Hellabalou shoots to victory in 55th Adios - Harness Racing ...
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Sunday,
Day, Month
August
00,1,
2021
2021
Hellabalou shoots to
victory in 55th Adios
The former longshot delivers the first Adios victory for driver Tim Tetrick,
trainer Eddie Dennis and owner Eric Good.
by Evan Pattak for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Hellabalou used a pocket trip to pull off an 81-1 upset in
a Meadowlands Pace elimination. He worked out a two-
hole-journey-with Lightning-Lane-brush to take his Adios
elimination. He couldn't possibly fashion another garden trip
in the Adios final, could he?
He could and he did, pouring through the Lightning Lane
once more to capture the $375,000 final of the 55th edition Hellabalou zipped to the front from post 5 in a snappy :26
of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids Saturday (July but yielded to the pocket when Water Sports Teen and Joe
31) at The Meadows. It was the first Adios title for both Hall Bongiorno pressed him for the lead. Water Sports Teen was
of Fame driver Tim Tetrick and winning trainer Eddie Dennis. able to resist the first-over challenge of elimination winner
The son of Sweet Lou—Magestic Blue Chip now has banked Abuckabett Hanover, but the effort left him vulnerable to
$327,136 for owner Eric Good. the inside thrust of Hellabalou. Tetrick said he thought Water
Rockyroad Hanover split horses for second, 1-1/4 lengths Sports Teen would get him to the Lightning Lane.
back, with Water Sports Teen, who did most of the heavy lift- "I was pretty sure the pocket would hold up," Tetrick said.
ing, third. The winning time was 1:48.4. "Getting to the quarter in :26 wasn't too bad, and Joe's horse
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Harness Racing Update | Page 1 | August 1, 2021
The 96th Edition of
America’s Trotting Classic
Saturday, August 7
Post Time 12 Noon
The greatest day in harness racing!
$5 admission includes commemorative
hat for adults or Hambletonian
sunglasses for kids. Food trucks,
$1,000 hat contest, and more!
Tune in to the hambletonian.com
live broadcast
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Harness Racing Update
IN TODAY'S HRU
2022 Illinois dates dilemma: Hawthorne is the only applicant for both harness and thor-
oughbred dates in Chicago page 15
Go On Boy defeats Vivid Wise As in Paris page 20
The long, varied and important career of Tom Charters page 21 A HOPEFUL PRAYER
3, 1:53.3f-’21 ($41,714)
Father Patrick - Southwind Hope
looked really strong when I let him go. I thought if he could
take me there for a little bit, it would be great." $20,000 PA Stallion Series division winner
for 3YOTF’s in 1:56f, July 31 at The Meadows.
Teased that he had used up his allotment of pocket trips for
the rest of his career, Dennis replied: "I hope I got a couple Owned by Andy Miller Stable Inc., Little E. Llc.
more coming.
Trained by Julie Miller
"When I saw him get to the front and Joe was still wide, I
thought we were in a good spot because I know he'll shoot Driven by Andy Miller
up the inside real fast. I told Tim he's as sure-footed as
Bred by Andy Miller Stable Inc.,
anything you'll ever sit behind. Don't ever worry about him
Little E. Llc., Lawrence Dumain
putting in a step."
He said Hellabalou would be pointed to the Hempt Memorial.
Hellabalou, bred by Andray Farm and Sergent Stables LLC,
was sold for $42,000 at the 2019 Standardbred Horse Sales
Company yearling sale in Harrisburg, PA.
In mid-season form at last, Blue Diamond
Eyes cruises in Adioo Volo
After beginning the season with six straight losses, Blue
Diamond Eyes rolled to her second consecutive impressive
victory in Saturday’s $106,745 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo
for 3-year-old filly pacers at The Meadows.
Blue Diamond Eyes got away second for Yannick Gingras,
who sent her to the point at the quarter. The daughter
of Captaintreacherous—Aria Hanover jogged from there,
defeating Beach Crazy by 3-3/4 lengths, in 1:49.4, with Darby
Hanover third.
Blue Diamond Eyes banked more than $546,000 last year but
was getting checks rather than wins until her 1:49 triumph
a week ago in a Pennsylvania Sires Stake leg that matched
the fastest-ever distaff mile at The Meadows. Both Gingras
and winning training Ron Burke have theories for her slowish
start at 3.
“She’s been super-sharp all year, but she’s been in with a
tough group of fillies,” Gingras said. “
For his part, Burke indicated that it took her until mid-season
last year to reach, well, mid-season form.
“She started slow last year,” Burke said, “but by the end of the
year, she was the best filly racing. She’s big, and it takes her a
while to get rolling. From here on out, she’ll be pretty tough
no matter who she races.”
Harness Racing Update | Page 2 | August 1, 2021
Harness Racing Update
15, Mea, $375,000, Pace, *****DELVIN MILLER ADIOS FINAL***** 3 YEAR OLD OPEN PACE, 26.0, 54.1, 1:21.1, 1:48.4, FT
1-Hellabalou (c, 3, Sweet Lou--Magestic Blue Chip, by Rocknroll Hanover) $187,500, $42,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 18-6-1-1, $327,136
O-Eric K Good. B-Andray Farm & Sergent Stables LLC. T-Eddie Dennis. D-Tim Tetrick.
2-Rockyroad Hanover (c, 3, Captaintreacherous--Romantic Moment, by American Ideal) $93,750, $65,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 13-4-2-2, $156,551
O-Riverview Racing LLC & Bradley J Grant, CA & Kenneth E Jacobs & Plouffe Head And Vj Stable. B-Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. T-Tony Alagna. D-Dexter Dunn.
3-Water Sports Teen (c, 3, Somebeachsomewhere--Posey Tina, by Camluck) $45,000, Lifetime Record: 25-9-4-3, $143,080
O-Joshua Jay Graber. B-Robert J Key. T-Jennifer Bongiorno. D-Joe Bongiorno.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: H, 1, 2, H, 1Q - Finish Order: Southwind Gendry, Abuckabett Hanover, Lou’s Pearlman, Mysweetboymax, Chase H Hanover, Natameri
Winbak Farm ®
Congratulates
KIM’S COMMAND
$100,000 Delaware Standardbred
Breeders Fund Final Winner
Chris Gooden CR Commando-Kim’s Big Crown-Donerail
Hellabalou (Tim Tetrick) winning the $375,000 final of the
Trainer: John Wilkerson
Adios on Saturday at The Meadows in 1:48.4.
Owner: Kimberly Caulder
Blue Diamond Eyes soared over $700,000 in career earnings
Bred, Raised & Sold by Winbak Farm
for owners Thomas and Scott Dillon. Burke said she’ll next
race in a Kentucky Sires Stake leg. Don’t miss Winbak Farm’s 2021
Bred by Brittany Farms, Blue Diamond Eyes was sold under
Delaware-Sired Yearlings selling at the
the name Key Largo for $180,000 at the 2019 Lexington
11/11 Harrisburg Mixed Sale!
Selected Yearling Sale.
Click here for the Winbak Farm Yearling Lineup!
