The "wait until next week" harness racing culture needs to go
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Sunday,
Day, Month
July00,
11,2021
2021
The “wait until next week”
harness racing culture needs to go
As a bettor and customer, I have a few important
asks of the industry and its participants.
by Dean Towers
Last Call For Sale
Supplements!
On Friday (July 9), the Meadowlands released a note that there
would be drivers meeting on July 16. The gist of it appears to
be the perceived lack of competitive racing at the Jersey oval.
“I’d like to talk about how we might improve the product, espe-
cially considering we are going to show some of the races on
Hip 39 The Greek Freak p,3,1:49.4f ($264,344)
national TV (America’s Day at The Races on Fox Sports 2) on
Pace night,” said Meadowlands president Jeff Gural. “The idea TATTERSALLS JULY 18 SUMMER MIXED SALE
is to do some things differently, evaluate the results during the Supplement closes Sunday, July 11. Enter online now!
break between the Hambletonian and when we reopen on Sept.
3 and decide if in fact these changes helped or hurt.”
Although I believe the Big M is pretty decent when it comes to
contentious races, they certainly have had their share of snooz-
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legs equally so, with one friend “chucking his keyboard” (in 2021
people throw keyboards instead of programs I guess) because But let’s be honest and blunt. The reason some drivers (and
of a passive steer. trainers) don’t put forth an honest effort in a given week is
The lack of competitiveness has been a complaint from Joe because they choose not to. They’re the ones who choose to sit;
Public for some time. In response, the sport often talks about they make the decision to take the week off. They give a hole
speed bikes, frail horses, or too much week to week purse money when they have no interest in mixing it up.
as the reason for some of these sleepy races; the races that at As a bettor and customer, I have a few asks of the industry and
times look more like qualifiers. its participants.
Harness Racing Update | Page 1 | July 11, 2021
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Harness Racing Update
SUMMER
In today's HRU
Leaked document reveals dual-breed racetrack proposal for BC page 03
Remembering the very first Meadowlands Pace page 11
Long Tom and old friends page 13
MIXEDSale
Critical response page 18
• To drivers, if your horse is a contender and is well bet, the
responsibility is on you to put the horse into the race. This is the
expectation of the betting public. They’re betting you tonight,
not for next week.
• To trainers, if your well-bet contender is taking a week off
from racing – to be buried to braven up, to be taken to the back
and brushed at the finish in preparation for next week – don’t
enter. Do this at the farm or in a qualifier where people are not
wagering their hard-earned money.
• To the judges, if a 4-5 shot is taken back to last, a 3-5 shot
doesn’t pull a two hole or sits third in slow fractions (and other
little-effort scenarios, like passively opening a hole for no strate-
gic reason) the connections should be called up. There are rules
written to prevent this from happening. They need to be enforced.
I fully realize the above items are considered heresy by some factions
of the sport, and I know they will elicit condemnation. It shouldn’t.
They’re basic planks of any game or sport; even more so in one that
derives purses from over $2 billion in wagering handle each year.
In a 1998 study, Piron & Smith concluded that it’s racing’s job to
“bring together horses and purse money in a way to encourage
people to bet on those horses,” and to maximize this purse money,
there should be a goal to create competitive races that, “in a per-
fectly handicapped race, all horses would finish in a dead heat.”
That can’t happen the way many races unfold today. And it
needs to be addressed.
FINAL CALL
FOR SALE
SUPPLEMENTS SUNDAY
JULY 18
12 NOON | MEADOWLANDS
It’s your last chance to join this high-quality
racehorse sale! Contact your sales agent,
enter online, or call (914) 773-7777. Closes July 11.
IN-PERSON | PROXIBID | VIEW CATALOG
Harness Racing Update | Page 2 | July 11, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Leaked document reveals
dual-breed racetrack
proposal for British
Columbia
If approved, the new track would replace both
Fraser Downs and Hastings Park in the “Horse
Capital of BC.”
by Melissa Keith
Langley Township, British Columbia wants to become home to
one of Canada’s newest racetracks, leaving the futures of two
historic racing venues up in the air. That’s if a proposal for a
facility in the eastern area of Metro Vancouver meets approval.
A document anonymously shared with the Langley Advance Times
news outlet revealed that Langley Township reached out to the
BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee (BCHRIMC)
in a letter dated June 21, 2021. Mayor Jack Froese has since Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC), other BC gaming
confirmed to local reporter Matthew Claxton that discussions operators, and “operators of both Hastings Racecourse Casino
are at an early stage. and Fraser Downs at Elements Casino Surrey.”
The leaked letter references a “special closed meeting” of the Hastings Racecourse opened in 1889 at what is now known
Township of Langley Council that took place on July 27, 2020. as the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) grounds in Vancouver.
In that session, a resolution was passed that would see Council The PNE is a non-profit organization that holds a summer fair, a
direct municipal staff to advise the provincial government tradition that began in 1910. Horse racing pre-dates the fair: The
and BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) that Langley Township was provincial government granted 160 acres of land to Vancouver
“willing to become a Host Local Government (HLG) of a casino, City Council in 1888, for public use and recreation; a group
community gaming centre or teletheatre, in partnership with approached Council about allocating a portion of the land for
Kwantlen First Nation (KFN).” racing. Sixteen acres were leased to the newly-created BC Jockey
Club in 1890. In the 1950s-60s, Hastings was upgraded with a
In BC, host local governments receive 10 per cent of net gaming larger racing surface, new grandstand, and lights for nighttime
revenue from approved gaming venues located within their racing. It is one of GCGC’s nine BC gaming properties.
boundaries. The funds may be used as the host local government
wishes, and must be reported annually to the provincial gaming Fraser Downs (aka Elements Surrey Casino) occupies 48 acres of
policy and enforcement branch. the Cloverdale Exhibition grounds. Canadian Horse Racing Hall
of Fame “Builder” category inductee Jim Keeling Sr. partnered
The letter states that council would “like to explore the relo- with the Fraser Valley Fair Board to open Cloverdale Raceway on
cation of the two major racetracks, both thoroughbred and New Year’s Day 1976. He owned and operated the Surrey harness
standardbred, to a new, one-mile, all-weather racetrack and track. Grandson Chuck Keeling later became Fraser Downs’ vice
training centre to be established on agricultural land” in the president of racing operations and general manager. He stepped
“Horse Capital of BC.” The proposal includes an on-site racebook. down in 2010, and is now executive vice president, stakeholder
When permitted, an unspecified “ancillary gaming facility” would relations and responsible gaming for GCGC.
be added. There is currently no casino in Langley Township.
Fraser Downs stopped racing ahead of schedule on April 17,
A “Sunny Riding Stables” sign stands in front of the vacant land 2021, when Harness Racing BC (HRBC) ran out of funds. Lengthy
earmarked for the project. casino closures due to COVID-19 precautions had hit racing
Council staff were directed to inform the BCHRIMC that the hard. Twenty-five per cent of net slot machine profits at Fraser
municipality wished to start consultations with racing industry and Hastings are allocated to supporting live racing in BC.
representatives, including “various stakeholder groups,” plus Nearly a decade ago to this month, rumours circulated that
Harness Racing Update | Page 3 | July 11, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Hastings would be moving thoroughbred racing to Fraser
Downs, which in turn would be renovated to host both breeds.
