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Levy Series continues on at Yonkers
March 31, 2013
Round two of Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series went postward Saturday night, comprised of five, $50,000, get-togethers.   First division--A true Kodak moment, the camera could not divide 2-5 Rockincam (Eric Goodell), from post position No. 2, and Classic Rock
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Cane Ridge wins Rags To Riches final
March 31, 2013
Corey Callahan was at it again, picking up four more wins on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. In race 12, he came within a nose of a fifth win, which would have been career win number 3,000.   One of Callahan's four wins came with Cane Ridge, who lived up to the favorite's role in t
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Imperial Count scores in Pocono feature
March 31, 2013
Imperial Count overcame a wide final turn to stage a furious rally and win Saturday night's $25,000 Preferred Trot at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.   Leaving from post position six in a field of seven as the 3-2 second betting choice, Imperial Count (Angus Hall-Miss Imperial) sat sixth
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Matchmaker Series continues at Yonkers
March 30, 2013
Friday night's second round of Yonkers Raceway's Blue Chip Matchmaker for pacing mares featured a heater, a repeater and another repeater. As was case in the opening round, five, $40,000 forays were on display.   First division--Odds-on Eightunrdolarbill (Brian Sears, $2,70), from pos
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Callahan still riding the Meadowlands express
March 30, 2013
You can't stop Corey Callahan, you can only hope to contain him. That has been the growing trend at the Meadowlands in recent weeks. For several years, Callahan has seen his numbers climb, but it wasn't until 2013 that he has become a force to be reckoned with on harness racing's biggest stage.
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Raceway Park nearing April 27 opener
March 30, 2013
Raceway Park is readying to commence live racing at theTelegraph Road site where pari-mutuel harness action has been featured continuously since 1962. The 42-night season will run from April 27 through Sept. 15 with live programs presented every Saturday and Sunday evening. First race post time
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Hoosier Park set to open April 2
March 30, 2013
The stage is set for a whole new chapter in Hoosier Park racing with the advent of one breed, one track. The 20th season of live racing consists of 160 days of all harness racing and will commence on Tuesday, April 2, with an action-packed 12-race card.   With more than 120 entri
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Mattwestern wins Dunn Memorial final
March 30, 2013
Mattwestern, who had dominated the first three legs of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace, unexpectedly found herself in a horse race in the championship. But she dug in Friday at The Meadows to capture the $28,500 final of the series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares.   When Mat
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High hopes for filly in Blossom Series
March 30, 2013
After a mediocre campaign last season with Belle Boyd, trainer and co-owner Carl Jamieson remains optimistic about a successful 2013 season and so far the daughter of Art Major hasn't disappointed him.   The bay filly is a perfect two-for-two to start her season after a victory in the
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Deal saves racing at Kawartha Downs
March 30, 2013
Reports indicate that a deal was struck late Friday night which will keep Kawartha Downs open for live harness racing through 2014.   A late night deal was struck Friday between Kawartha Downs and the province's transition panel to save harness racing at the Fraserville track, Peterbo
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2013 HANA contest to focus on Grand Circuit
March 29, 2013
The Horseplayers Association of North America's (HANA) harness racing division in association with the Hambletonian Society, Chicago Harness (Balmoral and Maywood Parks), the Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs is pleased to announce "The 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge.” &nb
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Vernon Downs ready to celebrate 60 years
March 29, 2013
A celebration of the past with an eye towards bigger and better is the theme as Vernon Downs prepares for its historic 60th anniversary season. Live harness racing begins Friday, April 12. Post time has been moved 10 minutes earlier this season to 6:45 p.m. The racing schedule features 90 r
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Fanning's Fast And Fiesty favored in Petticoat
March 29, 2013
Her name may be spelled funny, but Fast And Fiesty is on a serious roll...so much so that she's the early choice for Yonkers Raceway's $59,400 final of the Petticoat Pacing Series on Monday night, April 1.   The Petticoat Series is for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares who
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Impressive wins in DSBF 3CP splits at Dover
March 29, 2013
Artistic Director, Bags Of Money and Hot Roddy were impressive winners of three $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund first leg divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on the Thursday card at Dover Downs. The sophomore male pacers concluded the first round of DSBF prelimina
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Saunders is high on Nob Hill High
March 29, 2013
Bruce Saunders believes Nob Hill High is the type of horse any trainer would love to have in his or her stable. Saunders is certainly glad the 7-year-old pacer is in his.   Last week, Nob Hill High won his first-round division of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series at Yonker
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Horse Racing Motion carries in Ontario legislature
March 29, 2013
On Thursday, the Ontario Legislature carried the motion of Essex's New Democratic Party MPP Taras Natyshak. The pro-horse-racing motion calls for, among other things, the suspension of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s gaming modernization plan, and for changes to the current slots-at-
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Amateur drivers set for East-West Challenge
March 29, 2013
The 2013 installment of the East-West Amateur Driving Challenge, the brainchild of former Californian harness racing secretary, Dave Goldschmidt, is now going into its eighth year. This year's edition will take place on April 12-13 at Cal-Expo in Sacramento, California.   The Cal
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Kentucky Equine Youth Festival attracts 2,500
March 29, 2013
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation and the United States Trotting Association joined forces Wednesday, March 27, to expose more than 2,500 students of all ages to harness racing as part of the Kentucky Equine Youth Festival in Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.     The UST
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A "hopskipanajump" into winner's circle?
March 28, 2013
Given the choice between restaurant management and stable management, Lisa Zabielski prefers the latter.   "I like being in the barn, it's easier,” Zabielski said, laughing. "The horses don't talk back or complain. And it's definitely more fun, especially in the summer. You're not st
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New Jersey Sires Stakes payments due April 15
March 28, 2013
April 15 is the last chance for New Jersey-sired 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to all 2013 New Jersey Sires Stakes pari-mutuel racing programs.   The NJSS Premier Division is scheduled to begin in May for 3 year olds at the Meadowlands. The 2-year
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Tyler Buter drives 2,000th winner
March 28, 2013
Driver Tyler Buter drove his 2,000th winner on Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Buter, 27, accomplished the feat with Zooming.   Zooming, a 5-year-old gelding by Classic Photo, scored in 1:55.4. Buter owns the winner with Steve Oldford, Oldford Farms LLC,
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Southwind Farms' Connie Skolnick dies
March 28, 2013
Connie Skolnick, who together with her husband, Allen, own Southwind Farms, has died at the age of 84 due to pancreatic cancer.   The funeral service for Mrs. Skolnick will be at 10 a.m. on March 31 at Boulevard Riverside Chapels, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557. Visit
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New Weekend Preview now available
March 28, 2013
The latest edition of HarnessRacing Weekend Preview is now available and in addition to taking a look at this weekend's leg of the George Morton Levy Memorial Series at Yonkers, there is also news about the 2012 Pennsylvania Breeders Awards and a spring training update from horseman John Butensc
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HTA scholarship applications available
March 28, 2013
The Harness Tracks of America College Scholarship Fund is offering three, $5,000 scholarships for post-secondary education to students actively involved in the sport of harness racing or to the children of harness racing professionals (living or deceased), including licensed drivers, trainers, c
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DSBF 3FP opener raced at Dover
March 27, 2013
Country Romance and Podium posted victories in $20,000 first leg Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund 3-year-old filly pace preliminaries on Tuesday at Dover Downs.   Allan Davis steered William Moffett's Country Romance to the lead heading to the half and then romped home for a 1
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Winbak's Ladwig turns driver for parade
March 27, 2013
Winbak Farm Yearling Manager, James Ladwig, took his turn as a driver in the annual Chesapeake City St. Patrick's  Day Parade in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
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Temple Of Doom's return day is Friday
March 27, 2013
Temple Of Doom is back on the racetrack and driver Andy Miller hopes the trotter soon will be back in the winner's circle.   Sidelined nearly all of last year because of an injury, Temple Of Doom won a qualifier by a half-length over Arch Madness in 1:55.4 on March 23 at the Meadowlan
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Handle on PA horse races increased in 2012
March 27, 2013
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released its sixth annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report on Wednesday (March 27). Since its first release in 2008, this annual report has concentrated on the impact that Pennsylvania's casinos have had on the state's horse racing industry.   Am