Garrett Bell, General Manager / James Ladwig, Yearling Manager
In other Saturday stakes… 410.885.3059 / james.ladwig@winbakfarm.com
www.winbakfarm.com / /
The team of Andy and Julie Miller swept the two $71,000 The Arden tests for 2-year-old pacing colts were won by
Pennsylvania Sires Stakes events for 3-year-old trotting fillies Birthday in 1:52 and Fourever Boy in 1:53.2.
with Pub Crawl in 1:55 and Argyle in 1:55.1. Pennsylvania Stallion Series events for 3-year-old trotting
Arden Downs events for 2-year-old pacing fillies went to fillies were won by Above the Clouds in 1:56.1 and A Hopeful
Lyons Serenity in 1:52.2 and Captain Cowgirl in 1:53.2. Prayer in 1:56.
12, Mea, $106,745, Pace, ****QUINTON PATTERSON ADIOO VOLO**** 3 YEAR OLD FILLY PACE, 27.0, 54.0, 1:21.2, 1:49.4, FT
1-Blue Diamond Eyes (f, 3, Captaintreacherous--Aria Hanover, by Well Said) $53,372, $180,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 21-7-5-4, $741,664
O-Thomas R & Scott A Dillon. B-Brittany Farms LLC. T-Ron Burke. D-Yannick Gingras.
2-Beach Crazy (f, 3, Somebeachsomewhere--Crosswinds Cupcake, by Stand Forever) $26,686, Lifetime Record: 21-4-4-5, $75,833
O-Chiodo Racing LLC & Jeffrey Shore & Robert Barr. B-Stephen H Sexton. T-Stacy Chiodo. D-Dexter Dunn.
3-Darby Hanover (f, 3, Betting Line--Darena Hanover, by Yankee Cruiser) $12,809, $35,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 16-5-5-5, $159,609
O-Andy Miller Stable Inc & Mr Caroll D Huffman & Let It Ride Stables Inc. B-Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. T-Julie Miller. D-Andy Miller.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 1, 1H, 2, 2, 3T - Finish Order: Fighting Evil, Chase Lounge, Mackie Hanover, Shezafreaklikeme, Continualou, Summer Touch
Harness Racing Update | Page 3 | August 1, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Chris Gooden
Blue Diamond Eyes (Yannick Gingras) won the $106,745
Adioo Volo in 1:49.4.
Fiftyfour K springs 17-1 upset Friday in
Arden Downs
In only his second career start, Fiftyfour K showed the poise of
a veteran as he toughed out a 17-1 upset victory in Friday’s (July
30) $36,122 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for freshman colt
and gelding trotters at The Meadows. Hustlenomics captured
the other division in the event known as the Robert J. Key.
Winning driver Jim Pantaleano had no idea what to expect
from the son of Sebastian K—Westfiftyfirst and so was appre-
ciative of the first-over cover provided by Ginger Tree Brad.
“I looked at the program before the race, and the race wasn’t
laying the way I thought it would,” Pantaleano said. “I quickly
grabbed cover when I could. He had a lot of trot the whole way.”
Still looming in the Lightning Lane was early leader Guido Di.
Fiftyfour K edged him by a head in the good time of 1:56.4,
while Ginger Tree Brad saved show. Ron Burke trains Fiftyfour
K for Here’s To Us Stable.
Hustlenomics showed some poise of his own when his first-
over cover blew up in his face. Winning driver Mike Wilder
said the Full Count—Glisten Hanover gelding “did everything
right.”
“He’s one of those horses who wants to get into gear real
quick,” Wilder said. “When his cover broke, he did get into
gear quick, but I just stayed with him. I’ve driven quite a few
Full Counts for Marty Wollam, and they’re iron horses.”
Hustlenomics persevered and downed Rose Run Extra by
1-1/2 lengths, with Armani third. Todd Luther conditions the
winner for Black Magic Racing LLC.
Brady Brown piloted four winners on the 13-race card.
Harness Racing Update | Page 4 | August 1, 2021
THE GREATEST NAME
IN HARNESS RACING CONGRATULATES
DELAYED HANOVER
3, 1:51.1-’21 ($259,318)
Southwind Frank - Don’t Wait Up
$50,000 Hambletonian elimination
winner last night at The Meadowlands.
OWNED BY: Mellby Gard Inc.,
Ake Svanstedt Inc.
TRAINED BY: Ake Svanstedt
DRIVEN BY: Dexter Dunn
LISA PHOTO BRED BY: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CONGRATULATE
HANOVER-BRED HAMBLETONIAN FINALISTS
AMBASSADOR HANOVER & LOCATELLI
and
HANOVER-BRED HAMBLETONIAN OAKS FINALISTS
CONTESTED HANOVER, DARLENE HANOVER & *PIPER HANOVER
*bred by Brittany Farms and Melvin Hartman, sold as a yearling by Hanover Shoe Farms
WISHING EVERYONE ALL THE BEST IN THE
HAMBLETONIAN & HAMBLETONIAN OAKS FINALS
(717) 637-8931 fax: (717) 637-6766 www.hanoverpa.com hanover@hanoverpa.com
ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE
INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER
Harness Racing Update
6, M, $50,000, Trot, HAMBLETONIAN NO. 96 Elimination - 3 Year Old Open, 27.2, 55.1, 1:22.4, 1:51.1, FT
1-Delayed Hanover (c, 3, Southwind Frank--Don’t Wait Up, by Credit Winner) $25,000, $230,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 12-4-4-2, $259,318
O-Mellby Gard Inc & Ake Svanstedt Inc. B-Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. T-Ake Svanstedt. D-Dexter Dunn.
2-Cuatro De Julio (c, 3, Trixton--Clarabelle, by Ready Cash) $12,500, $60,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 19-10-4-1, $226,753
O-D Farm LLC. B-Dream With Me Stable, CA. T-Marie Ortolan Bar. D-Lucas Wallin.
3-Ambassador Hanover (c, 3, Chapter Seven--Angel Eyes Hanover, by Cantab Hall) $6,000, $100,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 14-7-3-1, $413,894
O-Ake Svanstedt Inc & Order By Stable, SD & Howard And Judith Taylor & Diamond Creek Racing. B-Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. T-Ake Svanstedt. D-Ake Svanstedt.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 1H, 2H, 3H, 3, 2 - Finish Order: Sonofamistery, Spy Booth, Zenith Stride, Dancinginthedark M, On A Streak
Delayed Hanover, Captain
Corey win Hambletonian
eliminations
by Ken Weingartner / USTA media relations manager
Ake Svanstedt trainees won both of Saturday’s (July 31) $50,000
Hambletonian Stakes eliminations for 3-year-old trotters at The
Meadowlands Racetrack, with Delayed Hanover capturing the
first division and Captain Corey taking the second.
Svanstedt saw three of his four elimination starters advance
to the $1 million Hambletonian final on Aug. 7 at the Big M, as
Ambassador Hanover joined his winning duo.
The top-five finishers from each elimination moved on to the
final.
Nancy Takter also had a trio of finalists. Really Fast was second
Harness Racing Update | Page 5 | August 1, 2021
Harness Racing Update
Michael Lisa Michael Lisa
Delayed Hanover (Dexter Dunn) won the first of two The second Hambletonian elimination was won by Captain
Hambletonian eliminations in 1:51.1. Corey (Ake Svanstedt) in 1:51.2.
to Captain Corey while Locatelli and Spy Booth were fifth-place
finishers in their respective elims.
