake purses
January 24, 2013
Yonkers Racetrack management has increased the appeal of its most important stakes beginning in 2013 by guaranteeing final purses in the open divisions, slashing entrance fees for colt and filly races by more than half, and reducing the sustaining payments by 50 percent to these events.The
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It's a girl for Buck I St. Pat!
January 24, 2013
Three-time Trotting Mare of the Year Buck I St. Pat, who retired in 2011, gave birth Thursday morning to her first foal, a filly by 2007 Horse of the Year Donato Hanover, co-owner Howard Taylor said.   The foal was born at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania, where Donato Ha
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New Weekend Preview now available!
January 24, 2013
Driver David Miller has told Weekend Preview he has presidential aspirations—he wants to win Saturday night's Presidential Series final at the Meadowlands with Dial Or Nodial. In the new Weekend Preview Miller talks about Dial Or Nodial's chances of an upset victory over prohibitive favorite Gol
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Tritton ready to launch Presidential duo
January 24, 2013
Australian-born trainer Peter Tritton sends out a pair of Down Under imports in his quest to upset the mighty Golden Receiver in Saturday's $103,500 Presidential final at the Meadowlands.   Second Wind N and Malak Uswaad N have drawn posts three and four, respectively, and the favorit
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Escape The News wins Meadows feature
January 24, 2013
Escape The News escaped the field after a demanding first quarter and scored easily in Thursday's $22,500 winners over $10,000 life/preferred handicap pace at The Meadows.   Although Escape The News was parked out the entire first panel, he thwarted the first-over challenge of JJ Glad
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Come Together wins 10th in a row at Dover
January 24, 2013
Come Together continues as hottest horse at Dover Downs, winning his 10th race in a row while Nova Artist put on a fast-closing show to win the 30,000 Delaware Special Handicap to highlight the Thursday program.   Since last fall, it has really "come together" for the Artsp
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Million-dollar Tuesday at Yonkers
January 23, 2013
Yonkers Raceway enjoyed its biggest handle of the young season on a--shall we say--brisk Tuesday night, with $1,017,797 wagered on the 12-race card.   Brian Sears added to his lead in the driver standings with four winners, including both halves of the $13.60 early daily double. Sears
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Meadowlands wagering is "through the roof"
January 23, 2013
Wagering was absolutely through the roof over the three days of live racing last weekend at the Meadowlands.   Objectively, the comparable weekend in 2012 was compromised by the only significant snowstorm of last winter. However, the total wagered from all sources on M1 races was $8,
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Watson wins his second Dr. King Pace
January 23, 2013
With the temperature hovering around 12 degrees and the winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour, Dennis Watson was undeterred by the weather conditions and confidently reined Ally's Delight to a 2:04.2 victory in the 13th edition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pace at Monticello Racew
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Peter Gerry to drive in amateur race in Paris
January 23, 2013
Peter G. Gerry, well regarded amateur/gentleman USA driver and venture capitalist, will participate in a prestigious international amateur trot (Prix de Saint-Claude) on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. The 1-5/16 mile event attracts some of the best international amateur com
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OLG has agreements with 10 tracks for slots
January 23, 2013
On Wednesday, January 23, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. issued a press release which stated that it has reached lease agreements in principle for its slots operations at a total of 10 provincial racetracks.   "We are pleased to announce that we have reached lease agreements in
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Two-year deal to continue racing at Woodbine/Mohawk
January 23, 2013
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) on Wednesday confirmed that it has reached an agreement in principle with the Province which ensures the continuation of live horse racing at Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks for the next two years.   "This long-awaited agreement offers stability
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Ohio's best honored at awards banquet
January 22, 2013
The Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association handed out its annual awards at the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association banquet on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Columbus Marriott Northwest in Dublin.   The Ohio Chapter has voted Jim Mulinix as the recipient of the W
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Cooke has Martiniontherocks at Tattersalls Sale
January 22, 2013
Tom Cooke began his relationship with the Hans family in the 1980s when he claimed a horse from them. Since then, he has enjoyed successes with the family, a trend he hopes to continue with trotting mare Martiniontherocks.   Cooke purchased the 5-year-old Martiniontherocks, a Breeders
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Will One Through Ten bring out the Hirt broom?
January 22, 2013
Trainer Richard "Nifty” Norman was familiar with One Through Ten before the 4-year-old male pacer arrived in his barn for the Clyde Hirt series at Meadowlands Racetrack. Norman was the underbidder on the horse when One Through Ten sold as a yearling for $100,000 in 2010.   "I kind of
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Do Me Honor takes top honors at The Meadows
January 22, 2013
Headed approaching the final turn, Do Me Honor fought back and claimed a narrow victory—her third straight—in Tuesday's $20,000 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Despite a parked-out first quarter in :27.1, Do Me Honor was on the lead when
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Winbak Farm welcomes first foal of 2013
January 21, 2013
From January to June, Winbak Farm is expected to welcome close to 400 foals. Early Friday morning, January 18, Winbak Farm welcomed its first foal of 2013. Born at 5:00 a.m., the colt is by Art Colony and out of the Falcon Seelster mare, Pass With Caution p,2, 1:56.4z; 3, 1:54.1; 1:
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Yarrah Boko won't race in Prix d'Amerique
January 21, 2013
Yarrah Boko, who won the last prep for the Prix d'Amerique when he captured the Prix de Belgique on Jan. 13 at the Vincennes track in Paris, will not be racing in the big event after all. The 8-year-old stallion injured his suspensory and was scheduled to be shipped home to Norway on Monday (Jan
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And the O'Brien for Driver of the Year goes to...
