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News
HERVE FILION IS BACK IN NY
Tuesday July 22, 2008
For the first time in too many years to count, Herve Filion will be racing again in New York. Look for him this coming Saturday July 26 at Tioga Downs as he adds to his 15K+ racing victories. You heard it here first folks. Trust OFFSTRIDE.COM
NYSS AT YONKERS TO BE RESCHEDULED LATHAM, N.Y.-The New York State Racing and Wagering Board on Thursday, June 16, approved a request from Yonkers Raceway to cease live harness racing after its card on June 25 to begin construction for its new VLT facility.
New York Sire Stakes races and the Night of Champions that were scheduled at Yonkers will be relocated, however, an effort will be made to keep the original dates unchanged. A new schedule for these events will be released in the coming days. Questions may be directed to the Harness Horse Breeders office at 518-785-5858.
March 17, 2005NEW YORK STATE SENATE PASSES VLT BILLS
ALBANY, NY-The New York State Senate passed two important bills on Thursday, March 17, that are intended to correct the current video lottery terminal (VLT) legislation and make installation of the machines viable at all racetracks.
The current VLT legislation was passed in 2003, but to date only four of the eight tracks permitted to run the machines have installed them: Buffalo Raceway, Finger Lakes Racetrack, Monticello Raceway and Saratoga Raceway. From the beginning, racetrack operators have voiced concerns that they could not afford to operate VLTs at the legislated revenue splits.
This prompted Jeff Gural, a breeder, track owner and Harness Horse Breeders director, to spearhead a movement to "fix" the legislation by giving racetracks a larger vendor's fee and dedicating a portion of revenue for marketing and promotion, something currently absent from the law.
Senate Bill 2594, the so-called "Gural Bill," was sponsored by Senator William Larkin, Chairman of the Racing and Wagering Committee, and passed by a 50-5 margin.
"I'm very pleased that we're finally making progress and it shows what can happen when an industry joins together and tries to get something done," said Gural. "We are hopeful that the Assembly and Governor will now follow suit."
The bill is for 15 years and allows for racetracks to receive a vendor fee of 32 percent on the first $50 million of revenue from VLTs, 29 percent on the next $100 million and 26 percent thereafter. From these percentages, tracks will contract directly with horsemen's associations and the breeders for the percentages going to track purses and the Sire Stakes program, consistent with the existing law. Racetracks will also receive an additional marketing allowance of eight percent on the first $100 million of revenue and five percent thereafter to be used for promotional purposes.
Senate Bill 2594 has the support of all track owners, all horsemen's organizations, and both the Thoroughbred and harness horse breeders organizations.
"If passed by the Assembly and signed into law, this will insure a strong breeding and racing program in New York State for many years to come," said Robert A. Brooks, Harness Horse Breeders executive director. "We are confident that should this become law, it will allow all racetracks, particularly Yonkers Raceway, to open and operate VLTs in the near future. It will also allow the New York Sire Stakes to continue as the premier program in the country."
The second bill that was passed, Senate Bill 3276, the so-called "Governor's Bill," was also introduced by Sen. Larkin and was carried by a 48-7 vote.
This alternate plan calls for the racetracks to receive a fixed vendor's fee of 20.25 percent. Tracks will also enter into a 10-year contract with the State Lottery Division, funded by an annual appropriation from the general fund, for an additional marketing and promotion allowance of up to 13.75 percent. From the marketing allowance, tracks would distribute funds to track purses and the breeders on the following schedule:
Purses years 1-3 7.5%
years 4-5 7.75%
years 6-10 10%
Breeders years 1-5 1.25%
years 6-10 1.5%
These percentages are the maximum allowed and are subject to negotiations with the racetracks. The remainder of the marketing allowance will be used for promotion, but will be capped at $3 million per track per year.
Both bills will now be forwarded to the Assembly for consideration. It is anticipated that the "Gural Bill" will be sponsored by Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, the new Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering who also represents Yonkers Raceway.
August 16,2004
ENFLAMMATORY, ARMBRO BARRISTER WIN ZWEIG TROT DIVISIONS AT SYRACUSE MILE Photo click hereSYRACUSE, N.Y.-The return of the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot to the Syracuse Mile on Sunday, Aug. 15, was met with a large crowd at the New York State Fairgrounds and an ovation for the winners of the two $109,150 divisions. Odds-on favorite Enflammatory scored in the fastest split and longshot Armbro Barrister surprised the crowd with his victory earlier on the card.
Enflammatory and driver Brian Sears took an early seat third in the second division. Mystical Sunshine-the only filly to enter against the colts-cut out the pace with Stephane Bouchard up. But at the half, Enflammatory came first over and drew away in the stretch to a 2 3/4 length victory in 1:54.1. The public correctly installed him as the overwhelming favorite at 3-5.
A photo was needed to separate the next three finishers, with Mystical Sunshine holding on for second, Il Pirata third and Self Obsessed fourth.
"In mid-stretch he really drew off," said Ted Gewertz, who owns the winning son of Enjoy Lavec with Patricia Spinelli, Martha Frank and trainer Trond Smedshammer. "I thought maybe he could get behind the filly early, but he got out third and had to come first up. He did what was expected and it worked out well."
Enflammatory, a winner of the New Jersey Sire Stakes final earlier in the season, was not eligible to the Hambletonian-which was won by stablemate Windsong's Legacy-but is well staked for the remainder of the season, according to Gewertz.
Sears, formerly a regular driver at nearby Vernon Downs and now a leader at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, was warmly received by the crowd on his first visit back to Syracuse in several years. Fans cheered and called out his name as he circled Enflammatory in front of the grandstand for a victory lap.
In the first Zweig Trot division, Armbro Barrister and trainer-driver Ray Schnittker peeled out of the second-over position and flew down the stretch for a 1:5.1 win at 13-1 odds. His last quarter in :28.2 helped secure a new career mark for the son of Malabar Man.
American Mike and driver Ron Pierce were 1 3/4 lengths back in second and Amebury, with Steve Smith steering, rounded out the trifecta.
"He was loaded; he just exploded down the stretch," said Schnittker after the race. "On a mile track he hasn't been that great, so I was a little surprised. The last two weeks he's finished well and that was always his week spot."
Schnittker owns the colt with Earl Scheelar, Ron Kelkenberg's Kelk's Inc., and Jack Adkins. Now with three straight victories, Schnittker believes Armbro Barrister is finally hitting his stride, midway through the stakes season.
The drivers of both horses captured their first Zweig Trot victories. Dr. Harry Zweig's widow, Anne Zweig, and son Brian were in the winner's circle to congratulate the connections of each winner.
In the Zweig Filly Division, Jeff Gregory gave Enjoy The Sun a pocket trip and charged home for an easy 1:56.4 win. Trained by Jan Johnson for Arden Homestead Stable and Adelaide Skoglund, Gregory delighted in winning for owners he had driven regularly for in the past.
"Today she had a lot of trot coming out of the last turn and she felt very strong finishing. She was great-a very nice filly," stated Gregory in the winner's circle.
In New York Sire Stakes State Fair racing on the undercard, last year's 2-year-old pacing colt champion, Uleavemebreathless, demonstrated that he is finally back after an early season injury that delayed his start as a 3-year-old.
Directed by Gregory, the colt by Sealed N Delivered took over the lead early and drew off by 7 1/4 lengths to win in 1:53.3. It was his first win of the season and a new career mark. The colt is owned by breeder Mathias Meinzinger and Thomas Haupert. He is trained by Chris Ryder.
Donna's Girl, the leading 3-year-old filly pacer so far this season, continued to exhibit her "bad habit," as driver Howard Okusko Jr. puts it, in her division. Once on the lead, the Village Jove miss tends to pull herself up turning for home.
