Donato's connections selected as Hambo parade grand marshals

July 23, 2008

Donato Hanover was the star of the trotting world in 2007, and brightest among his achievements was capturing the $1.5 million Hambletonian before a crowd of 26,000 last August at the Meadowlands, and in recognition of his achievements, the team members behind Donato Hanover have been selected as grand marshals of the Sixth Annual Hambletonian Parade, which will take place on Saturday in Rutherford, N.J.

Driver Ron Pierce, trainer Steve Elliott, caretaker Ann Christin Johnsen, breeder Hanover Shoe Farms and the horse�s owners--David Scharf, Paul Bordogna, Steve Arnold and the Donato Hanover Syndicate-will escort the Hambletonian trophy in their carriage as it makes its way down the mile parade route.

Beginning at 10 a.m., horses of all different breeds, marching bands and vintage cars will lead the way to Lincoln Park, where there will be food vendors, live music and free children�s entertainment, including pony rides, clowns and games. Harness racing�s leading drivers and trainers will greet fans and sign autographs. And Hambo Tony, the Hambletonian mascot, will hand out treats to children and pose for photos.

New parade participants this year include the biggest harness horses of them all�the Orion Clydesdales of Willow Grove Farm. The Clydesdales will greet fans after the parade in Lincoln Park. Plus, the Floyd Little Double Dutch Squad will dazzle parade watchers with their dynamic footwork. Returning favorites include the Zembo Mounted Shriners, Passaic High School Marching Band and the Lesbian and Gay Alliance Big Apple Corps, one of the nation�s premier marching bands. Newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Ashley Fairfield of Egg Harbor Twp., will also be among the parade dignitaries.

The parade is the first major event of the Hambletonian Festival at the Meadowlands, a week of stakes races and special events, culminating in Hambletonian Day on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Harness racing�s most prestigious event, the Hambletonian dates back to 1926 and has a long tradition of being part of the fairs and festivals of its host communities. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford has been the home of the Hambletonian since 1981. Visiting racing fans, horsemen and media are encouraged to shop and dine in the gourmet restaurants and bustling downtown shops of Rutherford, which has hosted the Hambletonian Parade since the inaugural event in 2003. Each year, the 2.3 square mile borough, which is home to 18,000 residents, has supported the Hambletonian Festival through programs such as art contests, merchant displays and giveaways.

A few hours after the last unit passes the reviewing stand on July 26, the action moves to the Meadowlands Racetrack for a racing program that begins at 7 p.m. and includes elimination races for the $1.5 million Hambletonian and $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks, the sport�s most prestigious events for 3-year-old trotters. The night�s festivities also include live music, games and rides in Paddock Park. (Meadowlands)

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