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No Coleman/Harris horses allowed at Meadowlands
March 27, 2013
Harnessracing.com has learned that In the wake of trainer Casie Coleman's 60-day suspension by the Ontario Racing Commission as a result of three positive tests for flumethasone at Woodbine Racetrack, horses trained by her assistants will not be allowed to race at the Meadowlands durin
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Scarborough Downs opens meet Saturday
March 27, 2013
The Scarborough Downs staff is busy gearing up for Opening Weekend as the 108-day, 2013 live harness racing meet gets underway on Saturday, March 30th at 4 pm and Sunday, March 31, at 1:05 pm. Fridays will be added to the schedule beginning April 5th (4:00 pm post). The track is pleased to be ra
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Ohio commission delays Dayton racetracks
March 27, 2013
For the third time this month, the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) Wednesday morning told Penn National Gaming Inc. and Miami Valley Gaming officials to add more seats at planned racetrack/casino projects in Dayton. The OSRC is withholding approval until it deems as adequ
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Canada's Hall of Fame ballot announced
March 27, 2013
Racing greats Secretariat and Niatross figure prominently on the 2013 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame election ballot, which reflects the changes announced earlier this year. Eligibility now includes those people and horses that brought honor to Canadian horse racing.   Also new to
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Father-son dead heat at Monticello
March 27, 2013
It was just another lazy early spring afternoon at Monticello Raceway with 10 races carded  and nothing unusual  happening until lightning struck.   Not literally. The lightning referred to was that a once in a lifetime thing occurred when a father and son finished in a dead
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Another contender for Handicapping Championship
March 27, 2013
Tedd Derian of the Bronx, NY, won the Meadowlands Racetrack’s March WHHC Qualifier held on March 23, 2013. Derian captured first place with a big score in the final race of the night.  His $40 win wager on Dana’s Sharp Smart in Race 12 paid $304 and ended his night with a bankroll of $466.5
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Solo Command, Triple Command in DSBF elims
March 27, 2013
The ‘Commands’  prevailed in 1st leg Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding trots with victories by Solo Command and Triple Command in $20,000 divisions while 82-1 Sand Top Gun was longshot winner of the $23,000 Open/Handicap trot. In the first section, Jim
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Tug River Dylan steps up with win at Pompano
March 27, 2013
Tug River Dylan, off of a lifetime best 1:54 winning performance last week in Open 3 ranks, stepped up to the big time at Pompano Park on Wednesday night—the Open 1 class—and scored a very handy win for Wally Hennessey in 1:54.1. Owned and trained by Robert Dutilly, the seven year-old got a pictu
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Promisemethis takes Meadows series final
March 27, 2013
Used twice in the mile, Promisemethis still had plenty in reserve Wednesday at The Meadows as she captured the $29,500 championship of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares. Dan Rawlings hustled Promisemethis to the three hole from post 7 and didn’t hesitat
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Career marks set in Youthful divisions
March 26, 2013
The opening round of the Youthful Series kicked off on Monday evening at Woodbine with Orillia Joe and Classic Gen finding the wire first. In doing so, the pair also lowered their career marks.   In the first division, Orillia Joe, driven by Paul MacDonell, went gate to wire in 1:52.4
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Eric Cherry talks about cartel wagering
March 26, 2013
Eric Cherry, who races horses as Let It Ride Stables and owns the South Florida Trotting Center in Florida, has written the following in response to recent articles regarding cartel wagering at the Meadowlands Racetrack:   The recent article about cartel wagering and how The Meadowlan
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Tracys Song wins 10th in a row at Mighty M
March 26, 2013
An old country song by Jerry Reed proclaimed "when you're hot… you're hot,” and that is just what Tracys Song is, and has been, at Monticello Raceway.   The 8-year-old Astreos mare scored her 10th consecutive victory on Monday afternoon, which equals the Mighty M track record for
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Flamboro, Georgian get transitional funding
March 26, 2013
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation announced on Tuesday (March 26) that it has signed agreements in principle with the Government of Ontario for transition funding. This funding will provide support to continue horse racing at the company's Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs racetracks beyond
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Meadowlands adds bonus to late Pick 4
March 26, 2013
The Late Pick 4 at the Meadowlands has long been harness racing's best bet. That has never been more the case than this season, with the wager averaging nearly $85,000 per night. Now, the Meadowlands is pleased to make that wager even better. Beginning Friday, April 5, the Late Pick 4 at the Mead
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Buter feels good about Feeling You
March 26, 2013
Tyler Buter is not feeling good about Feeling You's draw for Friday's second round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers Raceway, but he is feeling optimistic about the mare's campaign as a whole.   Feeling You, who won her first-round Matchmaker division by a half-length over
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Meadowlands purse increase for young horses
March 26, 2013
The Meadowlands Racetrack condition sheet will reflect a purse increase for conditioned races for younger horses beginning next week. The increase will be applied to fillies/mares and colts, both pacers and trotters. The new purse structure for these races will be as follows:   Non-Wi
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See Captaintreacherous on live video
March 26, 2013
Courtesy of Hallway Feeds/Rapco Feed and Protective Measures Fire and Security Company LLC, racing fans can now watch live behind the scenes video of Captaintreacherous. The video feed provides a 24 hour birds-eye view of Captaintreacherous at rest and at play. Early this morning the "Captain” w
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Up Front Dan takes Russell Series final
March 26, 2013
Undeterred by the sluggish early fractions, Up Front Dan overwhelmed the leader with a backside blitz and went on to a facile victory in Tuesday's $30,500 championship of the Walter Russell Memorial Pace for 3- and 4-year-old colts, horses geldings Tuesday at The Meadows.   Up Front D
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DSBF season gets underway at Dover
March 25, 2013
The Ben Stafford trained and Ben Stafford driven team won two of the three $20,000 first leg Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) prelims in an elongated Dover Downs race program due to a near hour break while the snowed-on racetrack was being resurfaced on Monday.   T
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Yonkers raises overnight purses for 3&4YOs
March 25, 2013
Yonkers Raceway has announced a purse increase for its races featuring younger pacers. Beginning with the racing week of Monday, April1, the non-winners of two pari-mutuel races and/or $20,000 lifetime goes for $15,000 (up from $10,000), while the non-winners of four pari-mutuel races and/or $40
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Pocono Pick-6 bettor takes home $25,000
March 25, 2013
It took just two nights but there was a winning Rainbow Pick 6 ticket cashed at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Sunday, March 24. Although just $2,151 was wagered over the two nights in the Rainbow Pick 6 pool, the lucky bettor took home a check of $25,000. Pocono Downs opened its 2013 me
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Wheeling N Dealin tops 116 Hambo eligibles
March 25, 2013
The $1.2 million Hambletonian and filly companion stakes, the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, will be raced on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 3, at the Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J. The 88th edition of the classic event will revert to the format of heat racing as conducted from 1991-1996, w
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Kentucky changes Sires Stakes residency rules
March 25, 2013
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear last week signed a bill that will open up the state's Sires Stakes program to horses sired by stallions in other states. Sponsored by Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, the bill will officially be signed by Gov. Beshear late Monday afternoon in cere
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Red Falkor captures Weaver Trot final
March 25, 2013
Taking advantage of his native speed and a sloppy track, Red Falkor forged to the front and dared his rivals to catch up—they couldn't—as he captured Monday's $30,500 championship of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot for 3- and 4-year-old colts, horses and geldings at The Meadows.   In the
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Cruizin K C cruises in Pompano feature
March 24, 2013
Cruizin K C, driven by lessee and trainer Mark O’Mara, came from nine lengths off the pace early to sweep to a convincing victory in a lifetime best 1:51.1 in Pompano Park’s Open Handicap on Saturday night. The gelded five year-old son of Mach Three paced his final 3/4s in 1:22.3 and last half in
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Handle & Callahan top Meadowlands Friday
March 23, 2013
Much has been said regarding The Meadowlands betting handle in the last few days.  On Friday night, the bettors made a statement of their own. The total handle of $3,229,341 eclipsed the 2012 same day total of $2,301,594 by $927,747 or 40 percent. In addition it was the 2nd best bet Fr
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Money is up for Meadowlands C Class
March 23, 2013
Meadowlands Racing Secretary Pete Koch has added the "Dash the C-Note" for C class condition horses for next weekend. Those races will be, in effect, a mini-series for the class. On Friday, the C-2 trots will race for the standard purse of $8,000. The top money winners from those
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Matchmaker Series begins at Yonkers
March 23, 2013