"She pulled up at the top of the lane and let (Stephane Bouchard and L Dees Aunt Ang) go right by her and then came back," said the driver, who added that he knew all along that she would fight back to win.
Claude Incaudo owns the Howard Okusko Sr.-trained filly with Carol Okusko. "I was worried in the turn, but then I'm always worried when she races," said Incaudo. "She was tough today."
This program marked the conclusion of the three-day State Fair racing meet at the Syracuse Mile.
August 14,2004
GREGORY OPENS SYRACUSE MEET WITH FIVE WINSSYRACUSE, N.Y.--Friday the thirteenth may be unlucky for some, but not for driver Jeff Gregory. He dominated the New York Sire Stakes State Fair races contested on the opening day of the Syracuse Mile meet by winning five of the 14 events.
The forecasted rain on Friday held out at the New York State Fairgrounds until the afternoon's twelfth race, but rains the previous evening and during the morning produced a sticky racing surface that was rated good by the judges.
Gregory, who earned his first Sire Stakes driving title last year and who is well on his way to defending it this year, added another victory each in the win columns of stablemates Victory Speech, a 2-year-old trotting colt, and Chapeau, a 2-year-old pacing filly.
These Sire Stakes standouts, owned by Michael Polansky and trained by Dave Spagnola, have dominated their divisions through two legs and now the State Fair. Sir Taurus colt Victory Speech, who won in 2:02.2, now boasts a perfect three-win record. Chapeau, a daughter of Magical Mike, has won her three Sire Stakes starts by a combined 18 1/2 lengths and scored Friday in 2:02.3.
Gregory scored the fastest win of the day with 2-year-old pacing filly Pop Queen in 2:00.4. She is owned by the Fred Monteleone Stable and Sal Promuto. Trainer Jimmy Cruise Jr. just received the filly in his barn after she trained down with Anne Schlichtig.
Gregory also steered Off The Wall (2:06.4) and Ferrari Of (2:04.3) to victories.
The owners of 2-year-old pacing filly Giorgi's Bambina joked in the winner's circle that they have not been successful in the harness racing business. But Charles and Giorgan Iannazzo's long-standing commitment to the sport finally paid off when their homebred won her State Fair division.
"It's like watching a grandchild," said Charles of breeding and witnessing his filly's win. "Her mother (It's Black Magic) raced and was in a dead heat here, but didn't win. This filly is perfectly well mannered and the trainer says she does everything right."
The 2:01.3 victory was the first for the Village Jove miss who is trained by John Berger. Rod LaFramboise was driving the filly for the second time in her short three-race career.
"We left and sat in the pocket and then got out in the stretch and she worked out a pretty nice trip," said LaFramboise. "She's a very professional filly."
Homebred Minnesota Chelsea romped in the 13th race, besting her 2-year-old trotting filly foes by 10 1/2 lengths. She only needed to go in a comfortable 2:07 to win for D.R. Ackerman, in the bike for his father and owner Doug Ackerman.
The card had several longshot winners, with 76-1 Trotting Beauty producing the largest $2.00 win ticket at $154.50. Owned by Blue Chip Partners and driven by trainer John Stark Jr., the Sir Taurus filly made a late charge down the stretch to secure his first one-the-board finish all year.
Racing and pari-mutuel wagering continues at the Syracuse Mile on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15. Saturday's card will feature State Fair races for 3-year-old colt and filly trotter and for 2-year-old colt pacers.
The Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot, the highlight of the three-day meet, will be raced in two $109,150 divisions on Sunday afternoon. Two Hambletonian finalists are among the fourteen starters and leading Meadowlands driver and Hall of Fame nominee Ron Pierce will be among the drivers shipping in especially for the event. Post time is 1 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Free buses are available from downtown Syracuse to the track each racing day. Blue Chip Transportation buses will leave from the intersection of East Washington and Salina Streets at noon on Friday and at noon and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Buses will depart for the return trip from the NYS Fairgrounds 15 minutes after the last race daily.
For more information, please call the Syracuse Mile at 315-487-7711 X1390.
August 13,2004
TWO ZWEIG MEMORIAL DIVISIONS SUNDAY AT SYRACUSESYRACUSE, N.Y.-Two Hambletonian starters and one courageous filly are among the 14 horses entered in the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot, the feature event of the Syracuse Mile meet, on Sunday, Aug. 15, at the New York State Fairgrounds.
American Mike and Castle Of Fortune, both from the barn of trainer Charlie Norris, will be heading to Syracuse for the Zweig Trot following sixth and seventh-place finishes, respectively, in the Hambletonian on Aug. 7. With 14 entrants, the Zweig was split into two $109,150 divisions and Norris will have an entrant in each.
"They were all right last week, but they were never really in the hunt," said Norris of his Hambo starters. "We were hoping for a quick pace and it didn't work out that way."
Norris, a Western Pennsylvania horseman, will be visiting the Syracuse Mile for the first time in his career. Both American Mike and Castle Of Fortune are homebreds owned by Robert Key, also of Pennsylvania.
"They're feeling good and eating good this week, so I hope they will do well," said the trainer of his prospects in the Zweig.
Trainer Chris Ryder decided to try filly Mystical Sunshine against the colts. She will start in the 11th race Zweig division from post one with leading Yonkers Raceway reinsman Stephane Bouchard.
A winner of the $438,949 Elegantimage Stakes earlier in the season, Mystical Sunshine has won five races this year and earned $312,000. She scored in her elimination for the Hambletonian Oaks, but was used early in the final and finished at the back of the field. The Yankee Glide filly is owned by Alvin Jacobson and Sidney Korn.
While uncommon for a filly to race in the Open division, the most recent to try and succeed was My Starchip, who won in 2002.
Enflammatory has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in the same division as Castle Of Fortune and Mystical Sunshine. Self Obsessed is the 7-2 second choice in that division.
Enflammatory will start for trainer Trond Smedshammer and is a stablemate of Hambletonian winner Windsong's Legacy. The gelding is a New Jersey Sire Stakes champion owned by Smedshammer with Patricia Spinelli, Martha Frank and Ted Gewertz. Regular driver Brian Sears will be in the bike.
Trainer-driver Ray Schnittker is confident that Self Obsessed, from post four, has a solid chance in the field.
"He seems to be turning the corner. He won the Townsend Ackerman and felt good doing it," said Schnittker.
Early-season Hambletonian buzz surrounded Self Obsessed, but after finishing a disappointing fifth in the Dexter Cup after winning his elim, he failed to fire in any of his other stakes engagements until the Ackerman, a $50,000 event at the Meadowlands on Aug. 6.
The filly division of the Zweig, carrying a $40,000 purse, is headlined by New York Sire Stakes standout Becca J and the New Jersey filly Enjoy The Sun.
Becca J is trained and driven by Saratoga Raceway's John Stark Jr. for owner Ken Jacobs of nearby Baldwinsville, N.Y. Enjoy The Sun is trained by trotting specialist Jan Johnson for Arden Homestead Stable and Adelaide Skoglund. Last weekend Johnson captured his sixth Hambletonian Oaks with another filly in his barn, Silver Springs.
The 12-race Zweig Day card also features New York Sire Stakes State Fair divisions for 3-year-old colt and filly pacers and three divisions of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Trot.
Live harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the Syracuse Mile will be held Friday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 15. Post time each day is 1:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Free buses are available from downtown Syracuse to the track each racing day. Blue Chip Transportation buses will leave from the intersection of East Washington and Salina Streets at noon on Friday and at noon and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Buses will depart for the return trip from the NYS Fairgrounds 15 minutes after the last race daily.
For more information, call the Syracuse Mile at 315-487-5780.