A July 25, 2012 Chilliwack Progress article by reporter Jeff Nagle
pointed out that if Hastings Park renewed its lease to remain
at the PNE, a deal to consolidate BC thoroughbred and stand-
ardbred racing at Fraser Downs would be dropped.
In January 2020, Hastings Racecourse and the City of Vancouver
FRANKLY MY DEAR
signed a new five-year lease extension with a five-year option
in place. This year, both tracks continue to operate separately
under GCGC ownership. Hastings’ meet is underway now, with 3, 1:55.1f-’21 ($137,458)
racing tentatively slated to continue through October 25.
Southwind Frank - Temple Of Athena
In a release on its website Saturday (July 10), Harness Racing BC
(HRBC) noted that the reopened casinos at provincial racetracks $38,345 Arden Downs division winner for
were performing “better than expected,” which is good news for 3yotf’s in a life best, July 9 at The Meadows.
racing. Fraser Downs is now tentatively scheduled to start its Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC,
new season “sometime during the week of September 20, 2021,”
Knox Services Inc., Jandt Silva Purnel & Libby,
with one weekly live card for the first four weeks of the meet,
followed by two cards per week if horse population is sufficient. Weaver Bruscemi LLC
The HRBC site mentions Hastings and Fraser racebook recon- Trained by Ron Burke
figurations being discussed with GCGC, but there is no mention
Driven by Ron Wrenn Jr.
(yet) of the breaking news out of Langley Township. A possible
merger of all BC racing at one new track is far from assured, Bred by Ray Schnittker
although Langley Township Mayor Froese stated in the leaked
letter that he “looks forward to discussing this proposal further.”
Harness Racing Update | Page 4 | July 11, 2021
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Harness Racing Update
Longshots Hellabalou,
Southwind Gendry score
in Meadowlands Pace
eliminations
Hellabalou posted an 81-1 upset and
Southwind Gendry recorded a 10-1 score.
by Frank and Ray Cotolo, for The Meadowlands
Charlie May settled into the garden spot with 2-5 favorite One
The lights of the tote board shone brightly across the “sloppy”
Eight Hundred in third. One Eight Hundred then sprung off the
track after each of the $50,000 Meadowlands Pace eliminations
pylons to take the lead from Hellabalou to a :26.4 first quarter
on Saturday (July 10) at The Meadowlands when a pair of long-
and rolled to the half in :56.1 under minimal pressure. Heart
odd competitors crossed the beam first.
Of Chewbacca meanwhile pulled first over from fifth and made
A breathtaking 81-1 upset by Hellabalou, with Andrew McCarthy slight gains through the final turn.
at the lines, was the highlight of the first $50,000 elimination
One Eight Hundred took the field to three-quarters in 1:23.2 but
for the Meadowlands Pace.
came under attack as Charlie May launched out of the pocket
The Sweet Lou—Majestic Blue Chip colt, trained by Eddie Dennis, and then downed the tiring pacesetter into the stretch. However
got everyone’s attention right off the gate as he swept to the Hellabalou was full of pace, and in deep stretch angled three
lead from post 7 moving to the first turn. wide to take the lead and win by a half length in 1:49.2.
“I had a look across [as the field got started off the gate] and “I was just trying to get him into the final,” McCarthy said, “but
nobody really looked that dedicated to leaving hard,” McCarthy he raced great. He had a lot of punch in the stretch. I’ve driven
said after the race, “so I bounced him out of there and got him this horse a lot. He’s very talented. He’s been racing good without
to the front.” showing it on paper.”
Michael Lisa
Hellabalou (Andrew McCarthy) blew up the toteboard at 81-1 while winning the first of two Meadowlands Pace
eliminations in 1:49.2 on Saturday at The Big M.
Harness Racing Update | Page 5 | July 11, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Charlie May finished second. Chase H Hanover swerved through I took a shot out of there. But he was more willing today. He
traffic to snag third from One Eight Hundred while Rockyroad hasn’t been wanting to leave all year really and today I planted
Hanover rallied to take fifth and complete the first elimination’s him on the gate and he left out of there on his own.
finalists.
“He’s definitely better following horses actually,” Gingras also
Hellabalou, the longest shot in the seven-horse field, paid said. “On the front, he’s a little bit lazy. Of course those fractions
$165.60 to win. Eric K. Good owns Hellabalou, who raised his
helped tonight, but you could see even late he’s just waiting on
lifetime earnings to $93,886 in his fourth win from 15 starts.
them to get close to him.”
Bred by Andray Farm and Sergent Stables LLC of Pennsylvania,
Hellabalou sold for $42,000 at the 2019 Standardbred Horse A winner in 13 races from 18 starts, Southwind Gendry has
Sales Company yearling auction in Harrisburg, PA. banked $734,841 for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC, Phillip
Collura, Knox Services Inc. and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby. He
The second “Pace” elimination went the way of another, but
paid $22.00 to win.
slightly less, high-priced contender when the Ron Burke pupil
Southwind Gendry grabbed the front and cruised to capture a Bred by Southwind Farms, Southwind Gendry was sold for
1:49.1 win at odds of 10-1. $30,000 at the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
Also leaving from post 7, Southwind Gendry slid to the top and The draw for the $700,000 Meadowlands Pace final set for
pocketed Lawless Shadow moving to a :27.1 first quarter while Saturday, July 17 is as follows (Morning-line odds will be
even-money favorite Perfect Sting landed in third. Southwind available Sunday):
Gendry continued up the backstretch leading a headstrong Lawless
Shadow through a :56.1 half and then cruised under minimal pres- PP. Horse (Driver, Trainer)
sure to three-quarters in 1:23.3 before the sprint for home. 1. Perfect Sting (David Miller, Joe Holloway)
Southwind Gendry’s lead began to diminish come the final six- 2. Hellabalou (Andrew McCarthy, Eddie Dennis)
teenth, but the gelded son of Always B Miki—Gambler’s Passion 3. Chase H Hanover (Brian Sears, Scott Cox)
held on by a neck to keep a resurgent Lawless Shadow at bay. 4. Southwind Gendry (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke)
Perfect Sting — angling from the pylons off the final turn — 5. Lawless Shadow (Mark MacDonald, Ian Moore)
rallied down the center of the track for third while American 6. Rockyroad Hanover (Dexter Dunn, Tony Alagna)
Courage and Abuckabett Hanover checked in fourth and fifth, 7. One Eight Hundred (Tim Tetrick, Nancy Takter)
respectively, to round the finalists.
8. Abuckabett Hanover (Andrew McCarthy, Tony Alagna)
“I was planning on taking him back and just maybe one-move 9. Charlie May (Brett Miller, Steve Carter)
him, just to get in the final for next week,” winning driver Yannick 10. American Courage (Matt Kakaley, Travis Alexander)
Gingras said after the race. “But then nobody was leaving, so
Michael Lisa
The second Pace elimination was won by Southwind Gendry (Yannick Gingras) in 1:49.1.
Harness Racing Update | Page 6 | July 11, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Ready For Moni captures
Graduate Series for
trotters
by Ken Weingartner / USTA media relations manager
“My colt was really great today. He had the ball in his court and
Ready For Moni rallied in the stretch to win Saturday’s (July 10) he took advantage of it.”