Five $40,000 opening leg divisions of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series for fillies and mares were raced at Yonkers on Friday night. In the first division, Krispy Apple (Matt Kakaley, $6.80) methodically prevailed from first-up in a paceless (:28.3, :58, 1:26) race, getting to 6-5 f
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Bolon released from Pittsburgh hospital
March 23, 2013
Horseman Rod Bolon was released from Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh late Saturday afternoon after doctors diagnosed him with a severe concussion and torn ligaments in his neck. The neurosurgeon who evaluated his condition said the ligaments would heal without surgery, but could not offer m
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Levy Memorial Series opens with six-pack
March 23, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series, 2013 edition, began Saturday night. A half-dozen, $50,000 divisions of Free-For-Allers went before the faithful, chronologically contested as such. First division--Odd-on Versado (Brian Sears, $3) toyed with his five rivals, two-m
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Statesman N serves notice at The Meadowlands
March 23, 2013
There were no stakes finals at The Meadowlands this weekend, but there may have been a budding star that emerged in race 11 on Saturday Night. Statesman N, who flashed a powerful late kick in his North American debut showed versatility tonight, moving to the lead through a 56.2 half mile and nev
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Scott Zeron drives 2,000th winner
March 22, 2013
On Thursday evening at Woodbine, Scott Zeron made harness racing history as he became the youngest driver in the sport to reach 2,000 wins.   Zeron was only two victories back of the milestone coming into Thursday, but he completed the quest in four races when he found the winners cir
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Minnesota commission: Running Aces can open
March 22, 2013
Running Aces got a green light to open its harness meet on June 1 on Thursday night at a meeting of the Minnesota Racing Commission.   Canterbury Park in suburban Minneapolis had filed a request that the commission revoke the gambling license at Running Aces because it is in a di
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Big day at Monticello for Mike "Fourte"
March 22, 2013
In December of 2011, less than 15 months ago, Mike Forte reined his 3,000th career winner and finished that season with 155 driving victories. Last year his output was even greater when he won another 216 times.   Off to an unusually soft start this year, Forte may now have snapped ou
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OSRC to meet March 27 again on Dayton tracks
March 22, 2013
Members of the Ohio State Racing Commission once again heard presentations by Penn National Gaming officials related to the relocations of Raceway Park to Dayton and Beulah Park to Austintown during a four-hour meeting on Wednesday, March 20.   Representatives of River Downs and Miami
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Update: Bolon remains hospitalized
March 22, 2013
Horseman Rod Bolon was injured Friday morning in a training mishap at The Meadows and flown by helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, a recognized trauma unit in the area, which is standard procedure at The Meadows.   As of Friday night Bolon,
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Callahan elected to HHYF board of trustees
March 22, 2013
Maryland native Corey Callahan, who splits his time driving on the Delaware circuit and Harrah's Philadelphia, has been elected to fill a vacant seat on the Harness Horse Youth Foundation's Board of Trustees. Callahan, 34, represented the United States in the 2011 World Driving Championship, fin
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Golden Receiver wins 55th race at Philadelphia
March 22, 2013
Winless in just two prior career starts at Harrah's Philadelphia, Golden Receiver put a win on the books on Friday afternoon as he cruised to a wire-to-wire 1:51 victory in the featured $40,000 Open Pace. Handicapped with the outside post six, the 1-5 favorite Golden Receiver left fast with driv
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Levy champ Special Report living in south
March 22, 2013
Special Report, winner of the 2008 Levy Memorial, was recently retired and is now stabled at Olive Branch Farm in North Carolina.   Although Special Report hasn't made a pari-mutuel start since May 13, 2011, it wasn't until recently that owner Hugo Iodice, trainer Kim Asher and driver
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Blossom Series underway at Woodbine
March 22, 2013
The inaugural edition of the Blossom Series kicked off Friday evening’s card at Woodbine with a pair of $18,000 divisions. Wildcat Hanna and Belle Boyd found the winner’s circle first for their respective connections. Wildcat Hanna, driven by Sylvain Filion, captured the opening divisi
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Mattwestern rolls through Meadows series
March 22, 2013
Mattwestern continued to roll through the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace, winning her third straight Friday in the series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares at The Meadows. Although Mattwestern began the series off a five-month layoff, she has dominated the event, taking her three splits by
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Kandian Klub wins by 3 in Meadows series
March 21, 2013
Kandian Klub shrugged off a serious backside challenge Wednesday at The Meadows and drew away to a comfortable victory--her second in the series--in the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot. Promisemethis captured the other $12,500 third leg split in the series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mare
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Five straight for Waiting On A Woman
March 21, 2013
Waiting On A Woman extended his winning streak to five on Wednesday night at Pompano Park with a hard-fought win in 1:54.4 for Wally Hennessey.   The 5-year-old, gelded son of Northern Bailey won for the eighth time in nine 2013 starts--he suffered a did not finish line due to broken
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Five-bagger for Smith at Northfield
March 21, 2013
Northfield Park's leading driver Tyler Smith drove five more winners on Wednesday.   Smith's winners included JJ's Beat The Rap ($2.80) in race one, Life Long Hanover ($3.20) in race three, Mr. Sam ($5) in race five, Handnlcbgetwithit ($3) in race 10 and Morningsailor ($3) in race 12.
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He's Spooky lowers own Dover track record
March 21, 2013
He's Spooky was never headed in a 1:52.3 victory in the $23,000 Open Handicap Trot, breaking his own track record for an older trotting horse by a full second, on Wednesday at Dover Downs.   Eric Carlson sped away from the starting gate quickly with He's Spooky and never relinqui
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James MacDonald back driving at Woodbine
March 21, 2013
James MacDonald, who hasn't driven since a Jan. 12 race accident at Woodbine, will return to the sulky tonight at Woodbine. MacDonald, 27, suffered a broken right ankle along with torn ligaments following the spill. He required surgery on January 14, which resulted in the addition of two plates
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New thresholds address drug "stacking"
March 21, 2013
At its March 19 meeting in Baltimore, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board of directors adopted recommendations for thresholds and withdrawal times for four therapeutic medications identified by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI). The recommenda
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New Weekend Preview now available!
March 21, 2013
Quick—who won last year's Levy Series final at Yonkers Raceway? Atochia. Quick--who was second? Foiled Again, who won the rich contest in 2009 and 2010. The 2013 renewal of the Levy Series gets underway on Saturday with 42 older pacers entered. While Foiled Again is back again for a fifth try in
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Running Aces looking for presiding judge
March 20, 2013
The Minnesota Racing Commission is accepting applications for the contract position of presiding judge, for the 2013 live meet at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minn.   The meet will run from June 1 to Aug. 31. Approximate dates for the contracted service would be from M
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El Cumanchero wins 2013 debut at Rosecroft
March 20, 2013
On a crisp March evening longtime Mid-Atlantic leading driver Steve Warrington returned to Rosecroft along with 2012 Spring Rosecroft Horse of the Meet El Cumanchero. Making their first respective first starts of 2013 the combination returned to the winner's circle for the sixth time at Rosecrof
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PA horseman Richard King, 68 dies
March 20, 2013
Richard A. King, 68, of Stoneboro, Pa.,died March 6 at his home. Born May 6, 1944, in Grove City, Mr. King was a son of Melville G. "Mel” King and Georgia D. Cramer King. He attended Mercer High School and enlisted in the Army and was a Vietnam-era veteran, serving in Korea. After the military, he w
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Haroun Hanover scores 9th win of 2013
March 20, 2013
What would the odds be that two horses from the same racetrack lead North America in wins? Probably be real long, you'd think. But on Tuesday, Haroun Hanover scored his ninth seasonal victory and now joins another Monticello Raceway pacer, Tracys Song, who won her ninth race on Monday, at the to
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Matchmaker, Levy kick off this weekend
March 20, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's premier events for the "mature" crowd begin this weekend, with opening rounds of both the Blue Chip Matchmaker (Friday) and George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series (Saturday). "Ladies first" finds five, $40,000 Matchmaker divisions, going as races 4,6,7,9 and 10. Trainer Ron
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Meadowlands responds to Faraldo's comments
March 20, 2013
While it is unfortunate that Mr. Faraldo has targeted the Meadowlands in another public outburst that would have been better left to a private discussion, due to the vast inaccuracies in his "editorial,” the Meadowlands Racetrack feels compelled to respond.   Yes, the Meadowlands Race
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MacDonald crosses Hudson to the Meadowlands
March 20, 2013
Beginning this Saturday, driver Mark MacDonald will be making a change in his driving plans. For at least the duration of the winter meet, MacDonald will be driving Friday and Saturday nights at the Meadowlands.   Macdonald said several factor played into his decision. "The Meadowlan