Completing the group of 10 horses advancing to the final were Brittany
Cuatro De Julio, who was runner-up to Delayed Hanover, plus
Sonofamistery, Venerate, and Take All Comers. Bred & Raised
Elimination winners will draw for post positions one through
five. The remaining finalists will go in an open draw after the
elimination winners receive their post.
Post positions for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks
finals will be drawn at 1 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 3) on Meadowlands
Facebook live. Both finals will air live from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Hambletonian Day (Aug. 7) on CBS Sports Network. First-race
post time on Hambletonian Day is noon.
In the first elimination, Delayed Hanover won by two lengths over
Cuatro De Julio in 1:51.1. Ambassador Hanover, Sonofamistery,
and Spy Booth completed the top-five finishers advancing to
BLUE DIAMOND EYES
the Hambletonian final.
$106,745 ADIO VOLO WINNER
Dancinginthedark M, the 4-5 favorite, went off stride on the final Congratulations to owners Thomas Dillon and Scott Dillon,
trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.
turn. Zenith Stride, last year’s Peter Haughton Memorial winner,
also made a break. On A Streak, the 2020 O’Brien Award winner
from Canada, was scratched sick. BRITTANY FARMS
2019 BREEDER OF THE YEAR 2020
Ambassador Hanover led to the first quarter in :27.2 before Photo: Chris Gooden
Cuatro De Julio was put in motion and grabbed the lead in a
10, M, $50,000, Trot, HAMBLETONIAN NO. 96 Elimination - 3 Year Old Open, 27.3, 55.3, 1:23.4, 1:51.2, FT
1-Captain Corey (c, 3, Googoo Gaagaa--Luv U All, by Angus Hall) $25,000, $150,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 11-7-2-0, $415,333
O-S R F Stable & Knutsson Trotting Inc & Midnight Sun Partners Inc & Ake Svanstedt Inc. B-Carter H Duer. T-Ake Svanstedt. D-Ake Svanstedt.
2-Really Fast (c, 3, Muscle Hill--Stubborn Belle, by Taurus Dream) $12,500, $700,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 8-4-2-0, $158,375
O-Brixton Medical Inc & Hatfield Stables & Marvin Katz, CA & Al J Libfeld, CA. B-Al J Libfeld, CA. T-Nancy Takter. D-Dexter Dunn.
3-Venerate (c, 3, Love You--Peaceful Kemp, by Muscle Hill) $6,000, $90,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 15-6-0-5, $807,609
O-Pinske Stables & Andy Miller Stable Inc. B-Steve H Stewart & Kemppi Stable. T-Julie Miller. D-Andy Miller.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: NS, 1Q, 1H, 2H, 1H - Finish Order: Take All Comers, Locatelli, In Range, Johan Palema, Rattle My Cage
Harness Racing Update | Page 6 | August 1, 2021
Harness Racing Update
:55.1 half. Cuatro De Julio stayed on top through three-quarters,
reached in 1:22.4, but was unable to hold off Delayed Hanover
in the stretch.
Dexter Dunn drove Delayed Hanover, who was third for most of
the mile, for trainer Ake Svanstedt. Ambassador Hanover also is
trained by Svanstedt, who handled the driving behind that colt.
“The pace was strong enough; I was happy where I was, we had a Congratulates the connections of
good spot there,” Dunn said. “(Dancinginthedark M) was outside
of us on the last turn and made a break, so we had clear air. We
Caviar Roxie Due
followed (Ambassador Hanover) out in the straight and it felt 2,1:58.4f-’21 ($40,000)
like he was full of trot. When I moved him over, he certainly
was. He showed a lot of speed.”
Delayed Hanover has won three of five races this year and four
of 12 lifetime, earning nearly $260,000. He is owned by Mellby
Gard Inc. and Ake Svanstedt Inc. He was bred by Hanover Shoe
Farms and sold for $230,000 at the 2019 Standardbred Horse
Sales Company’s yearling sale. JJ Zamaiko photo
Sent off at 6-1, Delayed Hanover paid $14.80 to win.
In the second elimination, Svanstedt-driven Captain Corey got
Now 2, winner of two legs of the
the lead from stablemate Johan Palema in a :27.3 opening quar-
ter and never looked back. He set fractions of :55.3 and 1:23.4 Ohio Sire Stakes at Scioto & Northfield.
on his way to victory in 1:51.2. Really Fast, the 7-5 favorite, was Bred & sold by Dublin Valley Farms.
second followed by Venerate, Take All Comers, and Locatelli.
“I didn’t pull up and everybody knows I have a good horse,” Selling at the Ohio Selected Jug Sale:
Svanstedt said about setting the tone with Captain Corey. “He Her ENTERPRISE half-sister,
raced (1):50.3 his last start, so he’s a good horse. He was the same
today. I hope he can be even better with week-to-week races.” Hip# 80 • Always Charming
Captain Corey is owned by S R F Stable, Knutsson Trotting Inc., from the Kadabra mare Rose Run Roxann.
Midnight Sun Partners Inc., and Ake Svanstedt Inc. The son of
Googoo Gaagaa—Luv U All was bred by Carter Duer and sold
for $150,000 at the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. He
has won two of four races this year and seven of 11 lifetime,
with career earnings of more than $400,000.
Sent off at 6-1, Captain Corey paid $15.40 to win.
From the First Crop of
ENTERPRISE
Chris Tully photo
Dublin Valley Farms.com
3968 Township Road 606 • Fredericksburg, OH 44627
Phone: (330) 473-5863 or (330) 231-6209
Fax: (855) 420-6751 • Email: info@dublinvalleyfarms.com
Harness Racing Update | Page 7 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
5, M, $35,000, Trot, HAMBLETONIAN OAKS NO. 96 Elimination - 3 Year Old Fillies, 27.4, 57.0, 1:24.4, 1:52.4, FT
1-Lady Chaos (f, 3, Cantab Hall--Strong Legacy, by Muscles Yankee) $17,500, $125,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 19-8-4-3, $690,395
O-Richard S Gutnick & Thomas J Pontone & Joseph A Lozito Jr & Enviro Stables LTD. B-Lindy Farms Of Conn & Av & Son Bloodstock LLC. T-Linda Toscano. D-David Miller.
2-Bella Bellini (f, 3, Bar Hopping--Bella Dolce, by Kadabra) $8,750, Lifetime Record: 17-6-5-0, $136,983
O-David H Mc Duffee. B-David H Mc Duffee. T-R. Nifty Norman. D-Dexter Dunn.
3-You Ato Dream (f, 3, Donato Hanover--Dream Child, by Muscle Hill) $4,200, $45,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 18-5-7-2, $388,698
O-Jeff Gregory Inc & William H Richardson & George L Romanoff & Martin P Garey. B-M Biasuzzi Stable Inc. T-Jeff Gregory. D-Jeff Gregory.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 1Q, 1H, NS, Q, HD - Finish Order: Contested Hanover, Darlene Hanover, Beltassima, Chablis, Material Girl, My Abigail, Wet My Whistle
Longshots rule in 3-year-old trotting fillies.