$250,000 Graduate Series final for 4-year-old trotters in 1:50.3
Ready For Moni has won two of four races this season and 11 of
over a sloppy track at the Meadowlands. Hypnotic AM, the lone
23 lifetime. The win in the Graduate pushed his career earnings
mare in the 10-horse field, finished second and It’s Academic
over $1 million.
was third.
By Ready Cash out of Nothing But Moni, Ready For Moni is owned
Amigo Volo, starting from post 10, battled with Play Trix On
by Lindy Farms of Connecticut, John Fielding, Herb Liverman, and
Me and It’s Academic to gain the lead in an opening quarter of
:26.4. It’s Academic moved to the front on the backstretch and Bud Hatfield. The stallion was bred by Moni Maker Stable and
led to the half in :55.1 before facing first-over pressure from sold for $220,000 at the 2018 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
Hypnotic AM on the last turn. “He’s raced super every start this year,” Takter said. “He’s been
Ready For Moni, who was sixth during the first half of the race, closing really well. It’s tough sometimes for 4-year-olds to
followed Hypnotic AM around the turn and into the stretch make the adjustments for their 4-year-old year, especially when
before moving to the outside to charge to victory for driver they’ve had long 3-year-old seasons. He seems to be handling it
Tim Tetrick and trainer Nancy Takter. The margin of victory was pretty well and I look forward to racing him the rest of the year.
1-1/2 lengths. “He has the Hambletonian Maturity next weekend, so we’re
“Timmy gave him a great trip,” Takter said. “He found some really looking forward to that. And then he’s in all the big stakes
cover, which (Ready For Moni) hasn’t had the last couple weeks. following the Hambletonian Maturity.”
Hypnotic AM towed him right into the finish and he finished really Sent off at odds of 6-1, Ready For Moni paid $15.40 to win.
strong. That’s a great mile on this track. I’m pretty proud of him.
Michael Lisa
Ready For Moni (Tim Tetrick) won the $250,000 Graduate final for 4-year-old open trotters on Saturday at The
Meadowlands in 1:50.3 over a sloppy track.
Harness Racing Update | Page 7 | July 11, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Cattlewash scores in 1:47.1
in Graduate Series Pace
final
by Ken Weingartner / USTA media relations manager
“I was going to take a shot, and hopefully it worked out, whether
Cattlewash won Saturday’s $250,000 Graduate Series final for I had cover or not,” winning driver David Miller said about the
4-year-old pacers in 1:47.1, equaling this season’s fastest mile, start of the race. “There was a great big three hole, so I took it,
over a sloppy track at the Meadowlands. Poseidon Seelster fin- and it worked out.
ished second and Tattoo Artist, the leader for much of the mile, “Last year, I thought he raced best on the lead, but this year
was third. so far they’ve been going so much that I’ve had to sit him in a
Tattoo Artist, starting from post seven, went straight to the front, hole. I thought he raced tremendous tonight.”
with Poseidon Seelster settling in second from post six and Miller guided Cattlewash, a son of Somebeachsomewhere out
Cattlewash dropping in third from post eight. Tattoo Artist led of Road Bet, to the win for trainer Ron Burke and breeder/
to the quarter in :25.3, half in :53.3, and three-quarters in 1:20.1. owner Bill Donovan. It was Cattlewash’s first win this season
Captain Barbossa made a first-over move on the backstretch in four starts. The stallion has won 11 of 34 in his career, with
but got no closer than third. Favorite Ruthless Hanover went earnings of $973,527.
off stride prior to the half-mile point. “He’s just an all-around great horse,” Miller said. “He can race
Poseidon Seelster and Cattlewash both came after Tattoo Artist any way you want him to. He’s just a good solid horse.”
in the stretch, and Cattlewash won the battle by a head thanks Cattlewash, sent off at 7-1, paid $16.20 to win.
to a :26.2 last quarter.
Michael Lisa
Despite a sloppy track, Cattlewash (David Miller) equalled the year’s fastest mile with a 1:47.1 victory in the $250,000
Graduate final for open pacers on Saturday at The Meadowlands.
Harness Racing Update | Page 8 | July 11, 202196th Anniversary
Hambletonian
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Available by the can IN PERSON ONLY
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through Hambletonian Day
AUGUST 7 hambletonian.com
Must be 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.Harness Racing Update
National season’s records
set in Ohio Sires Stakes
Six of the nine divisions were won by progeny
of Downbytheseaside.
Cape Cod Hanover took the second OHSS filly division, dupli-
by Kimberly Rinker / OSDF Administrator cating the national season’s mark of 1:53.3 set a few races
earlier by Secret Side Piece. Driven by Chris Page at 2-1 odds
Nine $40,000 divisions of Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) for 2-year- for trainer Ron Burke, the daughter of Downbytheseason cruised
old pacing colts and fillies were contested Saturday night (July to a front-stepping victory for Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi,
10) at Northfield Park, with multiple national season’s records Rich Lombardo and Ras Racing. The victory was the second in
broken and set. as many tries in her career and upped her earnings to $23,400.
Secret Side Piece began the night with a bang, winning the first Cape Cod Hanover bested 5-1 Mermaid By the Sea (Ronnie
OHSS division for fillies in 1:53.3, a national season’s record Wrenn, Jr.), with 5-1 Fear The Smoothie (Aaron Merriman) third.
for driver Mike Wilder. The daughter of Downbytheseaside is Cape Cod Hanover is the 11th foal out of the Artsplace mare
conditioned by Todd Luther for Black Magic Racing and upped Clouding Over p, 3, 1:57f ($20,417), and has half-siblings in:
her earnings to $57,500 with the victory, the second of her brief Artsy Princess (by Western Hanover) p, 4, 1:52f ($294,973); Clear
career. Secret Side Piece, at 1-9 odds, bested 10-1 second-place View Hanover (by Western Ideal) p, 5, 1:50.2 ($251,647); Climate
finisher Fear Our Fayth (Tyler Smith) with 25-1 longshot Hanover (by Western Ideal) p, 6, 1:51.3f ($240,011); Clouseau
Sleepwithoneyeopen (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) notching third place Hanover (by Western Ideal) p, 4, 1:49.2f ($197,291); Cluster
honors. Bred by Spring Haven Farm, Secret Side Piece is the Hanover (by Badlands Hanover) p, 3, 1:52.4s ($177,288); etc.
third foal out of the unraced Rock N Roll Heaven mare Brazilian Cold Hearted Gypsy flew to a new national season’s record of
and is a half sister to Brazen Brazilian (by Thinking Out Loud) 3, 1:53.1 in the third OHSS division for freshman pacing fillies
1:55.1h ($58,797) and to Loud Brazilian (by Thinking Out Loud) with Chris Lems driving for owner/trainer Herman Hagerman
p, 3, 1:57.1h ($11,995).
JJ Zamaiko
Cold Hearted Gypsy (Chris Lems) flew to a new national season’s record of 1:53.1 in the third OHSS division for freshman
pacing fillies on Saturday at Northfield Park.
Harness Racing Update | Page 9 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
of Millersburg, OH. This homebred Racing Hill filly was making
her pari-mutuel debut and left the gate at 8-5 odds. Finishing
second was longshot Suge (Josh Sutton) with 6-5 Targaryen
Empress (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) third. Cold Hearted Gypsy is the
second foal out of the Badlands Hanover mare Blueridge Adalia
p, 3, 1:53Z ($113,378), and is a half-sister to the McArdle gelding
Adalias McMoney p, 2, 2:00.1h ($27,299).