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Marquise De Sarah ready for Woodbine's Blossom
March 20, 2013
The first leg of the Blossom Stakes gets underway this Friday at Woodbine. Good timing for trainer Joey Shea, who likes the way his filly Marquise De Sarah is heading into the $18,000 event.   "She's coming into the race as good as we can expect,” Shea said. "I trained her the other d
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OSRC: Still not enough seats at Dayton tracks
March 20, 2013
For the second week in a row, on Wednesday morning officials from both Penn National Gaming and Miami Valley Gaming and Racing presented plans for proposed new harness racetracks in Dayton to the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC). And for the second week in a row, were told to come back next w
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Three and done at Yonkers on Monday
March 19, 2013
In theory, spring arrives Wednesday, but that small factoid didn't stop Old Man Winter from making one last seasonal stand in the greater New York area.   Monday night's scheduled dozen-race Yonkers Raceway program was curtailed after three races due to wind-driven snow, which made for h
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September Hall repeats at The Meadows
March 19, 2013
September Hall rushed to the early lead, then sailed through the slop Monday at The Meadows to capture his second straight in the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot. Marvenue took the other $12,500 third leg division in the series for 3- and 4-year-old colts, horses and geldings. The $20,000-added fi
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Custers Last Stand wins 3rd straight
March 19, 2013
Custers Last Stand paced home for his third straight win Monday in Northfield Park's 13th race. The 5 year old is owned by the Northfiled Park Wall of Famer Gerald Bookmyer of Sycamore, Ohio, and is trained by Pat Karcher. Jason Thompson has driven the gelding for all three of his most rece
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Tracys Song's win streak reaches nine
March 19, 2013
Talk about a bargain, just check out Tracys Song. A $4,000 purchase early this year, Tracys Song, with a victory again on Monday, has run her string to nine wins in a row and currently she is the winningest horse in North America.   Win number nine--and all her wins for that
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Pair of late closers added to Vernon schedule
March 19, 2013
Vernon Downs has added a pair of late closing events to its schedule.   The Catherine Burton Trotting Series will conduct preliminary legs on Friday, April 19, and Friday, April 26. The Anthony Farina Pacing Series is slated for Saturday, April 20, and Saturday, April 27. Th
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"Hercules" flexes muscles at Balmoral
March 19, 2013
If Celebrity Hercules slipped through the cracks, co-owner Jeff Davis is happy he landed in his hands.   Davis and Matt Shipley, under the name Dandy Farms Inc., purchased Celebrity Hercules for $24,000 at the Tattersalls January Select Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands. Since then, the
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Homebred Manhattan Tea takes Meadows series leg
March 19, 2013
Fourth in the first two series legs, Manhattan Tea found his best stride Tuesday at The Meadows with a powerful first-over move that carried him to victory in the Walter Russell Memorial Pace. The third leg of the series for 3- and 4-year old colts, horses and geldings was conducted over three $11,2
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Cashendash Hanover wins third straight at Dover
March 19, 2013
Ross Wolfenden drove Cashendash Hanover and Village Blast, among three winners, while Tony Morgan scored his third victory of the card with Ashes N Dust in the Tuesday (March 19) features at Dover Downs. Cashendash Hanover got up in the closing strides to win the $20,000 male claim
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American Ideal's book full and closed
March 18, 2013
Having made a "siring sweep" of the 2012 Dan Patch Awards for 3-year-old pacers, American Ideal figured to be popular among breeders this year, and indeed he was. It was announced Monday that his book for 2013 is full and closed.   "We know he is the best value in the industry ri
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Bobby Manning dies
March 18, 2013
Robert E. "Bobby" Manning died Friday, March 8. He was 56.   Mr. Manning spent his life training horses in New England and at Pocono Downs. According to U.S. Trotting Association records, Mr. Manning retired from training his own stable in 1996.  
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Faraldo comments on "cartels" and handle
March 18, 2013
The following editorial was written by Joseph A. Faraldo, an attorney and president of the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, representing the over 1,000 owners, trainers and drivers regularly competing at Yonkers Raceway. He is a director and past chairman of the Board of th
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With 2 series finals, Big M handle up $1 million
March 17, 2013
The Saturday card at the Meadowlands opened with two series finals. The first half of the Daily Double was the $57,000 Aquarius, serving as the rubber match between leg one winner Warranee Needy, sent off as the 3-5 favorite, and Escape The News, who sprung a mild upset in last week's second rou
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Watch the Meadowlands do the Harlem Shake
March 17, 2013
The Meadowlands Racetrack is the latest to join the Harlem Shake craze. On Saturday night track management and the drivers at the Big M did their version of the Harlem Shake. In the management "Shake," track general manager Jason Settlemoir had the lead role and Bob "Hollywood" Heyden can't take
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Rocklamation wins first start of season
March 16, 2013
Friday night's card at The Meadowlands was strong, with several co-features sprinkled throughout the evening. The second race was a solid B-1/A-2 handicap trot with a pretty even group facing the starter, or so it seemed. Il Mago, despite no evidence of real early speed in his form, left the
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Burke trainees sweep Meadows series divisions
March 16, 2013
Mattwestern and Save My Dragon, a pair of Ron Burke trainees piloted by Dave Palone, swept Friday's $12,500 divisions of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace, a series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares, at The Meadows. Mattwestern won her opening-leg division last week off a five-month layoff and,
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Qualfiers held as Hoosier Park gets ready to open
March 16, 2013
The Standardbred horses made their anticipated return to the seven-eighths mile oval at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday morning for the first round of qualifiers in preparation for the 20th season of live Standardbred racing. The opening qualifying session featured ten qualifiers fi
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McSocks, McGreat finish 1-2 at Pompano Park
March 16, 2013
Hunch bettors celebrated St. Patrick's Day a bit early at Pompano Park on Saturday night when McSocks and McGreat, both sons of McArdle, finished 1-2 in the Open Handicap Pace.   It was the photo finish camera that separated the two as they crossed the wire together in 1:52 with McSoc
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Flem N Em N wins Yonkers Open in 1:54
March 16, 2013
Flem N Em N (George Brennan) prevailed from the pocket Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Leaving from post position three, Flem N Em N made the lead, then deferred to Something For Doc (Matt Kakaley) before a :27.2 opening quarter-mile. "Doc" was
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Josh Sutton gets 2,000th career victory
March 16, 2013
Driver Josh Sutton reached a career milestone on Saturday night at Balmoral Park, piloting Peck Blue Chip to a thrilling neck victory in race seven, giving the 31-year-old reinsman his 2,000th career victory. Sutton has been a regular on the Chicago circuit since 2005 after starting his jou
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No Bo takes Woodbine preferred in 1:50.1
March 16, 2013
Stepping up in class, pacer No Bu earned his first Preferred victory with a career-best 1:50.1 score in the $34,000 feature race on Saturday's card of harness racing at Woodbine Racetrack. Driver Jody Jamieson worked out a perfect second over trip aboard the five-year-old Kilowatt gelding, who i
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Rags to Riches continues on at Big M
March 15, 2013
Leg two of the Rags to Riches was the feature of the final Thursday live racing card of the season at the Meadowlands. As a result of fewer than anticipated nominations, the format was adjusted to conventional standings rather than the bracket format, so virtually all of last week's contestants
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Fancyfreeshark powers to Dover score
March 15, 2013
Fancyfreeshark overtook front pacing Europan Union in the final step to post a 1:50.4 victory in the $30,000 Delaware Special Handicap pace on Thursday at Dover Downs.   Jon Roberts drove Fancyfreeshark, owned and trained by Bobby Glassmeyer, to his second victory of the 2013 campaig
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Grand Circuit announces 2013 schedule
March 15, 2013
The Grand Circuit has announced its full and expanded stakes schedule for the 2013 racing season.   Earlier this month, at the USTA full Board meeting at Harness Congress VI, Grand Circuit president John Campbell announced that all Open stakes raced in North America not previousl
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Extension granted for PA's Valley View track
March 15, 2013
Valley View Downs, the track proposed for northwestern Pennsylvania, is still alive. The developers of the track have received an extension until May 31 to put together their financing to build the racino.   Valley View Downs was once a project in the Centaur portfolio but is now the
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PA Harness Week show resumes this Saturday
March 15, 2013
"PA HarnessWeek,” harness racing's fastest-paced half hour, returns this weekend to cover exciting standardbred action from Pennsylvania and around the world. New episodes air Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia through Dec. 28. Online viewers can catch the show at HarnessW
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Special St. Patrick's Day harness racing video
March 15, 2013
You don't have to be Irish to enjoy the latest edition of the video, "I Am, A Harness Racing Horse." A couple of horses are wearing green-plaid blankets to introduce the special St. Patrick's Day edition.   The "I Am, A Harness Racing Horse" video series is presented by well