The fields for the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot Sunday are:
Race Eight $109,150
1. Armbro Barrister
2. Amesbury
3. Real Leader
4. Math Ace
5. Rocky Balboa
6. Uncle Vernon
7. American Mike
Race Eleven $109,150
1.. Mystical Sunshine
2.. Il Pirata
3.. Enflammatory
4.. Self Obsessed
5.. Castle Of Fortune
6.. Desert Classic
7.. Arctic Hanover
Race Seven-Filly Division $40,000
1. Wolf's Gwen (Post 1)
1A. Lisa Go Go (Post 2)
2. Malabar Melody
3. Forever Joy
4. Enjoy The Sun
5. Celebrity Demi
6. Becca J
7. Claiming The Title
MICKEYS HIT HEALTHY AND HOPING FOR FIRST WIN SYRACUSE, N.Y.-The connections of 3-year-old trotter Mickeys Hit finally believe that he is primed and ready to win his first race of the year on Saturday, Aug. 14. After overcoming several health problems, the Richard Dow-owned gelding will be competing in one of five New York Sire Stakes State Fair divisions at the Syracuse Mile.
"We're probably going to get one on Saturday," said Dow of victory eluding his horse so far this year. "He's a good solid horse and he just gives his all."
Dow, a resident of Holland Patent, N.Y., and an occasional driver at Vernon Downs, purchased Mickeys Hit as a yearling. The gelding earned almost $40,000 as a two year old and won four of his 10 starts-including a track-record setting performance at Vernon Downs.
As a three year old, however, the colt has a string of second and third-place finishes in the Sire Stakes, but has not posed for any pictures in the winner's circle yet.
"At Saratoga (his last two starts) I think we finally got him right," said Dow. "We knew something was wrong with him, but we couldn't figure it out. The end of the mile he just wasn't right. We took blood tests and nothing came back, then one said his thyroid (hormones) were a little low. We put him on thyroid medicine, but we didn't think that was the whole problem. Then we did an allergy test and found out he was allergic to alfalfa-and he was eating alfalfa cubes every day."
After changing the horse's diet and putting him on medicine, he has now put on a little weight and filled out some.
"He's finally on the right track," said Dow, who will be in attendance at the New York State Fairgrounds Saturday to watch what he hopes will be his horse's first victory in 2004 in the fourth race.
Though Mickeys Hit has been using a pocket trip nearly all summer to ride to the finish line, Dow explained that he is actually better on the front end. "When he comes to that last quarter and is on the front and a horse comes after him, he gives even more than he has."
Should he get the lead, Mickeys Hit, the 5-2 morning line favorite, will have to contend with Clint Galbraith's Latino Kash from post seven. That homebred colt is a closer and could challenge whichever horse is on top coming down the stretch.
Also featured on the 11-race card Saturday are three divisions of 3-year-old trotting fillies and three divisions of 2-year-old pacing colts. Total purses for the afternoon reach nearly $210,000.
Among the trotting fillies starting are two from the stable of Paul and Pauline Nower trained by Jody Weidman: El Paso Gal in the second race and Comeupforair in the third. Both won their last Sire Stakes leg at Monticello and look to become the standouts of the class.
The outstanding young pacing colt Pat's All Star was installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite in the race 11. Driver Jeff Gregory has been entrusted with extending the colt's career winning streak to five. Dear Old Boy in the same division with Gates Brunet will attempt to be the spoiler and score his third win of the year following a second-place finish to Pat's All Star their last time out.
Live harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the Syracuse Mile will be held Friday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 15. The Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot will be featured on Sunday, with two of the recent Hambletonian starters among the entrants. Post time each day is 1:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Free buses are available from downtown Syracuse to the track each racing day. Blue Chip Transportation buses will leave from the intersection of East Washington and Salina Streets at noon on Friday and at noon and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Buses will depart for the return trip from the NYS Fairgrounds 15 minutes after the last race daily.
For more information, call the Syracuse Mile at 315-487-5780.
August 6,2004
TOP TROTTING FILLIES HOLD THEIR GROUND AT SARATOGASARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—Seven splits of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies proved to be a showcase of front-end victories at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Friday night, Aug. 6.
The two early season favorites in this division, Twin B Senorita and Minnesota Chelsea, continued to prove themselves with unchallenged victories. Twin B Senorita won at 1-9 odds in 2:05.1 for trainer-driver Ray
Schnittker. Blue Chip Partners and first-time harness horse owners James Burke and John Hamilton own the filly.
“I’ve usually been on the betting side of racing and now it’s a lot of fun to be on the ownership side,” revealed Hamilton. “I learn more and more every day. It’s great to have a horse like this for your first time.”
Minnesota Chelsea cut the mile and won her event in 2:06.3 for driver D.R. Ackerman. His father, Hall of Famer Doug Ackerman, bred, owns and trains the filly by Credit Winner.
“She does everything I tell her—and every time we go to the gate, I tell her to win,” joked D.R. Ackerman in the winner’s circle. Minnesota Chelsea has now won three of her four starts, including two Sire Stakes and a Hanover division at Balmoral Park in Chicago. Her career bankroll now stands at $37,000.
Only one of the events was won from off the pace when Winsmith Dawn crafted a pocketsitting 2:05.3 victory with trainer-driver Gary Messenger. The pair followed leader Ginger Girl around the oval and pulled out to roll home and win comfortably under the wire.
“She was a little sore last week, but we did some work on her and she was a lot better tonight,” said Messenger of the Credit Winner filly’s first on-the-board finish.
In her previous Sire Stakes start at Messenger’s home track of Monticello, she broke stride at the start and finished a distanced fifth. Winsmith Dawn is owned by Scott Woogen.
South Jersey Angel scored in 2:05.3 for owner-trainer Ed Hart of Middletown, N.Y. Earlier in the evening, another Hart-trained horse, Village Jolt, won the $432,000 Woodrow Wilson for 2-year-old pacers at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
Serena Blue Chip won in 2:07.2 for the team of Frank Baldachino, Edward Pryce and Peter and Murray Goldberg. Miracle Money broke her maiden with a 2:04.3 victory for former Saratoga trainer Wayne Harrington and driver Kim Crawford. I’m A Star closed out the evening with the fastest time, 2:04, for trainer-driver John Stark Jr., who owns the Sir Taurus filly with Richard Moreland and Doug Karam.
First-crop New York sire Credit Winner sired five of the evening’s seven winners, with Sir Taurus fillies winning the other two divisions.
Sire Stakes action continues at Saratoga Saturday evening with 2-year-old pacing colts. Post time is 7:10 p.m.
FIRST AUDITION TRIES OUT FOR SIRE STAKES AGAINLATHAM, N.Y.-Bob and Linda Kinney may be from Massachusetts, but they have thoroughly invested in racing in the New York Sire Stakes program just across the border in the Empire State. One of their charges is First Audition, who will start in the first of four Sire Stakes divisions at Monticello Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 8, when more than $125,000 in purses will be distributed.
In her last Sire Stakes appearance, First Audition sabotaged her own efforts by making a head-strong break when things didn't go her way. She ended up finishing a distanced seventh with trainer-driver Don Guidette Jr. in the bike.
"We got caught in traffic going to Saratoga that day--we were at a standstill--and she threw a fit in the trailer," Bob Kinney explained. "I thought she was going to rock the trailer over. She pulled her shoe and was all worked up.
"When we finally go to the track, we put a new shoe on her and I just couldn't get her calmed down," he continued. "We warmed her up a couple of times and she was still worked up. In the race, Don had her in the back and she wanted to go that night because she was full of herself and she didn't like taking back. When she couldn't go, she had enough of it (and broke)."
The Kinney's own First Audition with William Grass, son of well-known New England breeder Dr. Albert Grass, and Guidette. She trains over Guidette's one-third mile track at his farm in Winchester, Mass., so she has a distance to travel anywhere to race. However, Kinney believes the straight highway route to Monticello will make the trip a little easier on his Movie Mogul filly.