Miller had Lady Chaos on her toes and drove to the lead
Hambletonian Oaks elims alertly at the outset, seating You Ato Dream in the pocket prior
to the :27.4 opening quarter. From there, Lady Chaos was able
by Jay Bergman / DRF Harness to rate the second quarter kindly in just :29.1 as 2-5 favorite
Bella Bellini and driver Dexter Dunn played possum not want-
The 2020 Breeders Crown champion Lady Chaos had started
ing to advance prematurely and towed rivals into the fray.
the year slowly, winning just once in seven tries. The Cantab
Hall—Strong Legacy filly found her “A” game on Saturday Dunn pushed the ‘go’ button with Bella Bellini and the Bar
night (July 31) at The Meadowlands for driver David Miller, Hopping filly hit high gear quickly and looked to be trotting
going wire-to-wire in a 1:52.4 clocking to capture the first right past Lady Chaos as the two accelerated into the final
of two $35,000 eliminations for the Hambletonian Oaks for turn. Miller didn’t allow that to happen, and Lady Chaos drove
on keeping her rival at bay through a :27.4 third quarter.
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Harness Racing Update | Page 8 | August 1, 2021THE SALE OF
CHAMPIONS
HELLABALOU
CONGRATULATES
Chris Gooden
p,3, 1:48.4f-’21 ($327,136) · Sweet Lou - Magestic Blue Chip by Rocknroll Hanover
$375,000 Adios Final winner in a life best of 1:48.4f, yesterday at The Meadows.
Owned by: Eric Good · Bred by: Andray Farm, Sergent Stables Llc.
Trained by: Eddie Dennis · Driven by: Tim Tetrick
HELLABALOU sold for $42,000 at the 2019 Harrisburg Yearling Sale.
JOIN US IN HARRISBURG, PA
NOVEMBER 8–12.
(717) 637-8931
fax: (717) 637-6766
theblackbook.comHarness Racing Update
Michael Lisa Michael Lisa
Lady Chaos (David Miller) won the first of two The second Oaks elimination was won by Awesome Trix
Hambletonian Oaks eliminations in 1:52.4. (Scott Zeron) in 1:52.4.
In the homestretch, it was a match race between the 8-1 Lady who sent the filly up to challenge through the second quar-
Chaos and the heavily backed Bella Bellini with Lady Chaos ter. Iteration and Big City Pearl were on even terms through
gamely holding her position to the wire by a head and earning the :56 half with Flawless Country moving up with cover
post preference for the $500,000 final on Aug. 7. Bella Bellini second-over followed by Hot As Hill and 4-5 favorite Donna
settled for second with You Ato Dream third across the wire. Soprano in the outer flow.
Contested Hanover and Scott Zeron weaved through traffic for Brian Sears had Iteration in control at three-quarters in
fourth and Brian Sears had last year’s Jim Doherty winner, Darlene 1:24.1 but horses fanned across the track and sought room
Hanover, airborne in the closing yards to earn the final spot. between rivals. Iteration was brave fighting off challengers
Lady Chaos is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Richard for much of the stretch, but Zeron had been fortunate as the
Gutnick, Tom Pontone, Joseph Lozito Jr. and Enviro Stables. two horses he had been following while fourth on the pylons
She was bred by Lindy Farms of Connecticut and AV & Son at the three-quarters fanned out for room that opened up the
Bloodstock Inc. and sold for $125,000 at the 2019 Lexington inside lane for Awesome Trix to utilize. Under Zeron’s urging,
Selected Yearling Sale. Awesome Trix hit high gear late for the 1-length victory.
She returned $18.60 to win. Iteration finished second with Hot As Hill, Flawless Country
“She fought tonight,” said Toscano. “So I was tickled with her. and Piper Hanover following her across the wire to earn
She’s an absolute pleasure to train.” spots in the rich final.
The second Oaks elimination saw fillies coming from every- Awesome Trix, a daughter of Trixton—Awesome Chrissy bred
where in the homestretch, but it was Scott Zeron behind 24-1 by William Jones and Steve Stewart cost $13,000 at the
shot Awesome Trix that found the shortest route, skimming Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, the least of the 10 in the
the pylons late to score the upset in a 1:52.4 mile. field. The filly is owned by trainer Chris Beaver along with
Aaron Merriman and Robert McNerney. In winning for the
There was action from the outset as Dutiful left sharply along third time this year, Awesome Trix returned $50.80 to win.
with Flawless Country and Iteration. Dutiful put Flawless
Country in the pocket early but parked Iteration to the :28 “She interfered a lot as a 2-year-old but had high speed,” said
first quarter before releasing her. Big City Pearl left from the Beaver following the win. “She’s getting stronger this year
outside post 10 and found herself parked for Verlin Yoder, and learning to go.”
9, M, $35,000, Trot, HAMBLETONIAN OAKS NO. 96 Elimination - 3 Year Old Fillies, 28.0, 56.0, 1:24.1, 1:52.4, FT
1-Awesome Trix (f, 3, Trixton--Awesome Chrissy, by Majestic Son) $17,500, $13,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 20-3-6-4, $106,611
O-Christopher F Beaver & Aaron E Merriman & Robert Mc Nerney. B-William L Jones & Steve H Stewart. T-Christopher Beaver. D-Scott Zeron.
2-Iteration (f, 3, Chapter Seven--Steamy Windows, by Muscle Massive) $8,750, $250,000 2019 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 16-8-2-2, $483,792
O-Courant Inc. B-Order By Stable, SD. T-Marcus Melander. D-Brian Sears.
3-Hot As Hill (f, 3, Muscle Hill--Smarty Pants, by Kadabra) $4,200, $100,000 2019 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 23-5-2-6, $154,599
O-Burke Racing Stable LLC & Lawrence R Karr & Knox Services Inc & J&T Silva- Purnel & Libby. B-Stan Klemencic, CA. T-Ron Burke. D-David Miller.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 7H, 5H, 5T, 4, 1 - Finish Order: Flawless Country, Piper Hanover, Mazzarati, Donna Soprano, Swift Swanda, Dutiful, Big City Pearl
Harness Racing Update | Page 9 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
HELLABALOU
p,3, 1:48.4f-’21 ($327,136)
Sweet Lou - Magestic Blue Chip
Michael Lisa $375,000 Adios Final winner in a life best
When Dovescry (David Miller) won the $40,000 fifth round of 1:48.4f, yesterday at The Meadows.
of the Miss Versatility Series. beating Atlanta by a neck in
Owned by Eric Good
1:50.4.
Trained by Eddie Dennis
When Dovescry beats Driven by Tim Tetrick
Atlanta in Miss Versatility Bred by Andray Farm,
Sergent Stables LLC
Series fifth round
by Ken Weingartner / USTA media relations manager
When Dovescry won Saturday’s (July 31) $40,000 fifth round
of the Miss Versatility Series for older female trotters, beating
Atlanta by a neck in 1:50.4 at The Meadowlands Racetrack.
Weslynn Quest finished third.
The 12-horse field was reduced by one when Ab’sattitudexpress
was scratched.
Weslynn Quest got the early lead and led to an opening quarter
of :27.2. When Dovescry, who was battling for the lead, got to the
front just past the quarter but soon saw Next Level Stuff brush
to the top spot and take the field to the half in :55.2.
On the final turn, Morairtime, who started from the second tier
in post 11, challenged Next Level Stuff for the lead and they
reached three-quarters together in 1:23.1. Atlanta, who started
from post 12, was second-over behind Morairtime and charged
into the stretch looking for the lead. When Dovescry needed
room and found it in mid-stretch to power to the front and
rebuff even-money favorite Atlanta.
“I was happy to follow (Next Level Stuff); I figured she would
take me into the stretch,” winning driver David Miller said.