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Trevor Henry named as Canada's WDC rep
March 15, 2013
Trevor Henry, Canada's leading dash winning driver for 2012 has accepted an invitation from Standardbred Canada to defend Canada's title in the 2013 World Driving Championship.   Henry, 41, of Arthur, Ont., drove 521 winners during the 2012 season to top the charts for all Canadi
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10 percent purse increase at Yonkers
March 15, 2013
Yonkers Raceway has announced that its next condition sheet includes a 10-percent, across-the-board purse increase for all overnight events.   Beginning the racing week of Monday, March 25, the overnight purse structure ranges from $10,000 (non-winners of 2 parimutuel races, as well a
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Trevor Henry to represent Canada in World tourney
March 15, 2013
Trevor Henry, Canada's leading dash winning driver for 2012 has accepted an invitation from Standardbred Canada to defend Canada's title in the 2013 World Driving Championship. Henry, 41, of Arthur, Ontario drove 521 winners during the 2012 season to top the charts for all Canadian drivers, w
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Marks, Sears remember Rocknroll Hanover
March 15, 2013
Rocknroll Hanover is gone, but he will not be forgotten. Not now, or likely anytime in the future. The 2005 Horse of the Year winner and a 2012 inductee into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Rocknroll Hanover found success not only on the racetrack, where he earned $2.75 million in his career, b
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Northfield Park has stalls available
March 15, 2013
Northfield Park is seeking a limited number of new stables that are interested in relocating to Ohio this spring. Barns with qualified horses that are ready to drop in the entry box will receive first preference. Northfield's purses were increased by ten percent on March 1, and will certainly
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Krispy Apple wins season debut in 1:53 at Yonkers
March 15, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's pair of Ides of March, $35,000 co-featured Open Handicaps--for trotters along with petite pacers--were won by Calchip's Brute (George Brennan, $12.40) and a season-debuting Krispy Apple (Matt Kakaley, $29.20). Calchip's Brute gave nothing else a shot. Leaving from penultimate p
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Mistress Valentine fast in Meadows win
March 14, 2013
Slowed by momentary but troubling breaks in recent starts, Mistress Valentine put it back together Wednesday at The Meadows as she cruised to a comfortable victory in the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot. Promisemethis took the other $12,500 split in the second leg of the series for 3- and 4-year-old
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Lugar finally wins a photo at Pompano
March 14, 2013
Lugar, who had been involved in four photo finish decisions this year—all of which he lost—picked a great time to, finally, win one…and he picked a perfect time to do it. The five year-old son of Famously took top honors in Pompano Park’s Open I Trot on Wednesday night, eking out a very narrow wi
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Rocknroll Hanover euthanized in New Jersey
March 14, 2013
The 2005 Horse of the Year Rocknroll Hanover, the sire of 2010 Horse of the Year Rock N Roll Heaven and six million-dollar winners, was euthanized on Thursday afternoon (March 14) at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center.The stallion was collected for breeding on Wednesday at the Perretti anne
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I'm So Striking pulls 32-1 upset win at Dover
March 14, 2013
I’m So Striking, a 32-1 longshot, closed along the passing lane to nip Anders Bluestone at the wire to win the $23,000 Open/Handicap trot on Wednesday, March 13 at Dover Downs. With trainer-driver Eddie Dennis at the control, I’m So Striking, a Lois and Earl Walters and E&K Stable homeb
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Alexachase wins $40,000 Philly feature
March 14, 2013
After controlling a nondescript early pace, Johnny and Kimberley Waite's Alexachase ($18.80) was an upset winner in Wednesday's $40,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace on Wednesday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia.   With Kiwi standout Royal Cee Cee assigned the outside post five and
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Gural sends open letter to horsemen
March 14, 2013
Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural has written an open letter to all owners and trainers who are racing in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here is the letter:   As you know, the first 29 days of the 2013 meet at the Meadowlands have been an overwhelming success. The public has a
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Marohn captures another St. Paddy Pace
March 14, 2013
It wasn't the fastest of times for Jimmy Marohn Jr., but winning Monticello Raceway's 13th annual St. Paddy Pace on Wednesday for the third time in the last five years was undoubtedly pleasurable.   "Hey, it's always fun to win a race and winning is something I never get tired of
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Free USTA media workshop set for March 23
March 14, 2013
The United States Trotting Association and the Harness Racing Museum are teaming up to sponsor a free workshop on how to get media attention for horse-related businesses. The workshop will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday (March 23) at the Museum, at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY. T
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Define The World injured, retired from racing
March 14, 2013
The free-for-all trotter Define The World 6, 1:51.4, a winner of $1,654,115, has been retired after suffering a torn tendon in his right front leg. "He will be going into the paddock with Goodtimes (a Hall of Famer who won well over two million in his career). Not bad having two horses w
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New Weekend Preview now available!
March 14, 2013
The decisive third round of the Aquarius Series is Saturday night at the Meadowlands with six pacers lining up behind the gate in the $57,000 final. Yannick Gingras and Mark MacDonald will direct arguably the two biggest threats to take home the top prize with Escape The News and Warrawee Needy,
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Ohio court upholds dismissal of challenge to VLTs
March 14, 2013
Ohio's Franklin County Court of Appeals on Thursday, March 14, issued a ruling upholding the dismissal of the Ohio Rountable's court challenge of the legality of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Ohio racetracks. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas had previously found the Ohio Roundtable
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Modern Family another of Bier's stars
March 14, 2013
Daryl Bier has carved out a successful niche by purchasing and winning with a string of established racehorses. Modern Family is the Delaware-based trainer's latest star.   The $110,000 January Mixed Sale buy at the Meadowlands is one of the favorites in Saturday's $50,000 Horse and G
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Mighty M toteboard lights up with big payoffs
March 13, 2013
Rarely does a horse starting from the pole position go off at odds of 48-1. And if they do hardly ever do they emerge victorious. But sometimes they do win. Case in point: Wantasmile.   The 9-year-old Grinfromeartoear horse , who had only three thirds in seven previous starts, lit up
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Up Front Dan 1:54.3 winner on "good" track
March 13, 2013
Up Front Dan followed his stablemate's cover beautifully Tuesday en route to victory in a sharp 1:54.3 — over a good surface — in the Walter Russell Memorial at The Meadows. The second leg of the series for 3- and 4-year-old colt and gelding pacers was conducted over three divisions, with Gary's Par
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Miami Valley Gaming to put $3 mil into fairgrounds
March 13, 2013
Miami Valley Gaming, a joint venture of Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment and Churchill Downs Incorporated, recently announced a $3 million commitment to Warren County's efforts to revitalize the Warren County Fairgrounds. "Warren County has a tremendous opportunity to transfor
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If horse off 21 days, Meadowlands adding info
March 13, 2013
The Meadowlands Racetrack program will now include enhanced information on horses showing no race lines forthree weeks or more.   In the comment section for each race, those horses with 21 days or more away from racing will have some explanation regarding the inactivity and remar
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Kevin O'Reilly leaving Ontario, moving to Denmark
March 13, 2013
Kevin O'Reilly, a regular conditioner on the Woodbine Entertainment Circuit (WEG), announced that he will be leaving Canada with his family at the end of April.   O'Reilly, who has trained winners of over $5 million in purse earnings, will soon call the country of Denmark home. "It
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Coleman suspended 2 months, fined $16k
March 13, 2013
Trainer Casie Coleman has received a two-month suspension and fines totalling C$16,000 after three of her horses produced positive post-race tests last month at Woodbine Racetrack. Wintering with her stable in Florida, Coleman was informed last Monday night that Hilarious Halo, Mc Dynamite
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Taylor looks to homer with DW's NY Yank
March 13, 2013
When owner Howard Taylor heard about a trotter with some ability but lackadaisical attitude on the racetrack, he thought the horse would be a perfect addition to trainer Ron Burke's stable.   Taylor got the horse. Burke got him to go.   DW's NY Yank has won five times
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New food, beverage vendor for New Meadowlands
March 12, 2013
Ark Restaurants Corp., a company traded on the NASDAQ, announced on Tuesday (March 12) that it had entered into a long term agreement with New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC to provide food and beverage services for the new racing facilities being constructed at the Meadowlands Racetra
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Tracys Song extends her streak at Monticello
March 12, 2013
Win streaks come and go but when a horse strings together eight wins in a row it’s quite special. Case in point: Tracys Song. The 8 year old Astreos mare scored her eighth consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon, March 11th with Bruce Aldrich, Jr. at the controls.