"She's kind of high strung," explained Kinney. "I haven't seen a lot of good fillies that aren't high strung, though."
In her last start, First Audition moved first-over to score an easy victory in a New York-bred Late Closer event. Kinney said despite her success, she was a little sick that night.
"Hopefully, we'll be charging on all cylinders for Sunday," he stated. "She has a lot of ability and we haven't seen all that she has yet."
Division leader Becca J will be favored in the fourth race Sire Stakes division after winning the first two legs in impressive fashion. Trainer-driver John Stark Jr. will be up for owner Ken Jacobs.
Just Like Jack will also be looking for her third Sire Stakes win this year in the sixth race. Jeff Gregory will steer for trainer Perry Simser and owners Gary Greenhouse, Harvey Friedman and Ronald Rubinstein. The Sir Taurus filly is already a winner of $33,000 this year.
The Sire Stakes will be competed as races two, four, six and eight on the program. Post time is 1:10 p.m.
PACING COLTS PUT RECORDS ON THE LINE AT SARATOGA LATHAM, N.Y.-Several strong fields of 2-year-old pacing colts will start at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Saturday evening, Aug. 7, with four of the entrants looking to extend their unbeaten records.
One of the colts boasting a perfect slate so far in his young career is Eyes On Kassa, who headlines the third race division from post six for Central New York owner Ken Jacobs.
"His conformation is a strength and the maturity of the horse is very special. That's what I look for," explained Jacobs. "You can do anything with him. At Sandy Creek (a county fair), he was pretty awesome for that track. At Saratoga, I told John (trainer-driver John Stark Jr.) to put him in a hole. He sat fourth and then pulled going to the half and went to the front. So he can sit in a hole or leave. He's like an older horse"
Jacobs expects Eyes On Kassa to leave the gate for early position on Saturday, but he will contend with another leaver, Smoky Bonz from post two.
Also a Kassa Branca colt, Smoky Bonz has a 1:57.2 mark in an overnight event at Plainridge Racecourse, a five-eighths mile track in Massachusetts. He logged a :28.2 first quarter in that event, proving that he can get off the starting gate for owner and breeder Nelson Malin III.. Seasoned horseman Clint Galbraith will be directing Smoky Bonz for the first time.
Kassa Smoke on the rail has been strong on the fair circuit and will try to best his third-place finish in the last Sire Stakes round. Rustling Jeff will also be a contender after a runner-up finish in the last round.
"Other than the race with Pat's All Star, we've got the toughest division," said Jacobs. "There are a number of very good horses in there. It's a very interesting field."
As Jacobs alluded, Pat's All Star, with a perfect three-win record, starts in the ninth race with two other colts who have never tasted defeat. Braedens Drive, directed by leading Saratoga driver Dan Cappello Jr. from post two, has two victories and Gates Brunet's Dear Old Boy leaves from post six with a two-win slate.
Pat's All Star, owned by 89-year-old Pat Tarsio, has the fastest record of all the Sire Stakes starters. He earned a 1:54.2 mark in a Reynolds stake at Pocono Downs and now has nearly $25,000 on his card in just a few starts.
The Sire Stakes will be contested as races three, six, seven and nine on the fifteen-race card. Post time is 7:10 p.m.
August 4,2004
No Indian Casino for Monticello Raceway
For the third time in a decade, the Monticello Raceway casino dreams have been ruined. First with the New York Oneidas, who walked away from a casino deal, and then with the St. Regis Mohawks, who now plan a casino at Kutsher's Sports Academy. Now the Cayugas negotiations with Governor Pataki have fallen apart.
The tribe says that the state went back on a deal to pay the tribe a court-ruled settlement of $247.9 million over 14 years in exchange for the casino, claim settlement and the tribe's purchase of 10,000 acres in the land claim area.
In June Governor Pataki announced a tentative deal Could be finalized by September. Monticello Raceway hoped to start construction in the fall of a $700 million casino that included highly profitable table games. The casino would have been built on land given by the raceway to the tribe, funded by the tribe, and managed by the raceway.
TWO TRACK RECORDS FALL AT SARATOGA IN SIRE STAKESSARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--New York Sire Stakes winners broke two track records at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Tuesday evening, Aug. 3, when five divisions of 2-year-old trotters went to post.
Victory Speech was an impressive victor in his division, drawing away from the field early in the mile and extending that to 20 lengths under the wire in 2:00.3. The son of Sir Taurus broke the previous record for 2-year-old trotting colt, set in 1998, by two-fifths of a second.
Owned by Michael Polansky of Loudonville, N.Y., and trained by Saratoga’s Dave Spagnola, Victory Speech seems to be breaking records where ever he goes. In his first career start, the colt set a 2:02 track record at
Monticello Raceway in another Sire Stakes event.
While driver Jeff Gregory felt Victory Speech was a little too aggressive at Monticello, he noted that the colt has matured a little since that 34-length blow-out. “He was a little more relaxed than last time,” he said in the winner’s circle. “I was able to slow the half down some today. He just very good.”
Polansky was very happy with this start and revealed, “We’re looking toward the Hambletonian with him.”Hewitt Blue Chip, directed by Ray Schnittker, set a new track record for 2-year-old gelding trotters, cutting the mile to win by 15 ¾ lengths in 2:00.3. This broke the record set just last year by 2 3/5 seconds.
Steve Demeter co-owns the Sir Taurus gelding with Schnittker and Seal Stable. “I predicted before the race that he would set new record tonight,” said Demeter. “He is a very good horse right now.”
Demeter’s other entry during the evening, Connors Blue Chip, did not fair as well. He had a tough trip and after trying for the lead, faded to finish third.
Nicky J and Gregory waited in the pocket and came on to win in 2:04.4 for Ken Jacobs. Ray VanDreason trains the Credit Winner colt.
Darsun wired his field to win in 2:01.4 for owners Ann Yurenka, Nancy Cole and Bill Bailey. The son of Sprint Victory has now scored in four of his seven career starts.
And Peppermint Devil rounded out the Sire Stakes events with a 2:02.4 win, giving Gregory his third of the evening. Locals Gary Greenhouse, Harvey Friedman and Ronald Rubenstein own the Credit Winner colt.
Sire Stakes action continues Wednesday at Saratoga with 3-year-old colt trotters.
August 2,2004
Vernon's Down - Pink slips to over 100 employees In a memo sent to all Vernon Downs "Employees, Horsemen and Backstretch Community." there will be temporary layoffs in all departments will be effective Monday August 2. The racing secretary's office will be closed, all maintenance will be curtailed unless it is essential to the safety and security of the physical plant and equipment, and horse training facilities, including use of the main track, will be cut back.
This follows last week's ending of live racing at Vernon brought on by the illegal loan taken from the horsemen's purse account by the track. It is estimated that $700,000 would be needed just to open the doors to start live racing again. The track owes bills of about $2 million, in addition to a $26 million mortgage.
Raceway Ventures, owner of 52 percent of the stock in Mid-State Raceway, the parent company of Vernon Downs, has been ordered by the state to divest its stock by Aug. 23. The three partners that make up Raceway Ventures have been denied track licenses by the state of New York.
About 400 horses remain housed at the track along with many horsemen that call the Vernon Downs backstretch their home. Some have found racing at Saratoga but for the rest, their future is uncertain. Hearings are scheduled to be held at the state Supreme court and Racing and Wagering Board this week to determine the track's future. All of the results hinge upon Vernon owns finding an owner suitable to be licensed.
July 31, 2004
DONNA'S GIRL HANGS ON AT BUFFALO HAMBURG, N.Y.--Donna's Girl faced her toughest challenge this year when the 3-year-old pacing filly pulled off her tightest victory yet in New York Sire Stakes action at Buffalo Raceway on Friday, July 30. Directed by Howard Okusko Jr., Donna's Girl set all the fractions but survived a late charge by pocketsitter Cherry Cherry by just a nose in 1:57.2.