Dragon’s Revenge stormed as the 3-5 favorite to a 1:54.1 clock-
ing in the fourth OHSS contest for pacing fillies. Driven by Danny
Noble for trainer Christi Noble, the brown daughter by Fear The
Dragon picked up her first lifetime victory for Tim Homan, Jim
Burnett and Norman Rae Racing. Dragon Lady (Chris Page) was
second at 7-1 with Ginger Again finishing third with Ryan Stahl
at the lines. Dragons Revenge is the first foal out of the Jereme’s JJ Zamaiko
Jet mare My Hare Lady p, 7, 1:53.1f ($169,687). Sling Shock (Dan Noble) won the first OHSS division for
Sea Silk, the 1-9 favorite, literally romped to a 1:53.3 clocking pacing colts in a blistering 1:52 — just three-fifths off the
for driver Chris Page and trainer Ronnie Burke in the fifth and track record — and a national season’s mark.
final OHSS contest for 2-year-old pacing fillies. The daugh-
ter of Downbytheseaside notched her second straight victory, (Aaron Byron). Gulf Shores is the third foal out of the Dragon
having captured the $150,000 Next Generation Pace on July Again mare Western Drag p, 3, 1:53.3f ($107,831) and is a half
3 at Scioto Downs. Owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, brother to Captain Western (by Captaintreacherous) p, 2, 1:57.1f
Knox Services and the Hatfield Stables, Sea Silk defeated 21-1 ($9,532).
runner-up Allnight Micki (Mike Wilder) with 25-1 Sloopy (Ronnie
Wrenn, Jr.) finishing third. Sea Silk is the third foal out of the Mr Nuttin Nice lit up the tote board as the 23-1 winner in the
Bettor’s Delight mare Silk Purse p, 3, 1:53.2s ($112,336), making third OHSS division for colts, stopping the clock in 1:55.1. Driven
her a half-sister to Odds On Greenville (by Yankee Cruiser) p, 2, by Ronnie Gilespie for trainer Roshun Trigg and owner Charles
1:54.1s ($51,623) and Lima Spartan (by Art Major) p, 3, 1:53.4 E. Hurst of Houston, Texas, the bay son of Racing Hill used the
($47,151). passing lane to get by the leaders in the final stride and score
Sling Shock left no doubt he was much the best, capturing his third consecutive victory. Chris Page steered The Fear Is Real
the first OHSS division for pacing colts in a blistering 1:52 — to a second place finish, with 5-1 The Mad King (Ronnie Wrenn,
just three-fifths off the track record — and a national season’s Jr.) getting third-place honors. Bred by Chester Miller of Ohio,
mark. Driven by Dan Noble for trainer Christi Noble, the son Mr Nuttin Nice is the sixth foal out of the Western Ideal mare
of Downbytheseaside notched his second career victory in as Baia Hanover p, 2, 1:55.4f ($30, 851) and has half-siblings in:
many tries and now has $95,000 in career earnings for owner Baia’s Delight (by Bettor’s Delight) p, 4, 1:54f ($69,371); Cloud
Michael Cimaglio, William Richardson, William Salmeri, and Diva (by Somebeachsomewhere) p, 3, 1:52.2s ($65,624); I’ve Got
Rhonda Gilmartin. The bay colt, who left the gate as the 1-9 Hootspa (by Sportswriter) p, 5, 1:52.4s ($34,545); etc.
choice, bested 30-1 longshot Rose Run Xplosion (Mike Wilder) by Buckeye Seaside took advantage of a leading breaker to take
more than seven lengths, with another longshot, 30-1 Seaside the final OHSS division in 1:53.4. Driven by Kayne Kauffman
Way (Chris Page) third. Sling Shock is the second and only foal for trainer Mike Polhamus and owners Aws Stables, Constance
to race out of the Art Major mare Shocking Beauty, p, 3, Q1:58s Polhamus and Mary Beth Walters. It was the first lifetime win
($18,926). He was bred by Billy Walters, Joe McLead and Rtk for the son of Downbytheseaside, who was bred b Larry R. Miller.
Racing. Risenshine Seaside (Ryan Stahl) was second at 3-1 with Vintage
Gulf Shores notched his first career victory in the second OHSS Cowboy (Dan Noble) third at 3-1 odds. Buckeye Seaside is the
event for 2-year-old pacing colts, stopping the clock in 1:52.4 for sixth foal out of the McArdle mare McGrin N McBare It p, 3,
owners Country Club Acres, Diamond Creek Racing and Wingfield Q1:58f ($4,165) and is a half-brother to Rocktavius (by Rocknroll
Brothers. The son of Downbytheseaside was reined by Ronnie Hanover) p, 7, 1:50.1f ($271,601); Flash A Smile (by Bettor’s
Wrenn, Jr., as the 3-5 choice for trainer Brian Brown, besting Delight) p, 5, 1:53.1f ($75,711); and Sharp Razor (by Well Said)
30-1 longshot Velocity Chaps (Josh Sutton) and 2-1 Pearl Snaps p, 3, 1:54.4f ($49,605); etc.
Harness Racing Update | Page 10 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
Remembering the very
first Meadowlands Pace
by Bob Heyden
Let’s take a look back at the very first Meadowlands Pace in
1977 with a dozen notes of interest:
1. The inaugural pace was held on a Tuesday night (July 12,
1977).
2. Going into Pace Night, the Meadowlands track record for
sophomore pacing colts was 1:55.1 set by Oil Burner on Sept.
6, 1976. The overall track mark was 1:54.3 by Shadyside Trixie.
Both were lowered in the Pace elims by B Gs Bunny to 1:54. Escort (shown with trainer/driver Carl LeCause) won the
3. It was a 10-race card with an 8 p.m. post, seven of 10 winners inaugural Meadowlands Pace in 1977.
paid between 4-1 and 5-1, 11 drivers in the two elims went
on to the Hall Of Fame. The two longest-priced horses were
Keystone Banshee with Peter Haughton at 77-1 (eighth) and that tried. He paced in 1:56.4 for Lester Pullen. Campbell had
Stan Banks drove Thorpe Messenger to a fifth and qualifying driven that colt to victory for a $48,000 purse just 31 days or
spot at 87-1 and then was sixth in the final at 81-1 — both three starts prior. He raced for Frank Nakagawa of London, ON.
times the longest price. 7. The two Pace favorites BOTH came from the Kopas barn and
4. Pace Night, the winning drivers were Ed Lohmeyer with both started from the second tier — Nat Lobell-4th at 2.50-1
Lincolns Streak $11.00; Fortune Jim with Jim Doherty $8.20; and Jade Prince second at 3.60-1.
Troubador Chip with Buddy Gilmour $11.00; Crash won the first 8. Big Towner was able to make the final but brought up the
Pace elim for Billy Haughton at a healthy $32.80; B Gs Bunny rear. He was the most successful commercial sire at well over
paid $12.60 in his world record 1:54 flat (with former all-age $100 million later. Governor Skipper won the division title that
track record holder Jade Prince 1:54.1 second); Hurricane Star for year for 3yocp, but was next to last in his elimination.