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Equine Tax Parity Act introduced
March 12, 2013
On March 6, 2013, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced the Equine Tax Parity Act (H.R. 998), which would make horses eligible for capital gains treatment after 12 months, rather than 24, similar to other business assets. Under the current federal tax code, gains from sales by individuals
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Two new Meadowlands series close March 15
March 12, 2013
The Meadowlands Racetrack is offering two new pacing series to be raced this spring that will close on March 15. The Hudson River is for 4&5 year old pacers that have not won 4 Pari-Mutuel races or $150,000 lifetime, excluding earnings in any state-bred races. The series begins on
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Harness racing to end at Kawartha Downs
March 12, 2013
The sounds of harness racing at Kawartha Downs will echo through the track for the last time March 30. Track owner Harvey (Skip) Ambrose could not secure an agreement on transitional funding from the provincial government to keep the track open, which will end 40 years of horse racing at th
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Ohio commission: track needs more seating
March 12, 2013
Penn National Gaming presented its plans for the new Hollywood Dayton Raceway, which is the Raceway Park license relocated on the north side of Dayton, at a meeting of the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) on Tuesday morning. But Penn National's representatives were told they need to return fo
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May 1 deadline for HHI scholarship
March 12, 2013
Harness Horsemen International is now accepting applications for the 25th annual Jerome L. Hauck Scholarship. The application deadline is May 1, 2013. The $4,000 award is granted to a son or daughter of a full-time Standardbred groom, or the son or daughter of a member of an HHI-affiliated as
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Bergstein Writing Award to be presented in AZ
March 12, 2013
Team Valor International will present the second annual Stan Bergstein Writing Award at the 2013 Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming this December in Tucson under an agreement with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. Barry Irwin and Team Valor launched the award last ye
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Bill to promote KY breeding heads to governor
March 12, 2013
Legislation that could pave the way for making Kentucky's Standardbred horse industry more competitive with other states is headed to the office of Gov. Steve Beshear. Senate Bill 110, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown), allows eligibility to the Kentucky Sires
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Eligibles for Levy, Matchmaker at Yonkers
March 12, 2013
Nominations have been announced for Yonkers Raceway's seven-figure pacing events featuring the "older" crowd, the $1.5 million (est.) George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series and $1 million (est.) Blue Chip Matchmaker. The series, which begin Friday, Mar. 22 (Matchmaker) and Saturday, Mar.
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Jamieson opts out as Canada's WDC rep
March 12, 2013
Jody Jamieson, who was scheduled to defend Canada's title at the World Driving Championship by virtue of his victory in the 2011 event, has announced that he will not be able to compete in the 2013 WDC, which takes place in France. Jamieson advised Standardbred Canada officials of his decision l
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Nat Ray renamed John Cashman Jr. Memorial
March 11, 2013
The New Meadowlands is announcing that the Nat Ray Free For All trot will be known as the John Cashman, Jr. Memorial beginning with the 2013 race on Hambletonian Day, Aug. 3.   First raced in 1981, this important event counts among itswinners many of trotting's greatest champions. Mon
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Campbell to speak at USTA Driving School
March 11, 2013
John Campbell will speak to the students at the 2013 USTA Driving School, to be held May 29–June 2 at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y.   "I am so pleased that John will be able to join us as an instructor this year. I've tried many times to get him but h
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Pounce K wins 2nd straight in Meadows series
March 11, 2013
Parked the first three-eighths, Pounce K still had enough zip to hold off his stablemate down the backside Monday and score his second straight victory in the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot at The Meadows. The second leg of the series for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings was conducted over th
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Historic moves to Harrah's Philadelphia
March 11, 2013
The Historic Stakes for freshman pacers and trotters will be raced at Harrah’s Philadelphia this August. The sophomore events remain at Tioga Downs. Furthering their commitment to top quality stakes racing, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association and Harrah's Philadelphia (former
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McSauna, Jerseylicious in Dover features
March 11, 2013
McSauna blitzed from last to first winning the $16,000 Mares Winners-Over  while Jerseylicious overpowered her rivals in a $13,000 Filly and Mare pace to highlight the Monday, March 11 program  at Dover Downs. Tim Tetrick drove four winners, trainer Tim Crissman and owner Crissman Inc.
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Annieswesterncard rallies for Yonkers win
March 10, 2013
Millionaire Annieswesterncard rolled from the back of the pack Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.   Content to watch early from post position seven, "Annie" saw 13-10 choice Electrofire (Brian Sears) step around Sapphire City (Brent Holland) before a
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Cruizin KC cruises to Pompano victory
March 10, 2013
Cruizin K C, leased, trained and driven by Mark O'Mara, paced his final half mile in 54.3, circling the field and "cruizin” to victory in Pompano Park's Open Pace on Saturday night in 1:52.3.   The 5-year-old son of Mach Three scored the win, measuring two lengths over Oozie's Ba
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Timoko scores big victory in France
March 10, 2013
The French winter meeting continues at the Cagnes-sur-Mer racetrack on the southern border of France, close to Nice, and the meeting was highlighted Sunday with the Grand Criterium de Vitesse, sponsored by the daily publication Nice-Matin.   Timoko, who won the Criterium as
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Slots agreement reached at Flamboro, Georgian
March 10, 2013
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC) announced Saturday that it has entered into letters of intent with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for the continuation of slot operations at each of the company's Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs racetrack facilities.   The l
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Tetrick hits trotting grand slam at Philadelphia
March 10, 2013
Tim Tetrick--the 2012 driving champion at Harrah's Philadelphia--wasted no time picking up where he left off, as he notched four driving wins on the Sunday afternoon card--all of them with trotters.   In the third race, Tetrick piloted the Syl King-trained Somolli Crown to
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Keystone Suave rallies for Dover victory
March 10, 2013
Keystone Suave came four wide turning for home and chopped down the leaders on the way to a 1:54.4 score in the $10,500 pace feature on a beautiful Sunday day afternoon at Dover Downs.   With Eddie Davis Jr. driving the first of two winners, Keystone Suave, owned and trained
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Equity prevails in Yonkers trot feature
March 09, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's pair of Friday night, $35,000 co-featured Open Handicaps--for trotters along with madame pacers--were won by Equity (Matt Kakaley, $8) and Marie's Z Tam (George Brennan, $5.90).   A funny thing happened on the way the--apparent--winner's circle for two-time de
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Transcending scores in featured Philly opener
March 09, 2013
A ferocious open-stretch rally propelled Transcending ($3.40) to victory in the featured $23,000 conditioned pace on Friday evening's Opening Night card at Harrah's Philadelphia.   The Ron Burke-trained Transcending sat off a contested early pace before brushing to the lead and s
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Nominations increase for 2013 Am-Nats
March 09, 2013
After a banner year of American National Stakes that attracted the sport's top pacers and trotters in 2012, Balmoral Park is looking forward to another stellar season as February nominations for the prestigious stakes are up in total and once again read like a who's who of Standardbred royalty.