January 21, 2013
When the 2012 O'Brien Awards take place this Saturday at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, there will be plenty of drama, including the battle for Canada's Driver of the Year honors. Both nominees, Scott Zeron and Sylvain Filion, regular fixtures on the Woodbine Entertainment circuit, c
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Hollywood Heyden reports on Tattersalls sale
January 21, 2013
An enthusiastic racehorse-hungry crowd filled the back paddock at the Meadowlands Racetrack Monday (Jan. 21) for the annual Tattersalls January Mixed Sale. The emphasis was on racehorses, and all the major players were in attendance.   Among the sale toppers was hip number 171, M
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New guarantee for mares bred to Shadow Play
January 21, 2013
Blue Chip Farms, Winbak Farms and the Shadow Play syndicate are proud to announce the Shadow Play Money Back Guarantee Program for the 2013 Breeding Season.To be eligible for the program a mare must be booked to Shadow Play in 2013 and race at 2YO in the 2016 Ontario Sire Stakes Program. If t
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Golden Receiver/huge handle Saturday highlights
January 20, 2013
Golden Receiver continues to leave the fans at the Meadowlands in awe. Saturday night marked his 18th sub-1:50 mile in his tremendous career. He took a seemingly effortless tour of the East Rutherford oval in 1:48.4 and he made it look easy. Next Saturday he will headline The Presidential F
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OHHA names Ohio "Horse of the Year"
January 20, 2013
Horse of the Year and other divisional honors were awarded Saturday night, January 19 at the annual Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association banquet at the Columbus Marriott Northwest. Special Lady D dominated her division in 2012, amassing $114,128 from seven wins, one second and a trio of thir
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Singalo wins world's richest monte race
January 20, 2013
The richest race for trotters racing under saddle, the Prix de Cornulier, was held Sunday at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, and after a lot of action, when the winner Singalo hit the finish line, he recorded the second fastest time in history for a winner. Singalo was timed
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Toscano honored by NJ sportswriters
January 20, 2013
Linda Toscano collected Harness Trainer of the Year honors at the 77th edition of the New Jersey Sportswriters Association Banquet on Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. A crowd of nearly 300 attended the luncheon, which honored sports figures from football, hockey, baseball,
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Big M handle up 44% as Miller hits a grand slam
January 19, 2013
On a cold and blustery night in East Rutherford, the wagering was hot and heavy. The Friday night all sources handle of $2,963,279 was the highest handle for a Friday card since closing night of the 2010 Championship meet. When compared to the $2,053,771 wagered on the same Friday in 2012, the a
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Perfect Chance takes Meadows F&M trot
January 19, 2013
Able to squeeze into a seat along the pylons after leaving from post 9, Perfect Chance made the most of her good fortune by powering to victory — her fourth in her last five starts — in Friday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Winners Over $10,000/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows. It appeare
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Rusty's Treasure, Bullet Of Fire prevail at Dover
January 19, 2013
Rusty’s Treasure and 17-1 Bullet Of Fire won the twin features on a longshot-filled Saturday afternoon, Jan. 19 at Dover Downs. Eddie Davis Jr. won the first of his two high-price payoffs steering Rusty’s Treasure to a 1:56.2 victory in the Delaware-distaff half of two $12,000 4&5-Year-
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Kommander Hawk repeats in feature at Pompano
January 19, 2013
Kommander Hawk, again catch-driven by Matt Romano, scored a repeat win in Pompano Park’s Open 1 Handicap Pace on Saturday night. The seven year-old gelded son of Pro Bono Best bested the fast closing Spring Again, handled by Andy Santeramo, by a length in 1:52.1 after clocking gate-to-wire
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Electrofire wins Open Handicap pace at Yonkers
January 19, 2013
Favored Electrofire (Brian Sears) repeated as the champion of the chalk players Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace. Unhurried early from post position No. 6, Electrofire watched as River Shark (Mark MacDonald) and Something for Doc (Matt Kakaley) played lea
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Upsets in Super Bowl; handle up again
January 18, 2013
The upset bug hit early and often at The Meadowlands Thursday night. In the first division of The Super Bowl, Sweet Ben upset heavily favored Joyeux Dream at 6-1 while holding off 106-1 longshot Jailhouse Juice by a nose. That upset, along with a pair of others, triggered a Pick 5 payout of $2,2
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New Great Lakes 2YO Series announced in Michigan
January 18, 2013
The Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Standardbred Breeders' Association, and the Michigan Association of Fairs, is pleased to announce its 2013 fair racing program. In addition to the Colt Stakes, this summer's prog
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Newell draws favorite in Dr. King Pace
January 18, 2013
Monticello Raceway will pay tribute and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, with its 13th annual race named for the great civil rights leader.   The Dr. King Pace features the talents of drivers of African-American heritage and it will be the first
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Hervey, Smallsreed winners announced
January 18, 2013
Dave Briggs, writing for Canadian Sportsman magazine, and Mike Tanner, writing for Hoof Beats, were named the winners in the 51st annual John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing journalism, the U.S. Harness Writers Association announced Friday.   Mark Hall of Hoof Beats and
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Ohio commission hires Hoffman as consultant
January 18, 2013
The Ohio State Racing Commission has retained Dean A. Hoffman of Columbus on a contractual basis to provide publicity consulting services as part of the commission's efforts to rebuild horse racing in Ohio.   "We're excited about the future of horse racing in Ohio, and we need to begi
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Drew has presidential aspirations at the Big M
January 18, 2013
David Drew grew up around horses on a farm, and he spent a lifetime racing standardbreds on the side, while working full-time at General Motors in Canada.   Finally, 10 years into retirement, Drew is realizing a dream to not only race at the Meadowlands Racetrack, but to do it at the
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Don't Point At, Looking Hanover win Yonkers 35G co-features
January 18, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's pair of Friday night $35,000 Open Handicaps--for distaff pacers and trotters of any particular persuasion--were won by Don't Point At (Jeff Gregory, $20.40) and Looking Hanover (Brian Sears, $5.10). Don't Point At, last among the seven early, watched as reformed claimer Ho
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Tioga's Bettor's Delight renamed Roll With Joe
January 17, 2013
Tioga Downs' top race for pacing horses has a new title. With Bettor's Delight being relocated to Pennsylvania, race sponsor Blue Chip Farms has requested that the race now recognize his younger full brother Roll With Joe.   Along with his impeccable bloodlines, Roll With Joe enjoyed
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Zimmerman replaces Parker on HOF committee
January 17, 2013
Steven Wolf, president of the United States Harness Writers' Association (USHWA), has announced that former USHWA president Leon Zimmerman has accepted a six-year term as a member of the Harness Racing Living Hall of Fame Screening Committee.   Zimmerman, who was inducted into th
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Wallis is Waiting On A Woman at Pompano
January 17, 2013
Waiting On A Woman teamed with driver Kevin Wallis to score a wire-to-wire win in 1:54.4 in Pompano Park's $11,000 Open I Trot on Wednesday night.   The 5-year-old gelded son of Northern Bailey rocketed out of the gate, carded an opening panel of :27.1 and proceeded to clock fractions
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Lonesome Attack strikes at The Meadows
January 17, 2013
Shedding his cover before the three-quarters, Lonesome Attack powered through the lane to capture his second straight victory in Wednesday's $22,500 winners-over $10,000 life/Preferred Handicap pace at The Meadows.   Hammered down to 3-5 despite jumping two classes, Lonesome Attack wa
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Forward, Anthony MacDonald hurt at Flamboro
January 17, 2013
On Wednesday night at Flamboro Downs, Ontario harness racing suffered its third on-track accident in a five-day span.   In the 11th race, Thats The Life seemed to put in steps going into the final turn and fell. Justalittleluck and driver Brad Forward could not avoid the fallen horse
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Tritton hopes for Presidential success
January 17, 2013
Peter Tritton thinks Malak Uswaad N is the best horse he's ever trained. He hopes the 5-year-old pacer, or one of his stablemates, can take him places he's never been.   Malak Uswaad N and 7-year-old Second Wind N, another Tritton trainee, are entered in Saturday's $40,000 second roun
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New Weekend Preview now available!