22-year-old Charlie Connor, Jr. returned $12.00; Mannart Kerry
9. For Billy Haughton, who upset with Crash, the fractions looked
for Buddy again $11.60; Law Breaker for Ted Wing at $6.80 as
quite similar to those the very next year when he won the Pace
the evening’s only favorite who won; Escort took the final of
final with Falcon Almahurst. Crash — :28, :56.1, 1:25.3, 1:55.1 /
the Meadowlands Pace with a payout of $10.20 (2nd in elim);
Falcon Almahurst — :28.1 :56 1:25 1:55.1.
and White Richelieu took the final race of the night at $10.60
for Mike Gagliardi. 10. Exactas in the elims: $176.20 for Crash and Escort and
$54.40 for B Gs Bunny and Jade Prince. There was no exotic
5. Bill Drummond found that fancy credentials only went so far
wagering in the final.
in the very first edition. His 18-for-21 overall best record going
in didn’t amount to a lot when he finished seventh and didn’t 11. Six of the nine drivers in the final (B Gs Bunny scratched and
advance to the $425,000 final. never raced again) never competed in another Meadowlands
Pace final.
6. The name John Campbell appeared in the program in 1977 —
even though it was five months prior to his arrival to the Big M. 12. The best for last. In the first five editions of the Meadowlands
He had driven a colt named River Captain at Detroit Race Course Pace, the winning driver never ever won a single Meadowlands
who did not qualify to the 12-horse Pace final among the 24 Pace elimination:
Harness Racing Update | Page 11 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
40th anniversary of Campbell’s first mil-
lion-dollar drive
Next Saturday, July 17 marks the 40th anniversary of John
Campbell’s first million-dollar drive. In 1981, he was fourth
with Slapstick in the Meadowlands Pace won by Conquered.
Campbell was sent off at 5-1 driving for Lee Broglio.
Delayed reaction?
Genghis Khan was fifth in the 1979 Meadowlands Pace won by
Sonsam in 1:53.2.
It would be three years to his record-breaking earnings season
of 1982 when he banked over $550,000 and was clearly the
top older pacer in the sport.
Remembering Andrea Chadwick
Women have won the last two editions of the Meadowlands Pace
— Nancy Takter with Tall Dark Stranger and Linda Toscano with
Best In Show. But it was Andrea Chadwick in 1992 who got the
ball rolling in the Meadowlands Pace with Lord Willing. Though
the chestnut finished eighth, it was the very first time a female
trainer tried it versus the boys. The son of Energy Burner was
3rd in his elimination at 72-1, then was sent off 22-1 in the $1
million final. Allen Cullen drove. (Carlsbad Cam won that year).
Oh Canada!
From 1980-1990 every winning driver in the Meadowlands
Pace was born in Canada: Clint Galbraith, Dr. John Hayes, Jr.,
John Campbell twice, Ron Waples, Buddy Gilmour twice, Bill
O’Donnell, Trevor Ritchie, Mike Lachance and Ray Remmen.
Harness Racing Update | Page 12 | July 11, 2021Congratulates all of Sunday’s Hall of Fame Honorees
Harness Racing Hall of Fame® Communicators Hall of Fame
TOM CHARTERS PHIL PIKELNY
JEFF GURAL KEN WEINGARTNER
BILL POPFINGER
TIM TETRICK Living Horse Hall of Fame
ALWAYS B MIKI
BEE A MAGICIAN
Hall of Fame Immortals SWEET LOU
ROY D. DAVIS CHAPTER SEVEN
KEN MARSHALL FATHER PATRICK
ARLENE SIEGEL PEACEFUL WAY
GEOFF STEIN DANAE (Broodmare)
BOB TUCKER PRECIOUS BEAUTY (Broodmare)
SHARTIN N • Breeders Crown Winner & 2019 Horse of the Year
TALL DARK STRANGER • Breeders Crown Winner & 2020 Horse of the Year
Many Thanks to
Goshen Historic Track
and the
Harness Racing Museum
for a great weekend!
$1.2 million Hambletonian & $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks
Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Meadowlands
All 12 Breeders Crown Events • $6 Million in Purses
October 29 & 30, 2021 at the Meadowlands
Hambletonian.comHarness Racing Update
note about Ilia, I was delighted to learn that she’s owned by
another of my oldest and dearest friends, Pete Spears. Congrats,
Pete. It couldn’t happen to a better, or nicer, guy.
Old friends
With the racing season now in full bloom, I find myself remem-
bering some of the great friendships I’ve enjoyed over the years
with a number of trainers who have had horses for me. Some
are gone now, others, such as Bob Stewart, Bob McIntosh, Brett
Pelling, and Randy Jerrell, are still practicing their trade at a
high level and doing fine.
Long Tom and old friends Of those in the past, I learned the most important life lessons
from Curly Smart and ‘The Boss’ Howard Beissinger. Curly, who
looked in a way like one of the Seven Little Dwarves, the happy
by Alan Leavitt one, was a great trainer and driver, with wonderful stories from
a time now long gone by.
One of my oldest and smartest friends, Steve Katz, suggested I
take a look at Long Tom’s pedigree, so I did. In his driving days, before the breathalyzer was invented, Curly
was in great demand during the Red Mile fall meeting as a
Long Tom, for the record, is a 7-year-old stallion who earned
time trial driver.
$410,512 at 2 and 3 and won some stakes both years. His first
crop is now racing at 2. He’s by Muscle Hill, and out of Ilia, by “It was a little nippy this one morning, so Monty Moncreif and
Windsong’s Legacy, and therein lies the plot of this caper, as we I had a couple of sips before we got started time trialing. So
say in the detective trade. we got over to the half with the first one, and I yelled over to
For starters, Long Tom is 4 x 5 x 5 to Yankee Duchess, who was Monty, who had the prompter, ‘How fast did we get over here?’”
Charlie Keller’s foundation trotting mare. But of much more Curly stopped for a moment to smile at the memory, and then
significance, Windsong’s Legacy, the sire of Ilia, Long Tom’s dam, he said to me, “Monty yelled back, ‘I thought you had the watch.’
is a half-sister to Ilia’s second dam, making Ilia 3 x 3 to Yankee
“But,” he finished the story, “We still put two minutes on six of
Scottie.
them that morning.”
I know this is starting to sound like something from the great
I also learned from Curly that there were a tremendous number
song of my youth “I’m My Own Grandpa,” but it gives us an
of people named, “Bub.”
important clue into knowing why Ilia is such a great producer.
Which she is. From four foals of racing age older than 2, she That one I haven’t put into much practice, but the most impor-
has three that have earned, respectively, $625,074, $506,887 tant one he taught me I use almost every day. As Curly said,
and $410,513. from the depth of his wisdom, “You have to know when the
race is over, Bub.”
They are all three by different sires, and I question whether there
is another trotting dam today who can equal her production. Howard, the Boss to me, was an equally great trainer and driver,
It is no surprise that her yearling brought $400,000 last fall at although he probably didn’t drink as much in a year as Curly and
Harrisburg. Ilia is clearly a mare with a genetic deck that prob- I could put away in one night at his kitchen table.
ably starts with a Jack, and goes up from there. Which means The Boss had a metal working shop in his basement, and he
she is going to always throw a very high card for her half of told me, “I always sharpen my tools before I put them away.”
the genetic makeup no matter whom she’s bred to. Obviously
her mates only have to throw a medium range card, possibly So simple, and yet so smart. It’s a principle I’ve tried to apply
an eight, for the average to come out high enough to result in all my life. But the most important thing The Boss taught me
a stakes winning trotter. was that “people never change.”