Cherry Cherry, handled by Jamie Dunlap, turned in a :28.1 last quarter to nearly nab the current division leader. Donna's Girl, a daughter of Village Jove, is trained by Howard Okusko Sr. for his wife, Carol, and Claude Incaudo.
Okusko Jr. also turned in a 1:59.3 victory with his own Dark Surprize. That Easter Sun Hanna filly charged down the stretch to beat David's Art by 6 ¼ lengths at 28-1 odds. She is owned by Okusko's clock Farm LLC and Thomas Witt.
Miss Zinfandel, the even-money favorite in that race, broke early and finished well behind the leaders for trainer-driver John Stark Jr.
Also scoring in their divisions were Three Bee's, a daughter of Three Wizzards owned by Pamela and John Dutchick, in 1:59; and Caroles Magic Gift, a homebred Magical Mike filly for Robert Gifford, who won in 1:58.
All four Sire Stakes splits raced for purses of more than $31,000.
CLASSY CONNORS HAS TOUGH COMPETITION AT SARATOGA
LATHAM, N.Y.-The last time Connors Blue Chip raced, the gang of owners that lay claim to him donned personalized baseball caps bearing the colt's name and proudly showed off their lucky charm-mismatched shoes. Wearing one black and one brown loafer seemed to do the trick, with the son of Sir Taurus trotting home an easy 2:04 victor.
That luck will be tried again, however, when Connors Blue Chip starts in one of four $14,856 Sire Stakes divisions at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
The 2 year old is trained by the Ray Schnittker Stable for East My Dust Stable (Frank Baldassare and Schnittker), Stephen Demeter, Kindergarten Stud (Bill, Lydia and Jean Brown) and Dr. Herb Burns.
"I've owned a lot of good horses, but this horse is the most fun I've ever had," revealed Baldassare after the Monticello victory.
That fun may be due to the horse, or may be due to the ownership team, all long-time friends and partners.
"His gait stood out from day one," explained Burns, who serves as the veterinarian at Blue Chip Farms, where the colt was raised and where Burns had the opportunity to care for the colt before purchasing him at auction with his partners.
Connors Blue Chip is the last foal out of Dan Gernatt's very successful broodmare Amanda T Collins. Her richest offspring was Vernon Blue Chip, a filly winner of $540,000, including victories in the Merrie Annabelle at age two and the New York Sire Stakes championship at age three.
Despite Connors' pedigree and enthusiastic ownership team, he must still conquer seven others in his field to bring home his third win in four starts. Among those that will challenge is Prime Rate, who must clean the slate after breaking stride in his Sire Stakes event at Monticello, though he did still manage to finish second. He will be directed by Meadowlands regular George Brennan. Also, Big Zach Attack, a winner of four of his five career starts with trainer-driver Scott Campbell, will try to move from the county fair winner's circle to the pari-mutuel one.
Victory Speech, the track record setter at Monticello Raceway his last time out, will likely go off as the overwhelming favorite in the seventh race. Driver Jeff Gregory, who accompanied the colt in his record-breaking 2:02 mile, will again be up.
The homebred Getthemoney will try to continue bringing home the dough for owner Peter Sienkwicz in the ninth race. Terry Finch will drive the Credit Winner colt who wired the field in his Sire Stakes at Monticello.
The Sire Stakes are carded as races three, six, seven, nine and 11 on the 15-race program. A special early 6:40 p.m. post will accommodate a non-betting Saratoga Amateur Driving Club event, with the regular card beginning at 7:10 p.m.
CHAPEAU GRABBED BY NEW CONNECTIONS
LATHAM, N.Y.-When 2-year-old pacing filly Chapeau steps out on the track at Monticello Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 1, she will be doing so for an entirely new set of connections. The daughter of Magical Mike was recently purchased by Michael Polansky from breeder Doug Ackerman, who was training and racing her.
Now starting out of the David Spagnola barn, based at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Chapeau will be trying for her second straight Sire Stakes victory on Sunday in one of four $27,825 splits.
"I trained her yesterday (Thursday) and she was everything Ackerman told me she was," said Spagnola. "She trained like a sports car; she was real snappy. She's kind of an impressive filly."
Chapeau comes from a well performing family. She is out of the Abercrombie mare In Fashion, who has produced a number of top New York Sire Stakes horses including the filly's full brothers Exporter, a career winner of nearly $450,000, and Star Role, a winner of $430,000. Chapeau's full older sister Donatela is currently performing well in the 3-year-old filly ranks.
Spagnola didn't change any of Chapeau's rigging when she came from Ackerman off a win at Vernon Downs on July 23. She was in the only division of horses that will race at Vernon's seven-eighths-mile track this year and her time was nearly a full second better than any of the other victors that day: 1:57.2.
"She's not a big filly, but she raced pretty well on a large track for a little horse, so she's off to a good start," said Spagnola. "Bill Bailey drove her that night and I asked him about her. He said there was a pretty good headwind that night, so that affected her first and last quarter. She left in :29 and came home in :29.1 (cutting the mile) and he said she did it pretty well. For the night, that last quarter was very good."
Also on the program, the unbeaten Pembroke Firefly will head up the seventh race Sire Stakes division from post eight. A daughter of The Firepan trained by Jack Bailey, she will be putting her four-race career winning streak on the line Sunday with Bill Bailey in the sulky. Owned by William Varney, Pembroke Firefly has already earned more than $13,000 this year.
Daunting Magic, a filly by Dauntless Bunny, will start from post three in the third race and has never finished worse than second in three career starts. She will looking for her second victory in rein to Joe Pavia Jr. Reska, starting out of the Ray Schnittker Stable, will be looking to turn her frontrunning bias into a winning strategy in the eighth race from post four.
The Sire Stakes will be carded as races three, five, seven and eight on the 13-race program Sunday. Post time is 1:10 p.m.
July 26, 2004
The following is from a press release issued late this afternoon by the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State.
Due to the unexpected suspension of racing at Vernon Downs and the delay of the racing season at Batavia Downs, all New York Sire Stakes program events previously scheduled at these tracks in 2004 have been rescheduled at either Saratoga Gaming and Raceway or Monticello Raceway as follows:
Event Old Date New Date New Location
Sire Stakes
2YOPC Aug. 7 same Saratoga
2YOTF Aug. 6 same Saratoga
2YOTC July 29 Aug. 3 Saratoga
3YOPF Aug. 26 Aug. 28 Monticello
3YOPC Sept. 4 same Monticello
3YOTF Aug. 28 same Saratoga
3YOTC Aug. 4 same Saratoga
Late Closers
2YOP Aug. 18 same Saratoga
2YOP Sept. 10 Sept. 9 Monticello
2YOT Aug. 25 same Monticello
2YOT Sept. 8 same Monticello
3YOP Aug. 7 same Monticello
3YOT Aug. 19 same Monticello
3YOT Finals Sept. 16 Sept. 15 Saratoga
County Fair Finals
2YOT Sept. 6 same Monticello
3YOP Sept. 6 same Monticello
Please update your records. We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may have caused. Questions may be directed to the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State by calling 518-785-5858 or e-mailing nysirestakes@mybizz.net.
July 22, 2004
VERNON DOWNS' LIVE RACING CANCELED BY RACING AND WAGERING BOARD
VERNON-A New York State Racing & Wagering Board ruling made late this afternoon (July 22) directed Vernon Downs to cancel Thursday night's live 10-race harness program.
The track will continue to offer afternoon and evening simulcasts until further notice.