January 17, 2013
Golden Receiver's quest to become a two-time Presidential final winner continues Saturday night when the second round of the series goes postward at the Meadowlands. But trainer Darren Cassar has an over-achieving Down Under-bred named Mr. Hasani N who could upset the favorite, and in the new Ha
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Shelton new track super at Hoosier Park
January 17, 2013
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has named Jim Shelton as the Standardbred Track Superintendent effective immediately. The 45-year-old native of Ohio brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Acting as superintendent, Shelton will be in charge of the condition of the racing surface a
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Pierce wins 7 on Dover card
January 17, 2013
Only Dancin Yankee's and Mustang Art's noses separated them as winners of the $35,000 Preferred and $30,000 Delaware Special features on an overcast Dover Downs on Thursday (Jan. 17). Also, Hall of Fame driver Ron Pierce enjoyed a seven-win night, two from the nine-win track record set by T
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Run And Tell Pap takes Meadows top trot
January 16, 2013
Atoning for a costly break last week, Run And Tell Pap blew past his stablemate, Hava Kadabra, and went on to an in-hand victory in Tuesday's $20,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   Run And Tell Pap was rolling along on the lead in his Jan. 8 contest when an unforced break t
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Callahan has another big night at Dover
January 16, 2013
Red-hot Corey Callahan continued a win-happy January, driving six winners on Tuesday at Dover Downs. Also, Four Starz Q, with Ross Wolfenden up, scored an early 1:52.2 victory in the $20,000 male claiming pace over a "good” track.   After five winners on Sunday and four
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A band with horse's name trying for Grammy gig
January 16, 2013
Pacinello is looking for a trip to the Grammy Awards. Not the horse, the band. Pacinello, a Vernon, N.Y.-based band, is participating in the Grammy Live: Gig of a Lifetime contest. The winning band gets a trip to Los Angeles to perform during Grammy week.   Founded by M
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Penn National plans for NJ OTW near Philly
January 16, 2013
Penn National Gaming Inc., the largest operator of pari-mutuel facilities in North America, has signed a lease to renovate a former restaurant in Gloucester Township into New Jersey's fifth Off-Track Wagering (OTW) facility. "Favorites at Gloucester Township” will be located at the former Sto
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Big M handle up 25%; a fan meets the Captain
January 16, 2013
Business remained strong for the third week of racing at The Meadowlands. All sources handle on the live product was up 25 percent over last year's dates despite the competition fromYonkers on Friday and Saturday. Most of the increase is coming from remote locations, which benefits simulcast
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Michigan honors best of 2012
January 16, 2013
The Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association held its annual awards banquet at Sports Creek Raceway on Saturday, Jan. 12. Here are the award winners who were recognized:   2012 MHHA APPRECIATION AWARD Senator Joe Hune, Representative Kevin Daley   2012 AMATEUR DRIVER AWA
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Last call for Meadowlands' late-closers
January 16, 2013
Nominations for the Junior Trendsetter, Exit 16W, Charles Singer Memorial and the $15,000 Claiming Survivor Series at the Meadowlands close Jan. 18.   The Junior Trendsetter for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, (n/w 2 pari-mutuel races or $25,000 lifetime), has a final purse est
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Free PPs available for WHHC on-line qualifier
January 16, 2013
Free Trackmaster Platinum Past Performances are available for the first in a series of 10 free, online qualifying contests for the $100,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship (WHHC), which will be held at the Meadowlands on Saturday, April 13. For complete information, to enter the first
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Cash On Delivery pays off at Dover
January 16, 2013
Cash On Delivery was strongest in the stretch delivering a 1:55 triumph in the $23,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday, Jan. 16.   Trainer-driver Vince Copeland moved Cash On Delivery four wide around the final turn then wore down leader Sea Raven (Vic Kirby) in deep st
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Ont. commission announces new post-race procedure
January 16, 2013
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has released a notice to the industry regarding new rule changes approved by the ORC Board in December, clarifying a number of procedural issues related to the test barn and associated retention area.   In the case where a claimed horse is required
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Tattersalls supplement catalog available
January 15, 2013
The supplement catalog, plus updated past performances for all racehorses in the Meadowlands January Select Mixed Sale, are now available for download on the Tattersalls website, www.tattersallsredmile.com, and on the Equineline® sales app for the iPad.   The first sale of the 201
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Irish eyes are smiling on Joe Hanney
January 15, 2013
Joe Hanney figures if he can make it here, he can make it anywhere. Hanney, a 30-year-old native of Dublin, Ireland, first came to North America in 2007 and after a year in Canada eventually settled in the U.S. to further his career in harness racing. Better known as "Irish” Joe Hanney, he worke
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Canadian Sportsman's Briggs honored by HTA
January 15, 2013
Dave Briggs, who since 1995 has been the editor of and writer for The Canadian Sportsman, Canada's oldest magazine, has won Harness Tracks of America's Dan Patch Award for exceptional media, publicity and public relations contributions to the sport of harness racing.   A former sports
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Stallion Amigo Hall relocating to Ohio
January 15, 2013