In an earlier piece, it was mentioned that there is a breeding That has stood me in such a good stead ever since he said it to
concept of giving back to a sire the best blood of his dam. That me, and it has a universal application. So, if you didn’t know it
was a concept of my Italian friend, the great breeder Federico before, you know it now and if you’re smart, you’ll never forget it.
Tesio, and Ilia is a prime example of that. Curly and The Boss are both gone now, and as Frances
Muscle Hill, the leading trotting sire of the present day, has a McDormand said in Nomadland, “I’ll see you both down the
pedigree that is drenched in the blood of the family Charlie road.”
Keller created. Both lines in Ilia’s pedigree are likewise Charlie That’s if I’m lucky, Bub.
Keller’s creations, although this kid does take a little credit for
the tail-male line of Windsong’s Legacy. Tail-male, as you may
not remember, is the top sire line in a horse’s pedigree.
All of this supports this kid’s belief that is you want breeding
pyrotechnics, inbreeding is the way you get it. And as a final
Harness Racing Update | Page 13 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
Giza Dreams (Scott Zeron) was a start-to-finish winner in her
very first endeavor, setting comfortable fractions then tacking on
a :28.3 end to a mile in 2:01.1. Grandeur (Pat Lachance) rallied
but fell just short late to be second. Giza Dreams, by the red hot
Walner, is trained by Hall Of Famer Linda Toscano for Wiseman
Farms and Carter Duer is the breeder.
Quick Snap (Dexter Dunn) was a winner at first asking, getting
up between horses through a :27.4 end to a 1:55 mile. Layton
Hanover (A. McCarthy) rallied just wide of the winner but couldn’t
get him while Top Genius (Zeron) held third after cutting the
mile. Let It Ride Stable (also the breeder), Bottom Line Racing
and MT Pockets Stables own the winner, a Betting Line colt, in
partnership with trainer Tony Alagna.
The sharp-looking Nuncio trotting colt Letsdoit S (Sears) took
Breakfast With The Babies over mid-stretch from Abruzzo (Marcus Miller) then dug in
impressively to hold off the late rush of Fast As The Wind (Dunn)
provides tune-ups heading for a 1:56.4 / :28.1 win. A Stall TZ homebred, Letsdoit S is trained
by Marcus Miller.
into major stakes Niki Hill (Dunn) impressed in her career debut, converting a nice
pocket ride into a 1:54.4 / :27.2 win over pace setter Captain’s
by Nick Salvi / Meadowlands media relations Princess (A. McCarthy) with Treacherous Dragon (Tim Tetrick)
third. The winner, an Always B Miki filly, was a $155,000 Lexington
The Meadowlands played host to Breakfast With The Babies, purchase by Tom Hill from breeder Stephen Dey lll. Chris Ryder,
sponsored by Jules Siegel’s Fashion Farm, Saturday morning (July who trained the great Party Girl Hill for the same connections
10) under cloudy skies with no wind and the temperature at 75 last season, conditions the winner.
degrees.
The Ready Cash filly Jeannica S (Mattias Melander), another
While the baby races are winding down, the horses using the winner at first asking in 1:59.2 / :29.1. Melander tracked along
qualifiers to get a fast mile in yielded some useful insight into behind eventual place finisher Intellect Hill (Dunn) through even
the next month’s major Grand Circuit stakes. fractions before tipping off that one at the three-quarter pole
The great Ramona Hill got a good workout in with a 1:53.1 win and going by. Just Be Awesome (Dave Miller) flashed good late
for Andy McCarthy. She followed stablemate Hello I Love You trot while in hand to get up for second. Courant Inc owns the
through the 1:24.4 three quarters then sailed by under her own winner, bred in France by Julinus Stable and Marcus Melander
power, looking forward to next Saturday’s Hambletonian Maturity is the trainer.
for trainer Tony Alagna and owners Bred Grant, Crawford Farms, Arsonist (Dunn) led all the way for a 1:54.2 / :28.1 win over
Robert LeBlanc and John Fodera and Steve Wienick as In The Captain Cook (Yannick Gingras) and the late charging under a grip
Gym Partners. Bounty Hunter (Sears). Arsonist is a Captaintreacherous homebred
Pacing fillies Staycation Hanover (Todd McCarthy) and Firestart colt from Candlelight Dinner owned by Let It Ride, Mac Nichol,
Hanover (Dexter Dunn) went to the wire together in a :27.2 end to Howard Taylor and Robert Cooper, trained in the Chris Ryder barn.
the 1:52.4 mile with the former edging the opponent right on the Ducasse (Jimmy Takter) got up in the last step to nail Highgate,
blink. The Mistletoe Shalee is next week for the sophomore girls. who had set all the fractions for trainer/driver Greg Peck, in
Ake Svanstedt brought the flashy Hambletonian prospect Captain 2:01.3 / :29.1 while Mr Michelon (M. Miller) followed along for
Corey to The Meadowlands this morning and gave him a 1:53 / third. Ducasse is a Father Patrick colt, bred by Fair Island Farm
:26.4 airing out. Alone on top virtually all the way, the Goo Goo who retained a piece with partners Brixton Medical, Christina
Gaagaa colt is certainly a head turner and appears to be about Takter and Hatfield Stables after he went through the Lexington
where you’d want him going into the first Saturday in August. sale for $100,000.
Finally, two Jenn Bongiorno trainees, the vaunted Nicholas Beach The Captiantreacherous filly Don’t Fence Me In had them on their
(Brian Sears) and his new stablemate Major Betts (A. McCarthy) feet at stately Bell Manor in Boynton Beach when Dexter fanned
went to the wire in tandem in a 27-second end to a 1:49.4 mile her off the cover of Yes Indeed (Tetrick) then stormed by on her
with Nicholas declared the winner by the slimmest of margins. own for the 1:54.4 win, her individual final fraction in the sub
That pair appears to be ready for anything. :27 zone. Captiva (T. McCarthy) stayed on for third after cutting
The first of the 10 2-year-old races was a filly pace where the mile. Don’t Fence Me In was bred by Myron and Stephanie
Dexter Dunn had Isntitalovelyday on a long lead throughout Bell’s Riverview Breeding and now owned in partnership with
and was moving like a winner until right there at the end when Steve Head, Jerry Glantz and trainer Tony Alagna.
Sweet Rock Deo and Jack Pelling rallied from well back to snap Butterfly Face S was in the right place at the right time for
Isntitalovelyday right on the wire in 1:54.4. Superbly (T. McCarthy) trainer/driver/owner Lucas Wallin, taking advantage of Pink Coco
was third. Brett Pelling trains the winner, a Sweet Lou filly from Chanel’s late stretch break then fighting off Ladybugs N Bourbon
the great race mare Rocklamation, a $190,000 Lexington (LSYS) (Dunn) to post a 1:56.1 win. The Swedish-bred Raja Mirchi filly
purchase by David Mc Duffee from breeders DEO Volente Farm was bred by Lufti Kolgjini and Anna Svensson.
and TLP Stable.
Harness Racing Update | Page 14 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
Match Race: Hall of Famer
Tim Tetrick vs. UFC
Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira at
Yonkers
by Ken Weingartner / USTA media relations manager
On Tuesday (July 13) at Empire City Yonkers Raceway, newly
inducted Hall of Fame driver Tim Tetrick and recently crowned
UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira will face off in a
match race, presented by Blue Chip Farms, following the third
race on the card.