“(Morairtime) was on the outside and was still right there at
the head of the lane. Right there, I thought, oh, boy. But (Next
Level Stuff) drifted and I was able to get up the inside.
“I was impressed, whenever you beat Atlanta. She is probably
one of the greatest trotting mares I’ve been around. She’s pretty
special. I’m very proud of my mare, she’s a really good horse. She’s
pretty special herself. She had a lot of trot. I’ve been racing her
on the front, and she’s good that way, but they always appreciate
a trip. She was really good that way.”
Miller drove When Dovescry for trainer Brett Pelling and owner
John Lengacher. When Dovescry, by Muscle Hill out of Cedar
Dove, was bred by William Weaver III. The 5-year-old mare has
won 15 of 36 career races and earned $1.23 million. She was
the 2019 Hambletonian Oaks champion.
Sent off at 2-1, When Dovescry paid $6.80 to win.
Harness Racing Update | Page 10 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
Michael Lisa
Perfect Sting (David Miller) won the $78,700 Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings in 1:49.
Perfect Sting rebounds,
Fire Start Hanover scores Brittany
in Tompkins-Geers Bred & Raised
by Frank and Ray Cotolo for The Meadowlands
In no rush to lead leaving from post 8, favorite Perfect
Sting and driver David Miller relaxed until the stretch of
the $78,700 Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old pacing colts and
geldings at The Meadowlands to win in 1:49 on Saturday
(July 31).
There was not a lot of action to the half as 43-1 Gamblin Mo
rode the pegs to take the lead and cut a :26.4 first quarter,
followed by Toronto and Highlandsbeachsbest, who chased in
line to a :54.4 half. PERFECT STING
Coming to three-quarters in 1:22.2, Whichwaytothebeach
came first over to challenge the leading longshot while TOMPKIN GEERS DIVISION WINNER
Congratulations to trainer Joe Holloway
Perfect Sting followed second over. When the field hit the and driver David Miller. Owned by
straightaway, Whichwaytothebeach was pacing a direct Brittany Farms and Val D’Or Farms.
path to the finish line, but Perfect Sting was full of pace in
the middle of the track and passed under minimal urging BRITTANY FARMS
2019 BREEDER OF THE YEAR 2020
to glide home first by two lengths. Whichwaytothebeach,
Harness Racing Update | Page 11 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
the public’s second choice, finished second in a photo with
Highlandbeachsbest while Toronto took fourth.
“Tonight we wanted him to finish up really good, so the
opportunity was to get in the hole,” Miller said after the race.
“And I had a good horse to follow, so that’s what we did. I was
real happy with him. He paced really good; he fired really
good through the stretch. That’s something we were looking
for.” FOUREVER BOY
p,2, 1:53.2f-’21 ($16,307)
Joe Holloway trains Perfect Sting, a son of Always B Miki— Sweet Lou - Macharoundtheclock
Shebestingin and the beaten favorite in the clamorous
$21,035 Arden Downs division winner for
Meadowlands Pace, for owners and breeders Brittany Farms 2yopc’s in a career best of p,2, 1:53.2f,
LLC and Val D’Or Farms. His earnings rose to $841,577 with yesterday at The Meadows.
the win, his third in five starts this season. He paid $2.40 to
Owned by Micki Rae Stables Llc.,
win.
Tim Twaddle
Fire Start Hanover successfully downed 2-5 favorite Test Of
Trained by Tim Twaddle
Faith in a neck-and-neck stretch drive to hand the champion
filly her first defeat of the season when winning the $62,800 Driven by Dave Palone
Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old pacing fillies in 1:49. Bred by Birnam Wood Farms
Dexter Dunn landed Fire Start Hanover in fourth when leav-
ing from post 9 while Test Of Faith, starting from the second
tier, tracked her stablemate Staycation Hanover into the first
turn to settle into fifth. Passing a :26.4 first quarter, Dunn sent
Fire Start Hanover for the lead, with Test Of Faith in tow, and
cleared before a :55.2 half.
Into the far turn, Fire Start Hanover begrudgingly yielded the
lead to Test Of Faith, but Dunn began to light a fire under the
champion filly as he gradually floated his charge from the
pocket past three-quarters in 1:22. Once straightening for the
finish, Test Of Faith fought gamely to keep Fire Start Hanover
at bay, but the Richard “Nifty” Norman trainee nonetheless
powered past in the final strides to win by a neck at the
beam. Off The Record finished third while Classicist closed
for fourth.
“We had to push her out pretty hard to clear a few outside of
us, [but] she got out of the gate good though,” Dunn said after
the race. “I could feel David [Miller] starting to edge [out] there
past the quarter, so we made our move and he came with us.
She’s pretty versatile. She really swelled up when I let David
go and she was ready to rock, so I kept her on the helmet
round the turn and she did the rest on the straight.”
Last year’s Dan Patch 2-Year-Old of the Year, Fire Start
Hanover has now won 10 races from 17 starts and banked
$678,432 for owners Pinske Stables, David Hoese and
Lawrence Means. The Sombeachsomewhere—Fit To Frame
filly bred by Hanover Shoe Farms paid $7.20 to win.
Fire Start Hanover was sold for $105,000 at the 2019 Standardbred
Horse Sales Company yearling auction in Harrisburg, PA.
Harness Racing Update | Page 12 | August 1, 2021CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL WINNERS FROM GOVERNOR’S DAY RACES AT THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR AT HARRINGTON RACEWAY
3YO FILLY PACE 3YO FILLY TROT
“THE BEN STAFFORD, JR. MEMORIAL” “THE JACK WALLS MEMORIAL”
154.3H - $100,000 1:59.2H - $100,000
TOBAGO TIME
(Tobago Cays-Time Frame N) $101,500 Lt
KIM’S COMMAND
(CR Commando-Kim’s Big Crown) $142,762 Lt
Bred by David Hamm Bred by Winbak Farm
Co-owned by David Hamm & Glenn Phillips Owned by Kimberly Caulder
Trained by Chuck Crissman, Jr. Trained by John Wilkerson
Driven by Allan Davis Driven by Allan Davis
3YO COLT & GELDING PACE 3YO COLT & GELDING TROT
154.4H - $100,000 “THE HAL BELOTE MEMORIAL”
159.2H - $100,000
FIRST STATE JONI
(Delmarvalous-Jonigold) $89,200 Lt BIG AL M
Bred and owned by The Wiz Kids Stable, LLC (Anders Bluestone-Bringing Up Lindy) $210,892 Lt
Trained by W. Bart Dalious Bred and Owned by Bobby Myers
Driven by Barton Dalious Trained and driven by Eric Davis
delaware governor john carney
SIGNING SB #29 BEFORE THE RACES, WHICH
GIVES THE BREEDERS' FUND ANOTHER
MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.
Delaware Standardbred Breeders'’ Fund
(302) 698-4610 E-Mail: Judy.Davis-Wilson@delaware.gov
https://agriculture.delaware.gov/delaware-standardbred-breeders-fund/Harness Racing Update
The 4-5 favorite maintained the lead from there, recording
a 1¼-length win over the pocket-sitting 6-5 second choice
Temporal Hanover. The final time was three-and-two-fifth-
seconds slower than his lifetime best, much to the delight of
his trainer.