The Racing & Wagering Board ruling also stated that Vernon Downs would not be able to race on Friday night (July 23), unless there was enough money in the track's purse account to cover seven of the 11 scheduled races, which are referred to as "overnight" events. The other four races scheduled for Friday involved a New York Sires Stakes event, which is covered by purse money from the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, Inc.
The track later made the decision not to conduct qualifying races on Friday morning.
July 16,2004
CREDIT WINNER COLTS DEBUTLATHAM, N.Y.-When 47 two-year-old trotting colts step onto the track at Monticello Raceway on Sunday, July 18, for the first New York Sire Stakes start of their young careers, nearly a third of them will be offspring of first-crop sire Credit Winner.
Credit Winner, a Kentucky Futurity champion who earned $1.5 million during his two racing seasons, was the first of three prominent stallions Blue Chip Farms brought to Wallkill, N.Y., beginning in 2000.
Prime Rate, owned by Joseph Ricco Jr. and Ron Abbondanza, is among the 14 Credit Winner colts competing at Monticello. Timed in 2:01.1 in a qualifier at the Meadowlands and a winner of his only start, a Landmark Stakes at Historic Track in Goshen, N.Y., on July 2, he will start from post six in the sixth race.
"He's a pretty nice colt. From day one, he's done everything we've asked of him," said trainer David Dziengiel. "If he looked like he does now when I bought him as a yearling, he would have easily brought twice as much at the sale. He's still pretty small, but he was a peanut when I bought him. He grew over the winter and he's a nice looking individual, he is long-barreled and stands very good."
Prime Rate, who was bred by Marie Richardson and Leo Fallon, has qualified three times over the Meadowlands' mile track. When he starts at Monticello it will be the only half-mile oval he's trotted on other than his home track in Goshen.
"If he likes the (track) surface at Monticello, he could very likely go in 2:04 or 2:05. I like his chances," said Dziengiel.
Dziengiel trains his stable at Historic Track and was involved in a racing accident there in mid-June, fracturing his hip. Since leaving the hospital the first of July, he has been laid up at home and oversees his horses from a distance.
"I went to the track yesterday (Wednesday) to see Prime Rate train," said Dziengiel of his first visit back to the site of his collision. "It was pretty tough. But, I sat in my wheelchair and Joe (Ricco) trained him; he looked good."
Dziengiel can only move with the aid of a walker and likely will not be able to sit behind any of his horses again before October. In the meantime, fellow Goshen trainer Octavia Rappoport is aiding in the day-to-day operations of his barn.
"I get on the computer and try to keep up with the horses all over the country. I watch some races and just try to stay involved," explained Dziengiel. "I have doctor visits every other day, therapy three times a week and I'm still managing the stable, but being in one room I get awfully restless."
Top Meadowlands driver George Brennan, step-son of co-owner Ricco, will be directing Prime Rate at Monticello. Brennan is not a regular driver on the New York Sire Stakes circuit, but according to Dziengiel, he has committed to directing the colt in a number of starts this season.
Six divisions of the Sire Stakes were drawn and will go off as races two, four, five, six, eight and 10 on the 13-race card. Combined purses for the Sire Stakes events will reach nearly $115,000. Post time is 1:10 p.m.
LATHAM, N.Y.-When three New York Sire Stakes divisions for sophomore pacing colts go to post at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Saturday, July 17, Raining Again will attempt to keep his impressive unbeaten streak alive. Owned by Gordon Rumpel of Calgary, Alberta, Raining Again has a perfect eight-win record in 2004.
This distinction is appreciated--yet a little nerve-wracking--for trainer Howard Okusko Sr. "He's a good horse, he's done really well. But you know a time will come when he is going to get beat," said Okusko. "That's a let down. You really like to see that long line of 'ones' (on the racing program) and you hate to see anything else."
But for now, Okusko remains confident in his charge. "You really don't know how fast he is because he never goes more than he has to," explained the trainer. "If he has a horse right in front of him, he'll keep going forever. But once he passes one, he relaxes-that's why he never wins by too much."
Only two of Raining Again's victories have been by more than two lengths this season. Last year as a 2 year old he never made it to the winner's circle in five tries; his best finishes were two thirds in the Sire Stakes.
"I only had him for two races last year," explained Okusko, who sent the colt out for the third-place finishes. "Kim Crawford drove him the first time and he was all over the track, but Kim said he was a real nice horse. Then Howie (son Howard Okusko Jr.) drove him the second time and he was acting up again, but Howie said he was a good horse, too." Raining Again has finally matured enough as a racehorse to live up to those drivers' evaluations.
Rumpel also campaigned Raining Again's sire, On The Road Again, who won $2.8 million in the mid-1980s and retired to stallion duty in New York; and Matt's Scooter, a winner of $2.9 million and now a top stallion in New Jersey. Rumpel will be flying in from Canada to cheer his colt home at Saratoga on Saturday.
Raining Again will be featured from post seven in the sixth race. More top 3-year-old pacing colts will headline the other two divisions, including Michael Scores, a winner of $32,000 so far this season, in the second race and Applejack Thunder, who is trained at Saratoga by John Stark Jr., in the fifth race. Total Sire Stakes purses for the evening exceed $128,500. Post time for the program is 7:10 p.m.
The sixth race Sire Stakes will also serve as the fourth leg in the inaugural "Empire 6-Pack" wager. This new pick-six wager will be offered four consecutive Saturdays, July 17 to Aug. 7, and will involve rotating races from Yonkers Raceway, Buffalo Raceway, Saratoga and Vernon Downs.
The minimum wager is $1 and will close at approximately 8:00 p.m. All six races will be held at the various tracks within an hour. A total of 75 percent of the pool will be paid out for winning tickets and 25 percent to consolation winners; if no one picks the winner of all six races, 75 percent will be carried over to the following Saturday.
VERNON-At a special meeting of Mid-State Raceway's Board of Directors held Friday (July 16), the company's board voted to remove Steven Cohen as its chairman, and as the company's president and chief executive officer.
Vernon Downs board shake upMid-State's board elected Paul V. Noyes of Sherrill as its new chairman. It also named Dominic Giambona as its acting chief executive officer. It also named an Executive Committee consisting of Noyes, Giambona, Edward Kiley, Justice Cheney and James Klein.
In other action, Mid-State's board ended services provided by an Albany lobbying organization and a New York City public relations company. The board also renamed Jim Moran as the company's director of publicity and public relations.
"We cleaned house today," Noyes said following the meeting. He went on to explain that while the track's financial situation remains very critical, there are several groups that are very interested in buying controlling interest in the company. "We are negotiating with them as fast as possible," he concluded.
July 11, 2004
Indian gaming and VLT win in NY. Court shuts out horsemen from VLT share. Appeal forthcoming.
Three issues concerning gambling in New York State have been ruled upon by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court. The good news for supporters of gambling is that the Governor may enter into agreements with Native Americans that have land claims within the boundaries of the state concerning casino gambling on their lands. Video Lottery Terminals are allowed and will continue to run as planned. The bad news concerns the breeders and owners of horses in the state. Their share of the profits from the VLTs have been ruled unconstitutional.
In a 52 page ruling handed down on Wednesday, the court ruled that the class III gaming activity conducted on Native American land do not violate the state constitution ban on gambling. It was the court's contention that since these various games are allowed to be held by nonprofit organizations, although strictly regulated, they will be allowed to be conducted at Native American casinos. Native American land is not subject to state regulations if they do not violate the federal or state constitution. Governor Pataki may continue working on pacts for the remaining Native American casino applications.
Concerning the video lottery terminals, it was the court's interpretation of the constitution that although they are very similar to slot machines, they are set up as just another form of lottery. Gaming devices such as slot machines and video poker are illegal in New York but the way they are set up to pay out makes the difference. VLTs are centrally linked to a finite collection of winning combinations at the New York State Lottery. All players throughout the state have access to these electronic tickets through the individual terminals. The players choose their game just as in their choice of scratch off tickets. Slot and video poker machines have individually set payoff percentages and do not guarantee any particular number of winning prizes of selected denominations.