Here are the details.
Who: Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick vs. UFC Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira
What: Match Race, presented by Blue Chip Farms
When: Tuesday (July 13) following third race (scheduled post
time 7:55 p.m.)
Where: Empire City Yonkers Raceway, 810 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers,
NY 10704
Tune into the U.S. Trotting Association’s Facebook page for live
pre- and post-race coverage.
The race replay will be posted on the USTA’s YouTube page.
Harness Racing Update | Page 15 | July 11, 2021Ohio Standouts
BRED, BORN & RAISED AT
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THIS EXCEPTIONAL GROUP OF FRESHMAN TROTTERS!
CAVIAR GOLD
p,2, 1:58.3f-’21 · Triumphant Caviar - Gee Okeeffe by Holiday Road
$40,000 OHSS division winner for 2yotc’s, July 9 at Scioto Downs
in his first career start.
Owned by: Chris Beaver, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming, Steven Zeehandelar
Trained by: Chris Beaver
Driven by: Brett Miller
Bred by: Chris Beaver
GABBY’S BIT COIN
2, 1:59f-’21 · Uncle Peter - Gabbysloosechange by Triumphant Caviar
$40,000 OHSS division winner for 2yotc’s, July 9 at Scioto Downs
in his first career start.
Owned by: Johanna Beaver & Chris Beaver
Trained by: Chris Beaver
Driven by: Ronnie Wrenn Jr.
Bred by: Chris Beaver
GABBY’S C NOTE
2, 1:58.1f-‘21 · Triumphant Caviar - Gabby’s Creditcard by Credit Winner
$40,000 OHSS division winner for 2yotf’s, July 9 at Scioto Downs
in her first career start.
Owned by: Chris Beaver, Johanna Beaver, Steven Zeehandelar
Trained by: Chris Beaver
Driven by: Brett Miller
Bred by: Chris Beaver
WE ARE THRILLED FOR OUR LONGTIME FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS,
THE BEAVER FAMILY - CHARLIE, JOHNNY, CHRIS & AMANDA.
Mark Adams · 419-564-2922 · E: mcawinterwood@gmail.com · Bellville, OH
Conrad PhotoHarness Racing Update
HRU Upcoming Stakes
Sunday, July 11
Purse Race Track Age, Sex, Gait Race #(s) 1st Race Post
$99,800 Ontario Sires Stakes - Gold - Leg 2 Rideau Carleton 3YOCT 4, 8 6:30 p.m.
$22,150 Ontario Sires Stakes - Grassroots Rideau Carleton 3YOCT 6, 10, 12 6:30 p.m.
$48,000 Indiana Sires Stakes - Leg 2 Harrah’s Hoosier Park 2YOCP 3, 7, 8 6:30 p.m.
$35,000 Indiana Sires Stakes - Leg 3 Harrah’s Hoosier Park 3YOCP 4, 11, 13 6:30 p.m.
$56,000 New York Sires Stakes Tioga Downs 3YOFT 3, 5 1 p.m.
$15,000 New York Sires Stakes - Excelsior A Tioga Downs 3YOFT 6, 8 1 p.m.
$6,500 New York Sires Stakes - Excelsior B Tioga Downs 3YOFT 10, 11 1 p.m.
$30,000 Pennsylvania All-Stars The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono 2YOCP 6, 8, 10 5 p.m.
$22,875 The Cardinal Hawthorne 2YOCT 3, 6 6:30 p.m.
$22,575 The Violet Hawthorne 2YOFT 4, 7 6:30 p.m.
$9,742 Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes Bangor Raceway 3YOFT 1 11:45 a.m.
$10,197 Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes Bangor Raceway 3YOCT 4 12:15 p.m.
$3,000 Atlantic Sire Stakes - B division Summerside Raceway 3YOFP 3, 9 6:30 p.m.
$16,700 Atlantic Sire Stakes - A division Summerside Raceway 3YOFP 5, 7 6:30 p.m.
Monday, July 12
Purse Race Track Age, Sex, Gait Race #(s) 1st Race Post
$17,500 Buckeye Stallion Series Northfield Park 2YOCP 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 6 p.m.
$22,850 Ontario Sires Stakes - Grassroots Woodbine Mohawk Park 3YOFP 1, 4, 9, 11 7 p.m.
$22,950 Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Ocean Downs 3YOCT 1 7:05 p.m.
$12,850 Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Ocean Downs 3YOFP 3, 5 7:05 p.m.
Harness Racing Update | Page 16 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
HRU Upcoming Stakes
Tuesday, July 13
Purse Race Track Age, Sex, Gait Race #(s) 1st Race Post
$69,733 Ontario Sires Stakes - Gold - Leg 2 Georgian Downs 2YOFP 3, 6, 8 7:15 p.m.
$22,850 Ontario Sires Stakes - Grassroots Woodbine Mohawk Park 2YOFT 3, 6, 8 7 p.m.
$74,500 New York Sires Stakes Yonkers Raceway 3YOCT 2, 3 7:15 p.m.
$15,000 NYSS- Excelsior A Yonkers Raceway 3YOCT 4 7:15 p.m.
$6,500 NYSS - Excelsior B - Non-Betting Yonkers Raceway 3YOCT 1 - Non-Betting 6 p.m.
$15,000 NYSS - Excelsior A - Non-Betting Yonkers Raceway 3YOCT 2 - Non-Betting 6 p.m.
$9,192 ME Standardbred Breeders Stakes Cumberland Raceway 2YOCT 1 2 p.m.
$9,208 ME Standardbred Breeders Stakes Cumberland Raceway 2YOFT 2 2 p.m.
$4,000 ME Legends Series Cumberland Raceway 4+OP 6 2:45 p.m.
$6,000 KY Proud Series Non-Betting Red Mile 2YOCT 1 - Non-Betting 11:45 a.m.
$7,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 2YOFT 1, 10 1 p.m.
$9,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 3YOCT 2 1 p.m.
$10,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 3YOFT 3 1 p.m.
$8,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 3YOFP 4 1 p.m.
$6,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 3YOCP 6, 9 1 p.m.
$6,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 2YOCP 7, 8, 11 1 p.m.
$10,000 KY Proud Series - Mercer County Red Mile 2YOFP 13 1 p.m.
$3,000 Atlantic Sire Stakes - B division Truro Raceway 2YOFP 2 5 p.m.
$14,820 Atlantic Sire Stakes Truro Raceway 2YOT 4 5 p.m.
$9,220 Atlantic Sire Stakes - A division Truro Raceway 2YOFP 5, 7 5 p.m.
$15,560 Atlantic Sire Stakes Truro Raceway 3YOT 8 5 p.m.
Harness Racing Update | Page 17 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
BS
Text sent.
July 5, 2021, 4:12 PM
The letter in last week’s column was similar in tone to several
pitches of mine. One of my rules is never to be afraid of looking
like a fool. More unusual approaches to widening the racing
base are in the queue.
Text received.
July 5, 2021, 4:13 PM
Strange rules.
Critical response Text sent.