“He’s like a professional soldier,” said Schnittker. “He got
cheap fractions, which is good for next week. He didn’t have
Michael Lisa to do much. He just had to brush for an eighth of a mile. I was
King Of The North (Mark MacDonald) winning the first a little concerned with the horse in the two-hole because I
of two Peter Haughton Memorial eliminations at The wanted to win so we can get a better post draw for the final.”
Meadowlands Friday night.
Elimination winners get to draw for post positions one
through six in both the Haughton and Doherty.
‘King’ reigns in Peter “He’s a really nice horse,” said Schnittker. “He’s like a 5-year-
Haughton eliminations old. Hopefully, he gets the job done next week.”
Global Pandemic, B A Superhero and Looks Like Moni finished
Robertsin wins the other Haughton third through fifth, respectively, in the six-horse field (with
one scratch) to earn spots in the final.
elimination; Joviality S wins lone Jim Doherty
King Of The North paid $3.60 to win after upping his stats to
elim. four wins from four lifetime starts.
by Dave Little / Meadowlands media relations Robertsin (a gelding by Muscle Hill—Sina) won the other
Haughton elim in wire-to-wire fashion for driver George
The horses are now set for the two marquee 2-year-old Brennan and trainer Nik Drennan. In winning for the first time
trotting events at The Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day in four career starts, Robertsin trotted the mile in 1:54.4 after
(Saturday, Aug. 7) as eliminations got field sizes down to 10 hitting the wire three-quarters-of-a-length to the good and
for the $275,000 (est.) Peter Haughton Memorial for colts returned $4.60 to win as the 6-5 public choice.
and geldings and $300,000 (est.) Jim Doherty Memorial for “I liked him right along,” said Brennan. “He’s been drawing
fillies Friday night at The Big M. bad posts [post nine in all three career starts heading into
King Of The North stamped himself as the favorite in the Friday] but he got to see the left side of the starter car
Haughton with an easy score in his elim in 1:56.1 for driver tonight [post five] and didn’t surprise me at all. He trotted
Mark MacDonald and trainer Ray Schnittker. The colt, a son home well into the wind. He’s awful good. Winning this race
of Walner—Check Me Out, used a quick burst of speed to get so we could draw a good post for the final was definitely on
by early leader Temporal Hanover heading to the half and my mind. You’re not just looking to qualify for the final and
tripped that beam in a sleepy :57.3. hope you draw well. I think it’s a great way to do it.”
4, M, $20,000, Trot, PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL Elimination - 2 Year Old Colts & Geldings, 29.0, 57.3, 1:27.1, 1:56.1, FT
1-King Of The North (c, 2, Walner--Check Me Out, by Donato Hanover) $10,000, $190,000 2020 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $135,000
O-Schnittker Ward & Arden Homestead Stable & Nolamaura Racing LLC & Steven Arnold. B-Steve Jones & Raymond W Schnittker. T-Ray Schnittker. D-Mark Macdonald.
2-Temporal Hanover (c, 2, Walner--Think Twice, by Cantab Hall) $5,000, $55,000 2020 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $80,000
O-Amg Stable Inc & Kenneth Kjellgren, SD & Rick T Wahlstedt & Heights Stable. B-Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. T-Marcus Melander. D-Brian Sears.
3-Global Pandemic (c, 2, Cantab Hall--Nicole’s Promise, by Dream Vacation) $2,400, $120,000 2020 SHS-HBG, Lifetime Record: 5-2-2-1, $83,080
O-Burke Racing Stable LLC & Hatfield Stables & Weaver Bruscemi LLC. B-Concord Stud Farm LLC. T-Ron Burke. D-Yannick Gingras.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 2, 1Q, 1H, 1Q, 1Q - Finish Order: B A Superhero, Looks Like Moni, Hl Balou, Periculum
Harness Racing Update | Page 13 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
6, M, $20,000, Trot, PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL Elimination - 2 Year Old Colts & Geldings, 28.0, 56.3, 1:25.3, 1:54.4, FT
1-Robertsin (g, 2, Muscle Hill--Sina, by Cantab Hall) $10,000, $60,000 2020 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 4-1-2-0, $22,500
O-Joseph Davino & Brad Shackman, CA & Drennan Stable LLC. B-Jeffrey R Gural & Moon Goddess LLC. T-Nik Drennan. D-George Brennan.
2-Letsdoit S (c, 2, Nuncio--Bacio, by Muscle Hill) $5,000, $30,000 2020 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $15,000
O-Stall Tz Inc. B-Stall Tz Inc. T-Marcus Melander. D-Brian Sears.
3-Classic Hill (c, 2, Muscle Hill--Classical Annie, by Andover Hall) $2,400, $210,000 2020 LEX-SEL, Lifetime Record: 4-0-2-1, $24,900
O-John A Schmucker. B-Black Creek Farm. T-Marcus Melander. D-Scott Zeron.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 1T, 1H, 1, 1H, T - Finish Order: Fast As The Wind, S I P, Grizzly Bare, Laws Of Motion
Letsdoit S, Classic Hill, Fast As The Wind and S I P finished
second through fifth, respectively, in the seven-horse field to
punch their tickets to the final.
Joviality S (Chapter Seven—Pasithea Face S) challenged
leader Delilah Hanover on the far turn before going on to a
convincing 2¼-length score in the lone Doherty elim. The
Marcus Melander trainee, who was driven by Brian Sears,
stopped the clock in a lifetime-best 1:54.1 in winning for the
second time in three lifetime outings. She paid $7.60 as the
second choice in the wagering.
With Venerable having received a bye, the top nine in the
official order of finish qualified for the final. Finishing second
through ninth, respectively, were Jiggy Jog S, Valentina Blu,
Brickhouse Babe, Raised By Lindy, 9-5 favorite Mon Cheval
(who went a brutal trip from post 10), Peyton Hanover,
Delilah Hanover and Pink Gypsy.
A LITTLE MORE: MacDonald led the driver’s colony with three
winners… Per Engblom trained a pair of winner’s circle visi-
tors… A carryover of $10,855 served as the catalyst for a total
pool of $51,845 in the 20-cent Pick-6. Those holding winning
tickets collected $2,720.04… All-source wagering totaled
$2,632,322.
9, M, $20,000, Trot, JIM DOHERTY MEMORIAL Elimination - 2 Year Old Fillies, 28.3, 58.0, 1:26.2, 1:54.1, FT
1-Joviality S (f, 2, Chapter Seven--Pasithea Face S, by Muscle Hill) $10,000, Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $39,433
O-Courant Inc. B-Am Bloodstock Inc. T-Marcus Melander. D-Brian Sears.
2-Jiggy Jog S (f, 2, Walner--Hot Mess Hanover, by Cantab Hall) $5,000, Lifetime Record: 4-0-3-0, $63,250
O-Jorgen Sparredal Inc. B-Vestmarka Ab, SD. T-Ake Svanstedt. D-Yannick Gingras.
3-Valentina Blu (f, 2, Chapter Seven--Corazon Blue Chip, by Muscle Hill) $2,400, Lifetime Record: 3-0-2-1, $19,616
O-Crawford Farms Racing. B-Spring Haven Farm & Doug Millard Holdings Usa Inc., CA. T-Tony Alagna. D-Andrew McCarthy.