The third ruling handed down was a devastating blow to the horsemen in New York. It was ruled that the percentages of the net profit that was allocated to racing purses and the Breeders Association was unconstitutional. The provisions for the distribution of lottery profits are clearly laid out in the state constitution. After the lottery division and vendor gets their fee, all of the remaining net profits are to go solely to education. Since the purses and breeders funds are not part of the operational expenses of VLTs, they are not to be allocated any portion of VLT profits.
In 2001, plans were laid out for VLTs to be brought into the tracks. Lobbying efforts by the breeders and owners in New York supported VLTs if they would help support the racing industry in the state. The result of this lobbying effort created the mandated that part of the tracks VLT share go towards purses and the breeders fund. Wednesday's ruling says that this money must go into the education fund instead.
A statement issued by Harness Horse Breeders of New York State Executive Director Robert A. Brooks says,"...revenues will continue to be generated for the purse accounts and Breeding Fund, pending appeals of the court decision."
"The Harness Horse Breeders office has been assured by Senator William Larkin, Chairman of the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, that this issue will be addressed and necessary changes will be made to the legislation. He is committed to preserving the original intention of the law to support the harness racing industry and the Breeding Fund."
"It is anticipated that the law will be amended as needed and the VLT program at tracks will continue as planned. Both Senator Bruno and Senator Larkin are committed to supporting the growth of agriculture through the harness racing industry."
Mr. Brooks also goes on to say that all operation of VLTs at existing locations in Buffalo, Monticello, and Saratoga. He has also been assured that Robert Galterio of Yonkers Raceway will continue to move forward with plans to install VLTs and open in 2005.
July 5, 2004
Tioga Park? No, Tioga Downs.
New corp. takes over Nichols facility.
The new owners of the former quarter horse track located near Binghamton are called Southern Tier Acquisition Holding Co. The newly formed corporation is formed from a group of investors from Canada and Jeff Gural, chief executive officer of Newmark and Co. Real Estate of Manhattan, N.Y.
The former owner, James Hawkins, has transferred ownership to Southern Tier for an estimated $2.8 million and will serve as a consultant to the new owners for the next six years. When Hawkins purchased the track in 1996 the focus was to create a western themed-rodeo operation. Tioga has held occasional western events over the years but it has mostly been a horse boarding and training facility.
Mounting losses over the years have forced Tioga Park into the home of a weekend flea market.
Gural plans to resurface the 5/8 track for harness racing and construct a new grandstand from the ground up. An application to race has already been filed with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board in Albany. Discussions have already taken place with the state concerning adding video lottery terminals.
The state wants it's cut too.
New York State Sen. Thomas Libous has included Tioga County in his bill to create the Greater Binghamton Entertainment Authority without any consultation from any Tioga County legislators. Nichols village mayor Barbara Crannell, Town Supervisor James Branston, and Town of Owego Supervisor Carole Sweeney, have all expressed various concerns about belonging to such an agency. The bill is supposed to assist the counties with their nonprofit cultural and entertainment promotion. Tioga Downs would fall into the control of the Greater Binghamton Entertainment Authority. Local since it would be a venue for such activities.
The structure of such an organization could result in the exercise it's power over local municipalities. Some have noted that these large agencies are so financially inefficient that their cost overrides their purpose. So far county and town politicians will be taking a deeper look into the usefulness of the authority before committing to join.
June 23, 2004
New York Sire Stakes web site upgraded.
More changes ahead.
A newly launched web site from the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State will now provide more information covering the New York harness racing program. Going live this past week with a cleaner look and expanded coverage, the site will now provide reports on each stakes race card with brief stories and photos of the racing action.
The sleeker design will now give easier access for visitors to find information on racing, breeding, and harness racing services. More statistics will be provided to track the leading sires, breeders, and drivers during the summer stakes campaign. These additions along with the running point standings are aimed to give a more detailed picture of the action leading to the finals in September.
Representatives of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State agreed that any expansion of the sire stakes program needed to include this upgraded web site in order to fulfill the desires of the New York harness racing community. The new site can be found at the link below.
VERNON DOWNS DRIVING CHAMPION ANGUS ALLEN DIES
Former three-time Vernon Downs driving champion Angus Allen died at his daughter Lauren's home in Delaware on June 4 at the age of 88.
A native of Halifax, N. S., Canada, Allen began his involvement in the Standardbred sport at age 14. He began his driving career at tracks in Nova Scotia. After working with such noted Canadian horsemen as Bill Cummings, John Conroy and Bill Hood, Allen began his U.S. career at Saratoga in 1955. He became a Vernon Downs favorite in the late 1950s and captured the track's race-winning driving championships from 1969 through 1971
The well-rounded horseman was a sought-after catch-driver at Vernon Downs and other upstate New York harness tracks. Known for his ability to get the most out of claiming horses, Allen also developed such proven performers as Dud Mc, Frisco Fancy, Susie Sampson, Anchor Boy, Boone And Crockett, Slapstruck and the stakes-winning trotters Donald James and Sharp Shot. One of his fastest miles was a 1:57.2 victory behind the free-for-all pacer Tarquinius at Vernon in the mid-1960s.
The former Vernon backstretch resident retired with more than 1,100 career driving victories and $1.1 million-plus in official purse earnings, although he remained active as a trainer until the age of 86. He was often called upon by such notable horsemen as Frank Ervin, Billy Haughton, Stanley Dancer and Bill Wellwood to train and drive for them. He also assisted his long-time friend Fred Bach with thoroughbred prompters that were used for time trials.
A member of the Royal Canadian Army during World War II, Allen was also an avid hockey fan and spent a great deal of time working with the Midstate Youth Hockey Association in Syracuse, where he and his late wife, Loretta, lived during Vernon's off-season. Their children include Brian Allen, who established a Downs record with seven consecutive race-winning driving titles from 1990-1996. Many other family members were involved in the standardbred sport at one time or another, including Allen's daughter Sue, a former trainer-driver who is still employed in Vernon's backstretch.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Loretta, Allen is survived by daughters Marilyn, Susan, Lauren and Karen and his son, Brian. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at 3 p.m., in the Malecki Funeral Home, Vernon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, P.O. Box 763, Freehold, NJ 07728.
DOWNS NOTES-Larry Albano, who served as a harness racing handicapper and television color commentator/interviewer at Vernon Downs in 2003, passed away on June 5 in Florida after a long illness. He was 53. Born in Brooklyn, Albano served in similar capacities at Florida's Pompano Park, and was that harness track's statistician. He also owned and published the "Mickey's Green Sheet." tip card, was a standardbred owner and possessed a U.S. Trotting Association drivers license. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christa House, C/O John Albano, 320 - 29th Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757. A funeral service is set for June 8 in Lindenhurst.
Bill to Revamp New York Racing Passes Senate
by Tom Precious
The New York state Senate June 3 gave quick approval to a plan to overhaul the regulation of racing in the state, including a provision designed to get video lottery terminals installed this year at Aqueduct.
The bill denies a bid by the New York Racing Association to get its racetrack franchise, due to expire in 2007, extended until 2010, but paves the way for MGM Mirage, its VLT partner at Aqueduct, to begin the VLT program.
Approval of the measure in the Senate by a 50-9 vote came just days after the sweeping package was proposed last week by Gov. George Pataki. State officials say they need the revenues – estimated by some at $1 billion -- from the 5,000 or so machines slated for Aqueduct to help pay for a hike in education aid. Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said the state is losing millions of dollars each week VLTs are not operating at Aqueduct. He said MGM officials have assured him they can get the VLTs operational by the end of the year if the legislation passes quickly.