Marvin Raber of the Marvin Raber Farm and Robert Burgess, syndicate manager of the Amigo Hall Syndicate, have announced that prominent sire and Hambletonian winner Amigo Hall 3,1:54s ($1,046,000) will be moving to Mr. Raber's impressive breeding farm near Charm, Ohio for the 2013 breeding season
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Larry Foureman, active in Ohio fairs, dies
January 15, 2013
Larry L. Foureman, 77, of Arcanum, Ohio, president of the Ohio Colt Racing Association, vice president of the H.M. Parshall Memorial and treasurer of the Signature Series fair races in the Buckeye State, died Jan. 14, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.   Mr. Foureman was bo
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Another update: Yarrah Boko might be OK
January 14, 2013
Although Yarrah Boko won an invitation to the Prix d'Amerique when he captured the Prix de Belgique in Paris on Sunday (Jan. 13), early on Monday it was reported that he had injured a suspensory and thus wouldn't be racing in the big event. By Monday night the news had changed: th
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Panel topics announced for Racing Congress
January 14, 2013
The program and roster of speakers for the 2013 Harness Racing Congress, to be convened in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,Feb. 28 through March 4, has been announced by the sponsoring organizations, Harness Horsemen International, Harness Track of America, the U.S. Trotting Association and U.S. Harness W
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Champions return for Dr. King Pace
January 14, 2013
When Monticello Raceway presents its 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace, a race which features the talents of African-American drivers on Tuesday afternoon. Jan. 22, last year's champ, Bobby Williams Jr., will be back to defend his title.   The Dr. King Pace is not only Mont
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Freehold's Fuschini wins Davies Humanitarian Award
January 14, 2013
Freehold Raceway paddock judge Mike Fuschini is the winner of the 2012 January Davies Humanitarian of the Year Award, as selected by a blue-ribbon panel of members of the United States Harness Writers Association, for harness people involved in making outstanding contributions outside the harnes
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Delaware T-bred commissioner new RCI chairman
January 14, 2013
The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) has announced that W. Duncan Patterson is the new Chairman of the association. Patterson, the chairman of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, follows RCI Chairman John Sabini, who officially resigned his position with R
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Pete Lang, backstretch security expert, dies
January 14, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) Supervisory Senior agent Peter J. Lang, 64, died at his home in New Jersey on Jan. 13, 2013.   Mr. Lang, a native of New Jersey, formerly worked as a police officer with the Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach, New Jersey Police Departments, prio
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Balmoral, Maywood load up Nov. with stakes
January 14, 2013
The 2013 stake schedules for both Balmoral and Maywood Parkhave been released by racing secretary Doc Narotsky. The action kicks off at Balmoral on March 30 with the Taurus Bomber Stake for Illinois conceived and foaled three-year-old pacing colts. Maywood's stake season gets underway on Friday,
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Pacing mares featured at The Meadows, Dover, Pompano
January 14, 2013
Looking like a beaten horse around the far turn, Do Me Honor found new life in the stretch and captured her second straight — and fourth in the last six — in Monday's $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. At Pompano Park, Blissfull Romance, smartly
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Kommander Hawk in charge at Pompano
January 13, 2013
Kommander Hawk, driven for the first time by Matt Romano, led every step of the way to win the $12,000 Open 1 Pace at Pompano Park on Saturday night in 1:51.4.   The 7-year-old son of Pro Bono Best, trained by John McNeil III for owner Ellen McNeil, burst out of the gate en route to a
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Golden Receiver, Versado win Presidential splits
January 13, 2013
The Presidential traditionally is the first major free-for-all stake of the harness racing season. Last year it was captured by Golden Receiver, who would go on to a near $1 million campaign. If the first two weeks are any indication, Golden Receiver is poised for another big year.  
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Yarrah Boko takes Prix prep; Raja Mirchi impresses
January 13, 2013
The Prix de Belgique, with 60,000 euros to the winner, is often called "the prep of the preps" for the 1 million euro Prix d'Amerique, since there are few who have their horses at 100 percent two weeks before the race. The Prix d'Amerique is set for Jan. 27 at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes and
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Samandar wins off layoff, gives Callahan 5
January 13, 2013
A short time off proved what the doctor ordered for Samandar, winner of a $11,000 pace and Little Michael B scored a 1:50 victory on an overcast and foggy Sunday at Dover Downs.   Red-hot driver Corey Callahan notched win number five by guiding Samandar to victory in his first 2013 start
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Holdingallthecards fastest in Hirt; handle still soaring
January 12, 2013
The wet weather couldn't dampen the mood at the Meadowlands Friday night. On the racetrack the story was driver Dave Miller, who won five of 11 races on the card, including two divisions of The Clyde Hirt Series. Miller has now won eight races in the last two nights.   In the Cly
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First-over Southwind Jazmin wins Yonkers feature
January 12, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's 2013 season began with a rainy Friday night and with its usual pair of $35,000 co-features. The Filly and Mare Open Pace went to a first-up Southwind Jazmin (George Brennan), who put away even-money favorite Don't Blame Her (catch-driver Brian Sears), then held sway.  