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Foiled Again 3rd in qualifer; big morning for Burke
March 09, 2013
After a Friday night in which his horses swept the featured races at the Meadowlands, Yonkers and Harrah's Philadelphia, trainer Ron Burke posted five victories in qualifiers Saturday morning at the Big M. Included was a one-two-three sweep in the last qualifiers with horses who have&n
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Kathleen Abbatiello dies in New Jersey
March 09, 2013
Kathleen Frances McMahon Abbatiello, the wife of Hall of Fame horseman Anthony Abbatiello, died Saturday, March 9, following a brave fight against lymphoma. Mrs. Abbatiello was born and raised in Freehold, N.J. She graduated from Freehold Regional High School.   In
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Meadows horsemen do some Harlem Shakin'
March 09, 2013
The NBA champion Miami Heat have nothing on harness racing and the horsemen from The Meadows.   After morning qualifying races on Friday, March 9, Meadows horsemen banded together to produce harness racing's version of the Harlem Shake, which features Brett Miller handling the opening so
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Escape The News in 1:48.4 in Aquarius
March 09, 2013
In a reversal of fortune from last weekend's opening round of the Aquarius Series for 4-year-old pacers at the Meadowlands, Escape The News edged past Warrawee Needy in the final strides to score a 1:48.4 victory in Saturday's night's five-horse, $35,000 division of the second round of the Aquar
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David Miller hot on a snowy Big M night
March 08, 2013
It may have been a snowy night in East Rutherford, N.J., but that did little to stop the hot hands of the Buckeye, Dave Miller. By night's end, Miller won five of 10 races on the card.   Miller swept the early double, a sequence that included a very impressive win by Jurgen
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PASS payments postmarked by March 15
March 08, 2013
A reminder to horsemen that Pennsylvania Sire Stakes payments for March must be postmarked by Friday, March 15.   For 2 year olds, the payments due are $150 for pari-mutuels and $25 for fairs. This payment MUST BE MADE for the horse to have any future opportunities in the Pennsyl
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Hambletonian Society payments due March 15
March 08, 2013
March sustaining and nominating payments for Hambletonian Society stake events are due Friday, March 15, and per USTA Rule 12 section 4, must be postmarked no later than midnight on Saturday, March 16.   The Hambletonian Society services 129 of harness racing's richest and most presti
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Meadows horse died of natural causes
March 08, 2013
A necropsy done on Lislea Isabella, one of two horses that died within minutes of each other on Feb. 4 at The Meadows, reportedly shows that the cause of death was natural causes of either exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging, an electrolyte imbalance or some other cause.   The 8-y
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More track deals reached in Ontario
March 08, 2013
Ontario's horse-racing industry waited with bated breath on Friday for Premier Kathleen Wynne to make her much-anticipated announcement regarding the future of racing in the province.   "The reason there are so many of you here today is because this is such an important industry, and
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Youth Foundation looking for trainers
March 08, 2013
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is seeking qualified trainers to condition its stable of Trottingbreds in preparation for the organization's 2013 summer program schedule.   Volunteer trainers are expected to jog or exercise the horse on a daily basis to build stamina, but no actual
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WEG applauds Ontario gaming announcement
March 08, 2013
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) president and CEO Nick Eaves released the following statement in response to Premier Kathleen Wynne's announcement Friday that her new government intends to integrate horse racing with the provincial gaming strategy to ensure future revenue streams for rac
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Delaware fair payments due March 15
March 08, 2013
Two-year-old sustaining payments for the 69th edition of the Little Brown Jug, the 44th Jugette, the 62nd Old Oaken Bucket (3-year-old open trot) and the 63rd Buckette (3-year-old filly trot) are due March 15. These payments are for foals of 2011 and will be raced in 2014.   Sustainin
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Pick 10 winners at Western Fair, win $1,000
March 08, 2013
The Raceway at The Western Fair District will offer a new daily promotion starting Monday, March 11.   The "Pick 10 For A Grand" contest is free to play and requires correctly selecting 10 consecutive winners during the race program. The contest will run from races 3-12 daily and
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Quick Deal in 1:52.1 in Horse & Groom
March 08, 2013
Yannick Gingras has told trainer Ron Burke that Quick Deal was the fastest trotter he's ever driven, and the 5-year-old Revenue gelding showed he might prove his driver right as he scored an impressive 1:52.1 victory in the single $18,000 division of the second leg of the Horse & Groom
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Payments reduced for Nadia Lobell, Moni Maker
March 07, 2013
Meadowlands Racetrack will host the Nadia Lobell and Moni Maker during the 2013 fall meet on Saturday, Nov. 30. These events offer a purse estimated at $200,000 for 3-year-old pacing and trotting fillies, respectively.   Nominations are due March 15.   Payments for these ra
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St. Louis Jr.'s license revoked for 2 years
March 07, 2013
Michigan-based horseman Marc St. Louis Jr. has had his occupational license revoked and deemed ineligible for licensing until February 2015 by the Michigan Gaming Control Board for violation of probation stemming from an earlier incident in which he was suspended one year following the death of
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Yonkers cancels Thursday race card
March 07, 2013
Due to the late-winter inclement weather descending upon the greater New York area, Yonkers Raceway has cancelled both live racing and evening simulcasting on Thursday.   Live racing (and evening simulcasting) is scheduled to resume Friday, Mar. 8, with the usual 7:10 p.m. first post.
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Illinois committee approves gaming expansion
March 07, 2013
An expanded gaming bill has passed by a vote of 10-4 in the Illinois Senate Executive Committee that would approve slot machines at racetracks, five new casinos and slot machines at Chicago airports. Gov. Pat Quinn recently vetoed a bill that would have allowed expanded gaming, saying it was exc
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Grandich to sponsor St. Paddy Pace
March 07, 2013
When Monticello Raceway presents its 13th annual St. Paddy Pace for drivers of Irish heritage, for the first time since the its inception, the race will have a sponsor.   Peter Grandich is a sportsman and horse owner whose Trinity Financial Sports and Entertainment Management Company
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Ontario Sires Stakes deadline moved to April 30
March 07, 2013
The Ontario Racing Commission announced Thursday that the sustaining payment deadline for both the 2- and 3-year-old Standardbred Ontario Sires Stakes has been extended to April 30.   While government and racetrack operators continue their negotiations surrounding transition fund
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Racing's future in Ontario to be addressed Friday
March 07, 2013
A media-only press conference scheduled for Friday at Grand River Raceway will reportedly be used by the Ontario government to make an announcement concerning the future of racing in the province.   A release from the Premier's Office stated that "an announcement on the futu
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Meadowlands nominations show increase
March 07, 2013
With the final count now in from the Feb. 15 payments, nominations to the brand new $1 million Free For All races scheduled for the Meadowlands fall meet have exceeded expectations.   Both the pacing and trotting races attracted 36 nominees with most of the stars of the division list
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New Weekend Preview now available!
March 07, 2013
Daryl Bier believes Modern Family is the best and Ron Burke has the same sentiment about his duo of DW's NY Yank and Quick Ideal, and you can read their opinions of the looming showdown in Friday night's Horse & Groom Series at the Meadowlands in the new and free HarnessRacing Weekend Previe
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USHWA adjusts Dan Patch format
March 07, 2013
With the conclusion of the annual meetings and the Dan Patch Awards dinner conducted by the United States Harness Writers Association this past weekend at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, there were some dramatic changes passed in the format for announcing year-end award winn
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Draw schedule change at Meadowlands
March 07, 2013
The draw schedule for the Meadowlands is changing with the move to a live racing schedule of Friday and Saturday only.   The box will close at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 11, for Friday, March 15, races and 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, for the Saturday, March 16, card.   Enter by
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Artstanding, Lislea Miles keep streaking at Dover
March 07, 2013
Mustang Art scored a 1:51 victory in the $30,000 Delaware Special and Artstanding blew away the opposition to win his sixth consecutive start to highlight Thursday racing at Dover Downs.   On another windy day, Mustang Art and Ron Pierce returned to the winner's circle for the first
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New events at the Meadowlands
March 06, 2013
 A few new races have been added for this season at the Meadowlands.   The Meadowlands Maturity is an opportunity for the 4 year olds to race for a purse estimated at $100,000 ($75,000A). There is no condition on the race; it is open to all aged 4 years and the top 10 lifetime money
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Meadowlands qualifiers moved to Saturday
March 06, 2013
Due to the forecast of a winter storm, Meadowlands qualifying races for this week have been moved to Saturday morning at 10 a.m.   Entries are being taken this morning with the box to close at 9 a.m. Race Office phone is (877) 782-2537. (Meadowlands)
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Devan, Hempt to museum executive committee
March 06, 2013
The Board of Trustees of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, located in Goshen, N.Y., met Friday, March 1, during the Harness Racing Congress in Ft. Lauderdale to discuss filling executive committee vacancies left by the passing of John A. Cashman Jr. and Paul E. Spears.  
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Major Herbie takes feature trot at Dover
March 06, 2013
Starting from post 8 was not a burden for Major Herbie who closed strongly in the stretch to record a 1:57.2 victory in the $16,500 Winners-Over feature trot on Wednesday, March 6 on a ‘sloppy’ track at Dover Downs. Ron Pierce drove the win, Major Herbie’s third in four races, overtaking ea
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Hoosier Park gearing up for 2013 meet
March 06, 2013
Final preparations are underway on the backstretch at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in anticipation of the return of live Standardbred racing. Now in its 20th season, the Standardbred meet will begin on April 2 and offer five days of racing per week through Nov. 9, with a daily post time of 5
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Waiting On A Woman wins 4th in a row at Pompano
March 06, 2013
Waiting On A Woman led from his first step off the gate to his widening last strides through the wire in winning his fourth straight Open 1 Trot at Pompano Park on Wednesday night over Lugar (Bruce Ranger) and I’ll Tell You What (Dave Ingraham). Last week’s winner, Pure Barre (Kevin Wallis) was four
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ORC suspends Casie Coleman indefinitely
March 05, 2013
Casie Coleman, recently honored as Canada's 2012 Trainer of the Year, the record fifth time she has been recognized with the O'Brien Award, has been suspended indefinitely by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). A hearing has reportedly been scheduled for Monday, March 11. The suspe
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Cal Expo & Pompano in a dead-heat
March 05, 2013
In one of the most heated contests of the new year, the Cal-Expo/Pompano Park Pro-Am competition, featuring the leading drivers at both tracks, finished in a dead-heat with each team winding up with 124 points in the six race event. Wally Hennessey led all drivers with 56 points on the strength o
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HHI announces new board of directors for 2013
March 05, 2013
Harness Horsemen International, who participated in the 2013 Harness Racing Congress held at the Westin Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL, on March 2 & 3, announces a new Board of Directors for 2013. Tom Luchento was elected as President, while Kim Hankins will serve as First Vice
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No timetable for return of San Pail
March 05, 2013
San Pail, a three-time winner of the Maple Leaf Trot and Canada's Horse of the Year in 2011, hasn't posted a pari-mutuel start since last April, but is travelling smoothly along the road to recovery.   Trained by Rod Hughes for Hughes Stable Inc. and breeder Glenn Van Camp, San Pail,
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PA racetrack slots revenue drops in February
March 05, 2013
The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition reported Tuesday that slots revenues at Pennsylvania's six racetrack casinos-- also known as Category 1 casinos -- took significant hits for the month of February, dropping by 14.3 percent compared to the same period in 2012. That decrease resulted in a cor
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Rosecroft opener to be drawn Wednesday
March 05, 2013
Rosecroft will draw for its opening night card on Saturday, March 9, on Wednesday. Normally this spring the box will be open from noon to two, but for one day only on Wednesday entries will be taken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The condition sheet is available at either http://www.rosecroft.