@@ Replay @@ Calls: 1H, 1Q, 1T, 1, 2Q - Finish Order: Brickhouse Babe, Raised By Lindy, Mon Cheval, Peyton Hanover, Delilah Hanover, Pink Gypsy, Riding High
Harness Racing Update | Page 14 | August 1, 2021THE GREATEST NAME
IN HARNESS RACING CONGRATULATES
LISA PHOTO
FIRE START HANOVER
p,3, 1:49-’21 ($678,432)
Somebeachsomewhere - Fit To Frame by Art Major
$62,800 Tompkin Geers division winner last night at The Meadowlands.
OWNED BY: Pinske Stables, David House, Lawrence Means | TRAINED BY: Nifty Norman
DRIVEN BY: Dexter Dunn | BRED BY: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc.
HER SISTER BY ALWAYS B MIKI, FALANA HANOVER, SELLS IN LEXINGTON THIS FALL.
(717) 637-8931 fax: (717) 637-6766 www.hanoverpa.com hanover@hanoverpa.com
ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE
INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGERHarness Racing Update
2022 Illinois dates LYONS SERENITY
dilemma: Hawthorne is p,2, 1:52.2f-’21 ($25,218)
Sweet Lou - Southwind Serenity
the only applicant for both $20,435 Arden Downs division winner for
harness and thoroughbred 2yopf’s in a stakes record and career best of
p,2, 1:52.2f, yesterday at The Meadows.
dates in Chicago Owned by Threelyonsracing
Trained by Jim King, Jr.
As expected, thoroughbred racing at Arlington
Driven by Tim Tetrick
International will cease after this year.
Bred by Southwind Farms Llc.
by Neil Milbert
As expected, corporate owner Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI)
hasn’t applied for 2022 racing dates at Arlington International
Racecourse, leaving Hawthorne Racecourse as the only appli-
cant for both harness and thoroughbred dates in the Chicago
metropolitan area.
Friday (July 30) was the deadline for applications for the dates
that will be awarded by the Illinois Racing Board after hearings
on Sept. 23.
Hawthorne applied for 365 programs for both the standardbreds
and thoroughbreds, an unworkable arrangement because the
respective racing surfaces are incompatible and the stable area
can’t accommodate both breeds simultaneously.
But there was a very good reason for doing it that way. According
Jim Miller, the track’s director of horsemen’s relations, applying
for the entire calendar year for both gives Hawthorne the flex-
ibility it needs to come up with a compromise schedule that
meets the approval of both the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s
Association (IHHA) and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s
Association (ITHA).
“We’ve had a great relationship with both groups over the years
and I don’t expect there’s going to be any issues,” Miller said. “I
expect we’ll be meeting over the course of the next few weeks,
working in unison to put together a schedule that’s going to
make the most sense for everybody involved. We want to make
sure there are enough opportunities for both thoroughbred and
standardbred horsemen in the state of Illinois. We want to have
everything in place before the dates hearings.”
Tony Somone, executive director of the IHHA, sees the situation
in the same light.
“This is something we anticipated — it’s what we feared,”
Somone said. “We’re certainly not happy with it but we have to
Harness Racing Update | Page 15 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
deal with it. We’re going to have to share Hawthorne with the
THE SALE OF
thoroughbred horsemen. We have a terrific relationship and I’m
confident that we’ll find something that works for everybody.
“We’ll have an eye on securing some summer days. Making sure
2-year-olds have a complete racing season is so important to
CHAMPIONS
our breeding industry. With that in mind we will meet with the
thoroughbred leaders and Hawthorne and come up with an
amicable situation for everybody.”
It helps that Somone’s counterpart at the ITHA, Dave McCaffrey,
is a former harness driver and trainer and served as president
of the IHHA before becoming the ITHA’s executive director.
Currently, Hawthorne is conducting a 63-night harness meeting
CONGRATULATES
that began May 7 and will continue through Sept. 26. Racing is
held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
The harness meeting is sandwiched between two thoroughbred
meetings at Hawthorne for a total of 53 live days — from March
6-April 25 and from Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
Pari-mutuel harness racing also is scheduled at the two State
Fairs — at Springfield on Aug. 13, 14, 18 and 19 and at DuQuoin
on Aug. 27 and 28.
What appears to be the last thoroughbred meeting in Arlington’s
rich history that dates back to 1927 left the starting gate on LISA PHOTO
April 27 and will hit the finish-line on Sept. 30.
While Arlington is synonymous with thoroughbred racing its
history book does have a harness racing footnote. In 1976, its
dual-breed sister track, Washington Park, perished in a fire and
DELAYED HANOVER
3, 1:51.1-’21 ($259,318)
in 1977 and 1978 its harness meeting was moved to Arlington
by then-owner Gulf and Western, Corp. Although the two years
Southwind Frank - Don’t Wait Up
of racing at the 1 1/8 mile track were neither a financial nor an
artistic success, there were a couple of highlights. Future Hall of $50,000 Hambletonian elimination
Fame driver Dave Magee deadlocked Stan Banks for the driver winner in a life best of 1:51.1, last
title in 1978 and Hall of Fame pacing mare Silk Stocking set a
world record with a time of 1:57.4.
night at The Meadowlands.
In the 1970s at one time or another 10 tracks in Illinois Owned by: Mellby Gard Inc.,
conducted extended meetings, but there are only two survi-
vors — Hawthorne and downstate Fairmount Park, across the Ake Svanstedt Inc.
Mississippi River from St. Louis. After running an April 27-Sept. Trained by: Ake Svanstedt
6 thoroughbred meeting consisting of 63 live days this year,
Fairmount wants to expand to 150 programs in 2022 and race Driven by: Dexter Dunn
from March 12 through Nov. 20.
Bred by: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc.
In the past Fairmount also offered harness racing but ended its
involvement after its 1999 meeting and has no plans to offer
the sport in the future. DELAYED HANOVER SOLD FOR $230,000
Starting in the mid-1990s Illinois tracks began imploring the AT THE 2019 HARRISBURG SALE.
legislature to permit casino gambling, remaking them into raci-
nos that would funnel a portion of their revenue into the purse
accounts, thereby enhancing the quality of racing.
JOIN US NOVEMBER 8-12 IN HARRISBURG!
Arlington’s then sole owner Dick Duchossois, who rebuilt the
track into what Architectural Digest called the most beautiful (717) 637-8931
racetrack in the world following the 1985 fire that destroyed fax: (717) 637-6766
the clubhouse and grandstand, closed his thoroughbred palace theblackbook.com
in 1998 and 1999 in what proved to be a successful attempt to
Harness Racing Update | Page 16 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
get significant breaks in taxation. Earlier he had clamored for a
“racing industry casino” at Arlington that he said, “would have
made Illinois racing the best in the country.”
In 2000, Duchossois reopened Arlington and that same year he
merged with CDI, making him CDI’s biggest stockholder by far.
In addition, the CDI board of directors was expanded from 12
to 15 members with Duchossois, his son, Craig, and employee
Robert Fealy becoming the new members.
DELAYED HANOVER
“This day is historical for racing,” Duchossois said at the time. 3, 1:51.1-’21 ($259,318)
“This merger will benefit both Churchill Downs and Arlington Southwind Frank - Don’t Wait Up
and more important, it will strengthen our industry… in both
$50,000 Hambletonian elimination winner
Illinois and North America as well as benefit the horsemen and
in a life best of 1:51.1, last night at
fans who participate in the sport.” The Meadowlands.