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DSOA awards First State's finest
January 12, 2013
Some 350 horsemen, legislators and friends of harness racing turned out for the annual Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) awards dinner at the Dover Sheraton Hotel Friday.   Preceded by the annual DSOA meeting at mid-day and an early evening cocktail hour, Mistress o
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Sign up for Meadowlands text service
January 12, 2013
The Meadowlands Race Office is communicating with horsemen on various racing related functions by text. An agreement with Sumotext enables the office to send mass text messages to all horsemen that have signed up for the service with the push of a button.   That service came into pla
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Unefoisdansmavie wins off month layoff
January 12, 2013
She hadn't raced in a month, but Unefoisdansmavie still was much the best, easily capturing her fourth straight in Friday's $20,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap pace at The Meadows.   Dave Palone confidently sent the 6-year-old daughter of Revenue S-Peace To The World to the
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Pompano to host WHHC qualifier Feb. 9
January 12, 2013
The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park will host a World Harness Handicapping Championship (WHHC) qualifying tournament on Saturday, Feb. 9.   The WHHC tournament, which assembles handicappers from across North America at host tracks from January through early April, features
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Southern Viking scores 18-1 upset at Dover
January 12, 2013
Allan Davis had his biggest year in 2012 and he is continuing in January as he drove four winners on Saturday afternoon at Dover Downs, headed by 18-1 Southern Viking in the $12,500 mares featured pace.   Southern Viking challenged front-pacing Auf Wiedersehen (Jack Parker)
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Love To Rock rolls to 8th straight at Freehold
January 12, 2013
Love To Rock, with driver Kyle DiBenedetto aboard, won for an eighth consecutive time at Freehold on Saturday.   The Robert Horowitz-trained gelding, owned by Horowitz in partnership with Brian Clark,has moved up from capturing a $6,000 claiming race on Nov. 10 to winning the previous
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Champion French trotter Ourasi dies at 33
January 12, 2013
World champion trotter Ourasi, who captured France's famed Prix d'Amerique four times over his illustrious career, died Saturday, Jan. 12, in Normandy at the age of 33.   Ourasi won the Prix d'Amerique in 1986-87-88 before being upset in 1989. He came back as a 10 year old to win
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Electrofire blazes to Yonkers victory
January 12, 2013
Favored Electrofire (Brian Sears) was the champion of the chalk players Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Starting inside his six rivals, Electrofire retook from the six wins-in-a-row Proven Lover (Jason Bartlett), after a foggy, 28-second opening
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Four-horse accident at Woodbine
January 12, 2013
There was a four-horse spill in the ninth race on Saturday night at Woodbine.   In Commando, driven by James MacDonald, was tipped off cover and advancing first-up in the backstretch when the gelding fell. Hard To Mach (Doug McNair), High Def Z Tam (Billy Davis Jr.) and Anderlecht (Ri
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Michigan racing in jeopardy after Instant Racing veto
January 11, 2013
Michigan horsemen are waking up Friday disappointed as it was announced Thursday night that Gov. Rick Snyder will not sign a bill that would have allowed Instant Racing machines at the state's racetracks. The bill had been passed earlier by the state House and Senate and was awaiting the governo
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Gural talks about handle increases on NJ Today
January 11, 2013
Jeff Gural, chairman of the New Meadowlands Racetrack, shed a little more light on the track's big increase in business this year when he was interviewed by Mike Schneider of NJ Today. "I met some big gamblers who agreed to bet on our product," Gural told Schneider, adding that he gave them
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MHAA president Boyd responds to bill veto
January 11, 2013
Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association president Brett Boyd has written a letter to his constituency following the news that Gov. Rick Snyder was not going to sign a bill that would have allowed Instant Racing machines to be introduced at the state's racetracks. Without Snyder's signature the b
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Shadows Dream powers to Meadows win
January 10, 2013
Shadows Dream sustained a powerful first-over bid that carried him to victory in Wednesday's $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Risk Management carved out a comfortable half in :57.1, making the task that much more difficult for the back markers. But Shadows Dream moved
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Dutchess Seelster royal in Pompano victory
January 10, 2013
Dutchess Seelster, the Duke Of York mare that equaled Pompano Park's track trotting record for her age, sex and gait with a 1:54.2 win on Dec. 9, "xeroxed” that performance on Wednesday night in the Open 1 feature over the South Florida five-eighths mile oval.   Trained by Don Glowac
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Carlson hopes to make mark at Meadowlands
January 10, 2013
Last year, Eric Carlson was the new kid in town. It really didn't matter which town he was in, he was a newcomer trying to make his name. The 37-year-old Michigan native hopes to be considered more of a regular this year.   Carlson arrived on the East Coast in 2012 after a succes
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Illinois session ends with no gaming progress
January 10, 2013
The lame duck session for the Illinois legislature ended Jan. 9 with no progress toward legislation for a gaming bill to have slots at the racetracks across Illinois. The legislature also failed to extend legislation on ADW wagering, causing all Illinois residents to be unable to use wagering si
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Dadoyan named executive director of SOANY
January 10, 2013
The Standardbred Owners Association of New York is pleased to announce that Alex Dadoyan, most recently the New Meadowlands Racetrack's director of racing operations, has accepted the position of executive director of the SOA, effective Feb. 1.   "We are fortunate to have someone wit
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Carroll suspended 4 years for Red Mile meth positives
January 10, 2013
The Red Mile's presiding judge Rich Williams told harnessracing.com Thursday afternoon that trainer Joe Carroll has been suspended four years by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for a pair of methamphetamine positives last August at The Red Mile. According to Williams, the positives occur
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Centaur approved for purchase of Indiana Downs
January 10, 2013
Indianapolis-based Centaur Holdings LLC received the Indiana Gaming Commission's conditional approval Thursday of its agreement to purchase Indiana Grand Casino and Downs in Shelbyville, Ind. The state commission's unanimous decision, the second of two state-level regulatory approvals neede
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Rideau Carleton rivals square off at Big M
January 10, 2013
Simon Allard and John MacDonald, the top two drivers at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa, Ont., in 2012 will face off against each other this weekend at the Meadowlands Racetrack.   Allard won last year's Rideau Carleton title with 389 wins to MacDonald's 243, after MacDonald had won
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New Weekend Preview now available!