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Walter Russell Memorial Series gets underway
March 05, 2013
CHF Elias proved that a straight line isn't always the path to glory Tuesday at The Meadows as he zigged and zagged his way to a 20-1 upset victory in the Walter Russell Memorial Pace.   The opening leg of the series for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings was conducted over three di
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Chapter Seven honored as Horse of the Year
March 04, 2013
It was another crowning moment for Chapter Seven. Chapter Seven and his connections received the Dan Patch Award for harness racing's Horse of the Year on Sunday night before a crowd of more than 400 people at the Westin Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.   The ceremony cam
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Triple Treat for Im Themightyquinn
March 04, 2013
In sport, elite athletes can find a way to own the moment. And it doesn’t matter if it’s human, canine or equine. In the case of the latter, champion pacer Im Themightyquinn delivered on all levels to claim his third Inter Dominion Pacing Grand Final at TABCORP Park, Menangle today (Su
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Pounce K wins Meadows series opener
March 04, 2013
Trailing by 6-1/2 lengths at the three-quarters and boxed in along the pylons, Pounce K rallied wide through the stretch Monday to capture an opening-leg division of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot at The Meadows. Red Falkor took the other $12,500 division of the series for 3- and 4-year-old c
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Jeremes Sweetheart surprises in mares open at Dover
March 04, 2013
Jeremes Sweetheart had just enough to edge past race-favorite Monochromatic in the closing stride to pull a 5-1 surprise in the $23,000 Mares Open Handicap on Monday, March 4 at Dover Downs. Ron Pierce sat an unhurried second as Monochromatic, and Corey Callahan, set the tempo thorough a :2
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USTA board meets at Racing Congress
March 03, 2013
The full U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors assembled Sunday afternoon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a formal start to the Association's annual meeting, which this year is part of the sixth Harness Racing Congress--which has brought together the USTA, Harness Horsemen's Internatio
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Harness Racing Congress VI concludes
March 03, 2013
Globalization, social media, and innovation were the topics du jour during day two of the Harness Racing Congress on Sunday morning, March 3, at the Westin Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.   Of the three panels, the social media group, titled "The revolution will not be
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Tobago Cays wins Yonkers open handicap pace
March 03, 2013
Tobago Cays (Jim Pantaleano) tuned in the fastest local mile of the season through the snowflakes Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace. In what turned out to be a two-speed number, Tobago Cays--from post position No. 5--yielded to Electrofire (Brian Sears) be
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Jr Trendsetter highlights big night at the Big M
March 03, 2013
Coming into the Final of the Junior Trendsetter, two horses were looking to continue their road to a potential start in The Meadowlands Pace. With the teletimer reading 1:51.3, those two horses did just that. Resistance Futile parlayed a perfect second over trip into a series sweep as the o
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Was this a win for the Kiwis?
March 03, 2013
There  were tears of joy when trainer Nicole Molander scored her first Group One success when Keystone Del took out the Glenferrie Farm Challenge at Tabcorp Park Menangle today. The $14.40 chance gained a gun run behind the leader and was driven to perfection by top reinsman Blake Fitz
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Commander Crowe flops in comeback
March 03, 2013
The French winter-meeting at Hippodrome was traditionally concluded with the Prix de l'Union Europeenne and Prix de Selection, before the meeting continues at Cagnes-Sur-Mer, on the southern French border, outside Nice. The "Europe Prize" resulted in a win for Quinoa du Gers (Ganym
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Grand Circuit expanded to all open stakes
March 03, 2013
At the USTA full board meeting at Harness Congress VI Sunday afternoon, Grand Circuit president John Campbell announced that all open stakes raced in North America not previously considered as Grand Circuit (GC) would now carry that designation beginning with the 2013 season.   M
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Jim Morrill, Jr. returns to win 7 races
March 02, 2013
Driver Jim Morrill, Jr. began his 2013 campaign at Buffalo Raceway Friday (March 1) by winning 7 on the 13 race card. After having to wait an additional 48 hours due to Wednesday’s cancellation Morrill had no trouble finding his way to the winner’s circle by taking the early double aboard His Albien
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Horse & Groom headlines Big M Friday
March 02, 2013
The Horse and Groom Series got underway Friday night at the Meadowlands with two divisions headlining the 13 race card. In the first division, it was a budding star trained by Ron Burke, Dw’s NY Yank who moved to the lead down the backstretch with Yannick Gingras and never looked back scoring in
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Paulette Revere takes Meadows F&M trot
March 02, 2013
Paulette Revere willingly yielded the early lead to RT Sun Poco, then powered by her in the lane to capture Friday’s $18,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot at The Meadows.   Paulette Revere shot to the front for Mike Wilder but was pocketed at the quarter by RT Sun Poco. The 5-year-o
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Hambo day adds common pools from France
March 02, 2013
The Hambletonian Society president and CEO Tom Charters told harnessracing.com Saturday morning that a tentative agreement has been reached with PMU, the agency that regulates racing in France, to have eight trotting races on this year's Hambletonian day card at the Meadowlands in early Aug
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Luchento named HHI president
March 02, 2013
Freehold, New Jersey’s Tom Luchento was voted president of Harness Horsemen International at the association’s annual meeting on March 1, 2013 at the Westin Beach & Spa Resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Harness Horsemen International [HHI] is a consortium of horsemen’s organizat
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Zeron lengths ahead in WEG’s win standings
March 02, 2013
As we are nicely into the calendar year, driver Scott Zeron has given himself a commanding lead in the Woodbine drivers’ standings. The Oakville resident has accumulated 60 wins so far this season on the Rexdale oval, 27 ahead of his nearest rivals, Jody Jamieson and Chris Christoforou, who
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Harness Racing Congress underway
March 02, 2013
The first day of the sixth Harness Racing Congress, held Saturday morning, March 2, at the Westin Beach Resort and Spa, was filled with panel discussions on government relations, medication research and casino cross-marketing.   The opening panel kicked off with an introduct
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Northern Companion wins at Pompano
March 02, 2013
Northern Companion resumed his winning ways at Pompano Park with a sharp winning performance in 1:51.3 on Saturday night. Driver Rob Hoffman sent the five year-old son of Cambest alertly off the gate from the rail and allowed McSocks, handled by Bruce Ranger, to seize the lead a few steps o
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Joe Bongiorno makes history
March 01, 2013
The fifth race at the Meadowlands on Thursday night appeared to be just another race. While some bettors held on tight to their Pick 5 tickets that were still live, young Joe Bongiorno was handed the lines to the trotting mare, Chocoholic. Little did he know history awaited at the finish li
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NJ sports betting suffers setback
March 01, 2013
A law signed last year by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie that would allow sports betting at casinos and racetracks, including the Meadowlands and Freehold, suffered a blow late Thursday when a federal judge upheld a 1992 law that prohibits sports wagering in 46 of 50 states, including New Je
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Affirmed Action, Feeling You win at Yonkers
March 01, 2013
Yonkers Raceway's pair of Friday night, $35,000 co-featured Open Handicaps--for trotters along with femme fatale pacers--were won by a repeating Affirmed Action (Jason Bartlett, $21.20) and Feeling You (Tyler Buter, $4.80). Making the lead from post position No. 7, Affirmed Action worked ar
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