It didn’t quite turn out that way.
Owned by Mellby Gard Inc.,
However, as recently as 2019 it seemed hope was on the hori- Ake Svanstedt Inc.
zon after a massive gambling expansion bill was approved and
Trained by Ake Svanstedt
signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzger.
Driven by Dexter Dunn
Hawthorne and Fairmount immediately began embarking on
racino projects, and Hawthorne’s $4 million venture is targeted Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc.
for completion late next summer.
But Arlington sent shock waves through Illinois racing by
passing up the opportunity to add the casino it had long been
pleading for. Parent company CDI said the reason was because
the horsemen’s cut was too big but the obvious intent was to
shield another of its holdings, the nearby Rivers Casino, from
competition.
After Neil Bluhm’s Rush Street Gaming opened Rivers in 2011
it quickly became the most profitable casino in the state and
in 2019 CDI bought a 62 per cent interest.
The offshoot: early this year CDI announced it was selling the
326-acre Arlington property for redevelopment.
CDI chief executive officer Bill Carstanjen prefaced the
announcement last summer when he said: “The long-term solu-
tion is not Arlington Park. The land will have higher and better
purposes for something at some point.”
Bidding closed June 15 and, according to CDI, “numerous parties
have made offers.” On June 17, the National Football League’s
Chicago Bears confirmed reports that they were among the
bidders.
Perhaps not by coincidence five days later the team announced
a deal with Rivers Casino to make its digital arm, BetRivers,
the team’s exclusive sportsbook and casino partner. The Daily
Herald conjectured that “Revelations of the sports gambling
partnership lends more fuel to long-held speculation that the
team might relocate to Arlington Park. And it shows that exec-
utives from the Bears and Churchill/Rush Street (Gaming) are
already talking.”
Reportedly, CDI turned down a $200 million offer for the race-
track and its casino license, according to an anti-trust complaint
filed with the Illinois attorney general’s office by the ITHA.
One other group that is led by former Arlington president Roy
Harness Racing Update | Page 17 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
Arnold and includes some prominent thoroughbred owners
THE SALE OF
and trainers has bid on the track with the intention of preserv-
ing thoroughbred racing there, but it appears to be doomed
because of CDIs attempt to make a twin-killing and by destroy-
ing Arlington as a racetrack gambling option and, at the same
CHAMPIONS
time, wiping out a potential casino rival to Rivers.
Following the 2000 CDI merger, Duchossois, who will turn 100
in October, continued to micro-manage Arlington but in recent
years he has assumed a passive role as chairman emeritus at the
track. Coinciding with him stepping back in involvement with
daily operations, he and his family sold a substantial amount
of their CDI stock in 2015 and 2017, going from a 25 per cent
interest to a 7.1 per cent holding and relinquished their seats
CONGRATULATES
on the board of directors.
While Duchossois has been hailed for his contributions to thor-
oughbred racing he can’t be called a friend of harness racing. In
1988, he acquired the downstate harness track Quad City Downs
but discontinued racing following its 1993 meeting.
In retrospect, it appears that the acquisition was made to take
advantage of the off-track betting parlor opportunities for Quad
City Downs that a newly-enacted law made possible. Following
the cessation of racing the track continued to operate as a
LISA PHOTO
simulcast outlet until January, 2015.
The closure of Quad City Downs as a racetrack deprived the
Chicago tracks of a minor league feeder that produced drivers,
trainers and horses. The list includes Magee and McCaffrey.
FIRE START HANOVER
Chicago harness racing’s ongoing dates shortage dilemma
p,3, 1:49-’21 ($678,432)
began when the sister tracks, Maywood Park and Balmoral Park, Somebeachsomewhere - Fit To Frame
were forced out of business because of bankruptcy following by Art Major
their 2015 meetings.
The situation arose after federal investigators wire-tapped $62,800 Tompkin Geers division
a phone conversation between Balmoral president John winner for 3yopf’s in a life best
Johnston and lobbyist Lon Monk, a confidant of former Gov. Rod
Blagojevich, during which Johnston emphasized the importance of 1:49.
of Blagojevich signing an extension of a casino impact fee bill
that had been passed by the state legislature. The bill called for Owned by: Pinske Stables, David House,
the state’s four most prosperous casinos at the time — Harrah’s
in Joliet, the Empress in Joliet, Hollywood in Aurora and Grand Lawrence Means
Victoria in Elgin — to allocate a portion of their gross revenue
to Balmoral, Maywood, Hawthorne and Arlington to be used Trained by: Nifty Norman
primarily for purses.
Driven by: Dexter Dunn
Monk, in turn, urged Johnston to make a $100,000 campaign
contribution to Blagojevich. Although the contribution never Bred by: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc.
was made, Blagojevich signed the bill shortly thereafter.
Blagojevich was sent to prison for trying to sell U.S. Senate seat
vacated when Barack Obama was elected president. The phone
FIRE START HANOVER SOLD FOR $105,000
conversation between Monk and Johnston was used as evidence
of the former governor’s corruption, prompting the four casinos
AT THE 2019 HARRISBURG SALE.
to sue Balmoral and Maywood for alleged complicity. They were
awarded $77.8 million in damages, bankrupting the tracks. JOIN US NOVEMBER 8-12 IN HARRISBURG!
At the hearings for 2016 racing dates Hawthorne and Arlington
formed an alliance in making a joint schedule proposal. (717) 637-8931
Hawthorne allotted Arlington a portion of its host track rev- fax: (717) 637-6766
enue from out-of-state simulcasts for purses and, in return, theblackbook.com
Arlington supported Hawthorne’s thoroughbred application
Harness Racing Update | Page 18 | August 1, 2021Harness Racing Update
and its proposal to conduct harness racing for the first time
since 2008.
In view of Balmoral and Maywood’s bankruptcy, the board denied their
dates requests — in effect, shutting them down permanently — and
approved the schedule jointly proposed by Arlington and Hawthorne.
The 2019 gambling expansion legislation calls for a replace-
ment in the form of a new harness track/casino to be located
in one of six townships in south suburban Chicago, and at the
dates hearings in September of that year it seemed as though PERFECT STING
a racino in the village of Tinley Park was a done deal. p,3, 1:48.1-’21 ($841,577)
Real estate developer and video gaming magnate Rick Heidner Always B Miki - Shebestingin
was planning to buy the former Tinley Park Mental Health
Center and build a state-of-the-art facility and the Racing Board $78,700 Tompkin Geers division winner for
approved his application for a Dec. 6-29. 2020 harness meeting. 3yopc’s in 1:49, last night at The Meadowlands.
But a month later it was revealed that Heidner had business ties Owned by Brittany Farms LLC &
to a banking family with alleged organized crime connections Val Dor Farms
and Gov. Pritzger called off the sale of the property.
Since then the possibility of a new harness racino has been in Trained by Joe Holloway
limbo, leaving Hawthorne as the only game in town for stand- Driven by David Miller
ardbred horsemen and in 2022 thoroughbred horsemen will
find themselves in the same unenviable situation. Bred by Brittany Farms LLC &
“It’s certainly not going to be perfect for everybody,” Somone said, Val Dor Farms
“but we’ll come up with an amicable situation for everybody.”
Harness Racing Update | Page 19 | August 1, 2021You can also read