January 10, 2013
The Meadowlands is off to a fast start in 2013 as wagering numbers have increased substantially from last year. In the new edition of Weekend Preview find out where the money is being generated from and what other track officials are saying about the sport's flagship racetrack. The Presidenti
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Marohn Jr.'s star continues to rise
January 10, 2013
Five years ago Jimmy Marohn Jr. was the recipient of the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA's Rising Star Award. And to say that he's living up to that accolade would be an understatement.   This past season young Jimmy not only won his first driving title at Monticello Raceway but the
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Versado scores in 1:50.1 at Dover
January 10, 2013
Versado, Rusty's All In and McClelland were winners of the $35,000 Preferred, $30,000 Delaware Special and $23,000 Open pace headliners on Thursday at Dover Downs.   Drawing post one proved a plus for Versado in this week's top pace. Last Thursday, driver Matt Kakaley rallied th
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Moreau wins 4,000th career race
January 10, 2013
Richard Moreau celebrated his 4,000th training triumph on Thursday night at Woodbine after a pair of his pupils found the winner's circle.   With five starters on the 10-race card, Amazing Quest ($7.50, 1:51.2), driven by Scott Zeron, notched the conditioner's 3,999th win in the seven
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Super Bowl series underway; handle up again
January 10, 2013
The popular Super Bowl series for trotters got underway Thursday night at the Meadowlands with four divisions making up the first leg. Coming into the series, it appeared that Andy and Julie Miller held a strong hand and the night produced mixed results for "Team Orange Crush.” One of the Mil
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Week 2 Big M handle: An increase of 32%
January 09, 2013
The second week of live racing at The Meadowlands saw a total of $8,178,147 wagered on the 33 live races offered over the weekend, an increase of a remarkable 32 percent over comparable dates a year ago. Meanwhile, construction on the new grandstand continues and Rich Zeigler, construction
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Come Together wins eighth straight
January 09, 2013
When you're hot, you are hot,” and Come Together is certainly hot winning from cutting out-the-mile or from off the pace for the eighth consecutive time on Tuesday Dover Downs.   Claimed out of his sixth straight win two weeks ago, Come Together after a win by a nose a week ago r
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Cantab Lindy upsets in Meadows feature
January 09, 2013
Sent off the longest shot in the field, Cantab Lindy took advantage of the leader's late miscue and pulled off a 35-1 shocker in Tuesday's $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.   Run And Tell Pap appeared to have the race in hand, but the swift fractions caught up with him, and he
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Other tracks benefiting from strong Big M
January 09, 2013
The Meadowlands is harness racing's flagship racetrack and as the New Jersey site goes, so does racing. If the Big M's start to 2013 is any indication, this will be a good year for racing. On-track wagering has been even with the 2012 meet, so the increase in wagering is coming from off-track so
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Sevruga takes top Dover trot in 1:53.2
January 09, 2013
Sevruga, after completing his biggest season in 2012, started the New Year with a 1:53.2 victory in the $23,000 Open Trot on Wednesday (Jan. 9) at Dover Downs. Driven by Pat Berry, Sevruga rolled out of fourth heading to the clubhouse turn and slowly progressed on the outside to reach race-leadi
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KD Amazin Spirit giving Willey wins, thrills
January 09, 2013
KD Amazin Spirit lived up to his name last weekend, overcoming some interference at the head of the stretch to reel in heavily-favored Franky Provolone with new best friend Scott Cisco giving directions at Cal Expo.    KD Amazin Spirit, a 7-year-old son of Thadrow, is going stron
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Meadows reports 15% jump in 2012 handle
January 08, 2013
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino closed out its 2012 racing season with strong gains in its key indicators, including a 15 percent jump in all-sources handle.   Average daily handle in 2012 was $501,550, an increase of more than $65,000 per card from 2011. On-track wagering grew 22
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Yonkers 1996 race makes the Tonight Show
January 08, 2013
Harness racing got a plug on national TV on Monday night, Jan. 7, but in a strange sort of way. A race that was contested 16 years ago at Yonkers received play as part of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno's "Headlines" feature.   In the segment, Leno displays an assortment of materia
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Revenues to PA Race Horse Fund drop 4.6%
January 08, 2013
The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition reported on Tuesday (Jan. 10) that funds generated from slot machine gaming to the Race Horse Development Fund (RHDF) decreased by 4.6 percent, or $6.36 million, over the past six months, the most significant decline in the history of the fund.  
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US Dept. of Ag needs census participation
January 08, 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing to conduct its 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture. Horses will be included in the Census. Every five years, USDA conducts an agriculture census to determine the number of U.S. farms and ranches and gather vital information about U.S agriculture,
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No Cam Fella Award for second straight year
January 08, 2013
Standardbred Canada today announced there will not be a 2012 recipient for the Cam Fella Award. This is second straight year without a recipient. The Cam Fella Award, named in honor of the world-class standardbred Cam Fella, is awarded for extreme recent meritorious service to the Canadian ha
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Movie with harness racing theme now available
January 08, 2013
A new movie, Amazing Racer, set in a harness racing setting, has been released and is available exclusively at walmart.com. Amazing Racer, which stars Daryl Hannah, Clare Forlani, Julianne Michelle, Louis Gossett Jr. and Eric Roberts, was filmed at and around The Meadows in southwestern Pennsylv
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Ralph Jones publishes harness racing book
January 07, 2013
Ralph Jones, former Deputy Executive Secretary for the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission, has announced his memoir "Buckeye Side Wheelers & Keystone Tail Sitters, Reflections of Harness Racing's Glory Days.”   Jones, 86, is an Ohio native now residing in Mechanicsbu
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Entries closing soon for Blooded Horse Sale
January 07, 2013
Entries for the Blooded Horse Winter Sale are due now! The 50th annual event takes place Feb. 11 and 12 in Delaware, Ohio, at the fairgrounds. Take a break and join horsemen from 27 states and Canada as they converge at the home of the Little Brown Jug to replenish their racehorse stock, look fo
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Delaware's Garey Service to Youth honoree
January 07, 2013
The University of Delaware's Susan Truehart Garey has been named winner of the 2012 Service to Youth Award by the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. She currently serves as a Statewide Extension Agent in Animal Science and has a wide and varied background of service through extension, 4H and other
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SRF meets generous match grant
January 07, 2013
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) is pleased to announce that a generous match grant has been met. The dollar-for-dollar match was the gift from a donor in the amount of $25,000 with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2012. Coming down to the wire, SRF received its last gifts from two ver