July 5, 2021, 4:19 PM
by Trey Nosrac
Another of my rules is to aim high and jump fast. Once upon a
Last week, the first in a series of possible wild pitches for partici- time, I wrote to an editor I did not know, who worked in a business
pants in this sport (full story here) led to a minor digital skirmish. I had no experience or understanding. My bizarre approach letter
used sarcasm to threaten that I did not take rejection well, and
Text received.
my favorite Uncle Vito had Joey “Three Chins” Bonino on speed
July 5, 2021, 3:47 PM dial. The letter included several off-the-wall comments and weak
A bit silly this week puns. I concluded by asking for an outlandish amount of money.
Text sent. Text received.
July 5, 2021, 3:49 PM July 5, 2021, 4:28 PM
Thanks, be more specific. You’re lucky he didn’t report you.
Text received. Text sent.
July 5, 2021, 3:57 PM July 5, 2021, 4:28 PM
Your fake letter phishing for a new person to become involved in I was lucky he had a sense of humor and wrote back with a joke
harness racing ownership was over the top. Nobody would ever write of his own and a counteroffer of a single dollar bill. I worked
a letter like that, and nobody would ever reply. It was ridiculous. for him until the day he retired. This incident brings to mind
another rule of mine. When possible, look for recipients who
Text sent. are open to coloring outside the lines.
July 5, 2021, 4:02 PM Text received.
I have used similar approaches with success. July 5, 2021, 4:32 PM
Text received. Did you ever hear the term proper channels?
July 5, 2021, 3:57 PM Text sent.
Harness Racing Update | Page 18 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
July 5, 2021, 4:42 PM
Yes, but I prefer unknown roads. Here is another wild shot that
landed. One January morning, nestled beneath a green quilt, I
decided that I wanted to make a baseball movie. I had a vague
concept for a film in my head, and I did not know a single person
in movie production. I could not operate my phone camera, nor
did I have a script. I did not have money, and I knew absolutely
nothing about the movie industry. I began immediately.
I crawled out of bed and googled – Ohio Film Production. I began
scrolling and clicking. Within an hour, I had three names and
email addresses. I chose the first name, someone who was an
instructor of film at Dennison College. Before the crack of noon,
I sent him a quirky email. He wrote back. We set up a lunch, the
adventure began. The result was two exciting years of work and
learning. And a movie DVD that wound up on library shelves.
Text received.
July 5, 2021, 4:46 PM
Finding new players in harness is different.
Text sent.
July 5, 2021, 4:54 PM
About 20 years ago, I was a VERY casual fan who wagered a few
races from the grandstands on an occasional Friday night. I had
never set a foot onto the backstretch of a racetrack and did not
know a single person involved in this sport. I began to self-educate
myself by voraciously reading about the sport. After a few months
of research, I took a wild shot in the dark. I called a writer at Hoof
Beats magazine and asked him for the name of a potential trainer
in my area. He suggested a fledgling trainer who might be a good
fit. The result was two decades of adventures and a great friendship.
Text received.
July 5, 2021, 4:57 PM
These examples are not typical.
Text sent.
July 5, 2021, 4:59 PM
Exactly. Phishing for new owners and gamblers is difficult.
Is your bait going to be: join us for a serious, wise financial
investment? We ain’t that. IMHO, our best lure is: we are an
entertaining, fascinating, quirky, unique hobby where you will
have fun. Why not give us a look?
A few thoughts before I go:
No one gives you a chance; you have to take a chance – Lil Wayne
Just keep taking chances and having fun - Garth Brooks
Chance favors only those who court her - Charles Nicolle
Eat Every Sandwich - Warren Zevon
Harness Racing Update | Page 19 | July 11, 2021Harness Racing Update
received from our customers regarding the lack of compet-
itiveness in many of the races. I'd like to talk about how we
might improve the product, especially considering we are going
to show some of the races on national TV (America's Day At
The Races on Fox Sports 2) on Pace night," said Meadowlands
president Jeff Gural. "The idea is to do some things differently,
evaluate the results during the break between the Hambletonian
and when we reopen on September 3 and decide if in fact these
changes helped or hurt.
“Our goal is to have the best standardbred racing product in
the world, as it is our belief that we have the finest drivers in
the world competing at The Meadowlands.”
Race videos now at Drivers currently racing at other venues who may plan to be in
for stakes over the next month and would like to be connected
Preferred remotely should contact Jason Settlemoir jsettlemoir@play-
meadowlands.com.
For the first time, race videos of horses selling in the Preferred Nick Salvi / Meadowlands media relations
Equine Marketing consignment at the upcoming Tattersalls
Summer Mixed Sale are available on the company’s website,
preferredequine.com.
Esplosione and Duly
To watch the videos, click on the site’s “Sales” tab and then
Summer Mixed > Sale Details > Roster. Resolved complete pros
While buyers always have the opportunity to watch race videos
at the sale itself, this enhancement to Preferred’s website offers
in OSS Gold debut
them even more decision-making tools prior to the sale, said Esplosione lived up to his name in 2-year-old trotting colt
Preferred’s owner David Reid. Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Gold Series action at Woodbine
“The updated racelines and ‘live’ TrackIT pedigrees have made Mohawk Park on Thursday (July 8).
it much easier for potential buyers to stay on top of the horses After stalking pacesetter Renegade Gypsy though fractions of
they’re interested in,” Reid said. “We added the videos as a bonus :29.2, 1:00.1 and 1:30.3, the freshman trotting gelding laid down
to the racelines. They can now see how a horse looks on the an explosive :27.4 final quarter, drawing away from the field to
track, how it moves, and what equipment it wears. a six and one-half length victory in 1:58.2. Royal Champane
“Watching these races ahead of time will hopefully free up closed well to be second, leaving Renegade Gypsy to settle for
owners and trainers and give them more time at the sale for third. Fan favorite Kipper Whipr Snipr made a series of breaks
hands-on inspection.” that saw him finish at the back of the seven-horse field.
The Summer Mixed Sale, to be held in the Meadowlands race Replay here.
paddock on Sunday, July 18 at noon, wraps up a big weekend “From the time we got him, he’s been a nice, big, strong, beau-
at the track, highlighted by the Meadowlands Pace Final the tiful colt,” said trainer Meg Crone. “He’s just like an aged horse.
night before. Actually my 11-year-old son Cian looks after him at the barn.”
Preferred Equine Marketing Crone trains Esplosione for owner/breeders Herb Liverman of
Miami Beach, FL and Melvin Hartman of Ottawa, ON. The son of
Kadabra and Dynamite Dame learned his early lessons from New
Mandatory meeting Jersey-based trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman before shipping
north on June 20 for his freshman OSS campaign.
for drivers at The Crone and her partner, driver Anthony Haughan, sent the young-
Meadowlands ster behind the gate twice to prepare for his Gold Series debut.
The gelding finished fifth on June 24 and seventh on July 2,
The Meadowlands is announcing a mandatory meeting for all but Crone said the second start was marred by confusion in
drivers racing there on the weekend of July 16 and 17. It will the backfield that caused interference to three horses. Trevor
be held in the Paddock Driver's Lounge at 5:30 p.m. sharp on Henry stepped into the race bike for Thursday’s start and gave
Friday, July 16. Esplosione an ideal trip from Post 5.
"We want to discuss the unfavorable comments we have “It was just a perfect spot for him,” said Crone. “Trevor and us
Harness Racing Update | Page 20 | July 11, 2021You can also read