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Yonkers set to resume live racing Friday night
January 07, 2013
Yonkers Raceway begins its 2013 season Friday night, with a dozen-race dossier commencing customarily at 7:10 pm. A pair of $35,000 co-features--a Filly and Mare Open Pace (6th race) and an Open Handicap Trot (8th race)--highlight the opener. Yonkers again offers the highest purse structure a
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Hoosier Park now accepting stall apps
January 07, 2013
Stall applications are now available for the upcoming 2013 Standardbred season at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The downloadable form, which includes all pertinent information, can be found here. Stall applications are due back to Hoosier Park Racing and Casino by Feb. 8.   Applic
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Melander hopes for Super Bowl score
January 07, 2013
Jenny Melander always wanted to train her own horses, but she was too busy helping other trainers with their stables. Last summer, though, Melander decided to give it a go. She bought a 6-year-old trotter, Don Dinero, and became the lessee on a 3-year-old trotter, Wisenheimer.   On Th
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Do Me Honor holds tough in Meadows win
January 07, 2013
Do Me Honor blazed to the lead from post eight, held off a serious third-quarter challenge from the favorite and went on to capture Monday's $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   After a :30.1 second-quarter breather, Do Me Honor faced
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Manzi memorial contributions top $5,700
January 07, 2013
When Sharon (Mrs. John) Manzi passed away after a courageous fight with cancer on Nov. 3, 2012, the family had requested donations to Historic Track in lieu of flowers being sent to the funeral home.   More than two months have transpired and donations are still coming in. At last cou
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Jeremes Sweetheart sweet in Dover victory
January 07, 2013
In only her fourth start since being acquired by Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta, Jeremes Sweetheart stepped up the $23,000 Mares Open Handicap at Dover Downs and swept to her third consecutive victory on Monday. Driver Corey Callahan had four winners on the card.   Ron
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Big $3.5 mil handle & win by Golden Receiver
January 06, 2013
Golden Receiver picked up right where he left off, with another dynamic victory. On the heels of a career season in 2012 that saw Golden Receiver earn over $941,000, Golden Receiver went right to the lead and never looked back, pacing a final quarter in an eye-opening :25.4. Golden Receiver won
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Oosting, Willis recognized for Balmoral titles
January 06, 2013
Just as they did in 2010, driver Mike Oosting and trainer Nelson Willis captured their respective titles in 2012 at Balmoral Park.   After having a six-year run of driving titles stopped by Marcus Miller in 2011, the 50-year-old Oosting returned to his perch atop the driver standings
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10YO Monet CC takes Pompano Open feature
January 06, 2013
Monet CC, the oldest veteran competing in Pompano Park's Open 1 Pace, got the revenge he was seeking after last week's "nostril” loss in the Open by collaring favored Special Strides in the final yards and going on to score a half length win in 1:52.2 for Bruce Ranger. Avantage was third in the mile
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Damsel In A Dress captures Dover feature
January 06, 2013
Damsel In A Dress was the winner of the $10,000 feature for 4 and 5-year-old mares, marking her third consecutive trip to the winner's circle at Dover Downs on Saturday (Jan. 5). Also, Allan Davis had a driving triple and George Dennis picked up two longshot wins. As for the triump
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Ann Mossbarger dies at age 88
January 06, 2013
Ann Mossbarger, 88, whose family operates Midland Acres, died Sunday, Jan. 6, at 12:02 a.m. at her residence in Bloomingburg, Ohio. Ann was born March 24, 1924, in Greenfield, OH to Harry and Blanche Watkins Curtis. She lived her early life in New Vienna, was a 1940 graduate of New
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Oosting, Affrunti take Maywood titles
January 06, 2013
Maywood Park's driver and trainer titles for 2012 may have gone to a pair of first time winners but both are very familiar with the winners circle as veterans Mike Oosting and Angie Affrunti toted home top honors at the Melrose Park oval.   Oosting, who also captured the driving title
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Krivelin USHWA Amateur Driver of Year
January 05, 2013
This year US Harness Writers' Association National Amateur Driver of the Year Award goes to Bob Krivelin, and it could be said that Krivelin won the honor in a split decision. His name rose to the top over other prolific drivers, some of whom race almost exclusively against professionals. &nb
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Palone sweeps Railbird Recognition awards
January 05, 2013
The fans are the life blood of the harness racing industry, and it's the fans who vote for their all-stars in the Railbird Recognition awards. This is a two part honor that recognizes the most relevant racing moment as well as the most outstanding horse person of the year. 2012 provided an array
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Meadowlands continues on strong note
January 04, 2013
It was another successful night in East Rutherford, N.J., as the Meadowlands put forth its first Thursday program of the 2013 racing season. When all wagers were cast, $1,840,139 was wagered on the 10 race program, an increase of 5.6 percent over the same Thursday from 2012.   Thr
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Stolen Car found in Dover winner's circle
January 04, 2013
Following a three-wide move around the final turn Stolen Car wound up in the $35,000 Preferred winner's circle while Rusty's All In came on in the lane to win the $30,000 Delaware Special and 9-1 Catchmecullen A thundered home in the $23,000 Open Pace at Dover Downs on Thursday.   A well-ti
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Gregory, Rinker receive USHWA honors
January 04, 2013
Helene Gregory, who spearheaded the movement in harness racing that has brought Racing Under Saddle (RUS) to prominence in North America, has been selected by United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) president, Steven Wolf, as the recipient of the 2012 President's Award.   Also, K
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Merriman, Loney take Northfield titles
January 04, 2013
Aaron Merriman topped the Northfield Park 2012 leading driver standings, winning 315 races over the Flying Turns. His nearest competitor, Ryan Stahl, drove 258 winners. Tyler Smith (204), Kurt Sugg (179) and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. (165) completed the top five reinsmen.   The 34-year-old Merriman,
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New to Hall: Bettor's Delight, Life Sign, Lady Ashlee Ann
January 04, 2013
The Living Horse Hall of Fame nominating committee of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame has announced the results of recent balloting to determine the 2013 inductees into the Harness Racing Living Horse Hall of Fame. Annual members (in good standing) voted for the two horses they felt b
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Super Stakes move from Philly to Pocono
January 04, 2013
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is getting ready for what will be its biggest season ever with the addition of three big races for late summer. In addition to the Breeders Crown, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19; and the Ben Franklin, Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Trot, the Max Hempt, and the James Lynch set
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Handle up 31% Friday; $20k carryover for Sat.
January 04, 2013
Helios had a big rooting section at the Meadowlands on Friday Night.  Not only was he an overwhelming favorite, but he is also owned by The Little E LLC. That is the stable of Jeff Gural, chairman of New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC.   Driven by Andy Miller, Helios assumed command on
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Callahan leads drivers, Hall trainers at Dover
January 04, 2013
The social event of the First State harness year takes place Friday, Jan. 11, when the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) holds its 15th annual awards dinner at the Dover Sheraton. The annual DSOA membership meeting begins at 12 noon. A banquet cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. follow
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Adenium takes Open Trot at Pompano
January 03, 2013
Adenium, making only his second start over Pompano Park's five-eighths mile oval, made amends from his early miscue a week ago and scored a handy one length victory in the $11,500 Open 1 Trot on Wednesday night. The 7-year-old gelded son of Revenue S, owned by Lloyd Gilmour of Lake Worth, Fla.,
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Horseplayers avoid limitation on deductions
January 03, 2013
There was plenty of talk about the federal government's "fiscal cliff” negotiations in the past few weeks, including changes in the tax code that would limit itemized deductions. Fortunately for all of horse racing, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) successfully lobbied so t
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Woodbine drops purses 10 percent
January 03, 2013
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) Thursday announced that purses will be reduced by an overall average of 10 percent, effective Jan. 10.   "It is crucial during this ongoing period of uncertainty that purse money be conser
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Maryland stallion pedigrees now available
January 03, 2013
The pedigrees for all stallions standing in Maryland and eligible to the slots infused Maryland Sire Stakes program are now available online. Stallion booklets will be available soon.   Please use our website http://www.msrfonline.com/ for all your current Maryland Standardbred Race Fund in
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Palone is "Good Guy," Morgan is "Unsung Hero"
January 03, 2013
One leads a quiet life in Ohio, away from the racetrack; one leads the most public of lives as he pursues records and exudes ability--and rapport with fans--wherever he goes.   But both do very important jobs for harness racing in these varied pursuits, which is why the United States Harnes
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Charlotte Sheppard DeVan dies at 92
January 03, 2013
Standardbred breeder and owner Charlotte Sheppard DeVan, 92, whose father Lawrence B. Sheppard founded Hanover Shoe Farms, died Tuesday, Jan.1 2013, at her home with her loving family by her side. Born August 30, 1920, in San Antonio, Texas, Mrs. DeVan was the daughter of the late Lawrence B. and
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Chapter Seven, Toscano receive NJ honors
January 03, 2013
Chapter Seven, the Dan Patch Award-winning Horse of the Year, has been named the 2012 New Jersey Standardbred of the Year, as selected by the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board.   Chapter Seven's trainer, Linda Toscano of Freehold, N.J., will also be honored with the Governor's Cup as New Jer
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USTA releases 2012 wagering and purse figures
January 03, 2013
The United States Trotting Association released on Thursday the year-end, national handle totals for pari-mutuel wagering in the United States and Canada on live U.S. harness racing as well as for U.S. purse distribution, race days and races in 2012.   Total handle on U.S. harness rac
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New Weekend Preview now available!
January 03, 2013
One of the primetime players at the Meadowlands, trainer Ron Burke, is in action with 17 starters on Friday and Saturday, and in the new edition of Weekend Preview he gives his take on the new classified racing system used by race secretary Peter Koch. Burke also dishes the scoop on Meirs Hanover
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Risk Management wins Meadows feature
January 03, 2013
Shuffled to last down the backside, Risk Management found racing room wide in the lane and pulled off a 12-1 upset in Thursday's $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.   Risk Management still trailed by three lengths when Brett Miller tipped him
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Hal Jones to be honored as Ohio Hall of Famer
January 03, 2013
Hal S. Jones, who managed Pickwick Farms in Ohio in the 1950s and 60s, is the newest member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame. He was elected by a vote of the Ohio chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Jones was inducted into the Harness Racing Living Hall of Fame in 2011. Jon
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TVG changes time for Meadowlands replay show
January 03, 2013
The Racing From The Meadowlands replay show on TVG will air at 11 a.m. (EST) Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. (EST) on Sunday.  All replay shows are 30 minutes in length. Regionally, TVG airs on channel 718 on Comcast, 402 on Cablevision, channel 315 on Verizon and 670 on AT&
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Hanover-breds top record $30 mil in 2012
January 02, 2013
It came down to the very last day of the year, but for Hanover Shoe Farms, the goal entering 2012 was to have its progeny chase down the heretofore elusive and never before achieved number of $30 million in earnings. As of Jan. 1, 2013 Hanover-breds had earned $30,008,243.   For
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CHHA announces Racing for Christ Program
January 02, 2013
Pledge a small percentage of your horse's 2013 earnings and help the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association in its mission to keep Christ alive in harness racing. A one percent pledge for a horse earning $30,000 is just $300. You can even pledge a half a percent - only $150 on $30,00
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Meadowlands sets dates for WHHC qualifiers
January 02, 2013
The 2013 World Harness Handicapping Championship, which will bring together horseplayers from across North America to compete for $100,000 in prize money, is slated for Saturday, April 13, at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, N.J. The Meadowlands Racetrack's 2013 WHHC qualifi
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John Campbell wins Proximity Award
January 02, 2013
Harness racing driver John Campbell, a Hall of Famer and the sport's all-time leading money winner with more than $281 million in purse earnings to his credit, has been voted the one major award that has eluded him in his career, the Stan Bergstein-Proximity Award, in voting recently conducted b
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Abbatiello looks to defend Freehold title
January 02, 2013
When the Freehold meet for 2012 ended on Dec. 22, the man on the top of the driver standings was Eric Abbatiello. When Freehold opens on Thursday, Jan. 3, for the first of 110 dates, Abbatiello will be back to defend that title.   The 44-year-old Abbatiello finished with 126 wins
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Brennan wins HTA Driver of the Year award
January 02, 2013
For the second year in a row, George Brennan, the 45-year-old Monticello, N.Y., native is Harness Tracks of America's Driver of the Year, the formidable achievement that remains the most difficult award in the sport of harness racing to win. The evidence of the accomplishment is clear in the
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TSM Photo Bugger starts 2013 with victory
January 02, 2013
Looking like a beaten horse around the final turn, TSM Photo Bugger found renewed life in the stretch to capture Wednesday's $20,000 Preferred Handicap Trot, the 2013 opening-day feature at The Meadows.   Moving first-over from fourth, TSM Photo Bugger dueled with the leader, Run And
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Anders Bluestone best in Dover feature
January 02, 2013
When two trotters with a winning resume met at Dover Downs on a chilly Wednesday, Anders Bluestone came out victorious in posting a 1:54 triumph in the week's top trot, the $23,000 Open Handicap.   Green Day put a three-race win streak on the line while Anders Bluestone made his
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Fan, owner Henry Mayer dies at age 85
January 01, 2013
Longtime harness racing owner and fan Henry D. Mayer, 85 passed away peacefully Dec. 29 at his home in suburban Orlando after battling bone cancer. His wife, Patricia, was at his side. The Mayers had enjoyed a longand loving relationship for over 30 years being partners not only in lif
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Tom Courtemanche, owner of top horses, dies
January 01, 2013
Tom Courtemanche, 66, who together with his brother Dan campaigned the big winners Bobnoxious, Earl's Glider, NF Quotable, Jake's Nordic and Jojo N Goliath, died Monday, Dec. 31, at his home in Kawkawlin, Mich., with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer
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