The legislation has not yet been introduced in the Assembly, though racing insiders expect the Democratic-run house to approve it.
The measure ensures that any deal MGM strikes with NYRA to run VLTs will continue even if NYRA loses its franchise after 2007. MGM has said it can't finance the $140 million VLT parlor unless its VLT management contract continued for several years after 2007.
The legislation significantly alters how racing in the state is regulated by collapsing the functions of several state agencies into a single State Gaming Commission, which would be run by a panel appointed solely by the governor.
Separately, an oversight panel would be created to monitor NYRA, which was indicted and fined $3 million last year for its role in widespread financial abuses at its tracks.
Bruno said the oversight panel will be to examine what to do about the franchise to operate Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. "Nobody is closer to racing or NYRA than I am...I love horses. I love racing and I love to see revenue created for the people of this state through a sport such as racing, but it needs help,'' Bruno said. He said the panel should address not just whether to extend NYRA's franchise, but whether New York should end the not-for-profit status of racing at the three tracks by awarding the franchise to a for-profit entity or creating a partnership with NYRA. He did not elaborate, but Magna Entertainment is actively pressing to get a hold of the NYRA franchise.
Bruno lamented the lack of funds that the state gets from the financially ailing racing industry. "We are receiving pretzels,'' he said.
"We do not stand as the premier racing state...and we should,'' he added.
The new state Gaming Commission would have broad powers, including the ability to step in to take control of a faltering racetrack or racino. It would also include a team of State Police investigators to monitor everything from charitable gambling ventures and racetracks to Indian casinos. Agencies eliminated under the governor's plan include the Racing and Wagering Board and the Thoroughbred Capital Investment Fund. Breeding and development funds, now autonomous, would be folded into the state agriculture department.
Critics slammed the Senate Republicans for pushing the measure through so quickly. Democratic lawmakers said the bill includes a number of problems, including no set standards for competitive bidding by the new gaming commission and no set role for the state attorney general's office in the racing industry.
"The goal of this bill is that horse racing and gaming activity in this state will be of the highest integrity, credibility, and quality and that the best interests of the public, both gaming and non-gaming, will be served,'' said a Senate Republican memo in support of the measure.
Batavia Downs 2004 racing canceled.
Reprinted from Gamblingmagazine.com
Batavia Downs, believed to be the nation's oldest nighttime Standardbred track, will not open for racing this summer because of dwindling revenue and an inability to get financing for its racino operation, track officials said.
Officials said more than 100 track jobs will be directly affected, and hundreds of others, from horsemen to farmers, will feel the pinch by the failure of the track, owned by Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., to begin racing Aug. 1.
Western OTB lost nearly $4 million, much of it from the drain by Batavia Downs, an ailing track when the corporation purchased it nearly six years ago. Officials had been banking on video lottery terminals, but a bank, worried the loan might not be repaid, set many contingencies, including a requirement that horsemen guarantee the loan.
Track officials and horsemen blame the revenue-sharing split set by the state as inadequate. The track, located in western New York, is operated by a quasi-government agency that faces stiff competition from nearby casinos and racinos near Buffalo. The track has been trying to get $7.7 million in loans to construct a VLT parlor.
"It's really a shame," Western OTB president Martin Basinait told the Buffalo News. He said the track could still open for its five months of racing, but only if a VLT financing plan is set within the next few weeks.
"We felt it best to pull the plug and regroup and see what tomorrow brings," Basinait said. "Without knowing we could put a financial package together and without knowing we could get the VLTs installed, we didn't want to risk another expensive live meet."
A number of investors have expressed interest the track, including a Manhattan developer and Toronto businessman who are trying to bring VLTs to the long-shuttered Tioga Downs, located in the state's southern tier.
Bruce Tubin, president of the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, said Buffalo Raceway has agreed to offer six weekends of additional racing this summer to help the horsemen find an alternative to Batavia Downs. But he said owners of hundreds of horses due to be housed at Batavia Downs are now scrambling to find other barn space.
"It's devastating for horsemen," he said.
For Sale: One slightly used race track.
Green Mountain Race Track owner John Tietgens plans to sell the Vemont facility to his grandson Dr. Jeremy Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan and business partner plan to serve as agents to find an owner that will develop it with the community of Powell in mind. Racing has the support of Vermont's legislators but the Governor James Douglas will not support slots in his state.
Anglin Commercial Group Inc. CEO Lee H. Anglin's interest in the property is to keep it as a racing facility. Others seeking more information include real estate mogul Donald Trump and New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner.
Since Green Mountain was purchased at auction for $250,000 it has been used for various music festivals and Shriners' bingo games. Green Mountain Race Track was built in 1963 for horse racing, then converted to greyhound racing. It closed at the end of the 1992 season. Many potential owners over the years have failed to complete their deals. Tietgens is seeking $2.5 million for the 140 acre property as is.
Hoosier basketball player driving web traffic to Offstride.
Photo from SONYA BORDEAU / Staff photographer chronicle-tribune.com
Update 7/13/14
For those who have wandered into this site looking for the September Harness adult site we offer the following information: She is using the name Teen Keira. Her site is up and running. We will provide you with no further information or links to her site. As you can tell this is a harness racing web site. To give her site location on these pages would be a great disservice to the harness racing visitors. We wish Ms Harness all of the best in her studies at Indiana University and thank her for providing us with the light hearted story below.
As a point guard for Mississinewa High School, she is one of Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 100 senior girls' high school basketball players for 2002-2003. The Marion Chronicle-Tribune named her player of the year 2002. Her speed and quick ball handling have had her starting as a varsity player from freshman through senior year. How has she become one of the most popular searches for us at Offstride.com?It seems that the Indiana University freshman has a new career in porn. She will be a guest of Bill O'Reilly on an upcoming broadcast of The O'Reilly Factor.
Thank you Miss Harness for introducing new members to the Offstride.com family of loyal visitors through the misguided internet searches for you. Hopefully you can successfully promote the sport that so many have failed to do for the past 30 years.
April 10, 2004
Bettors put their money on simulcasts
03/27/04
Horseplayers at Ohio's seven racetracks are turning their backs on live racing in staggering numbers.
Final 2003 wagering figures, released at the March 18 meeting of the Ohio State Racing Commission, reveal 78.6 percent of all money bet in the state last year was on full-card simulcast racing.
"Is anybody as amazed as I am?" asked commissioner member Norm Barron.
Of the $511,363,912 wagered in Ohio, only $109 million was on live racing. Bettors at Lebanon all but ignored the harness racing before them. Of the $49 million wagered at the southwestern Ohio track, only $3.2 million - 6.6 percent - was gambled on the local racing.
In northern Ohio, bettors at Thistledown placed 77.9 percent of their moneys on simulcast racing. At Northfield Park, 67.4 percent went into simulcast pools.
VETERAN OFFICIAL RALPH SWALSKY IS NEW
DIRECTOR OF RACING AT VERNON DOWNS
Veteran Standardbred official Ralph Swalsky will serve as Director of Racing/Racing Secretary during the 52nd live harness season at Vernon Downs, which will get underway on Friday night, April 23.
Swalsky, whose horseracing career dates back to 1962, began his new duties on April 6. The 63-year-old New York resident served in the same capacity at the Saratoga Equine Sports Center from April of 1987 until November of 2002.
In his current position, Swalsky will be responsible for all aspects of Vernon’s racing department, including writing condition sheets, preparing the track’s live programs, managing the track’s purse account, creating special events and coordinating the track’s involvement in the New York Sires Stakes program.
“I feel refreshed,” Swalsky said of his 16-month hiatus from the sport. “I’ve kept in close contact with harness racing and I’m familiar with most of the horsemen here, so it’s an ideal opportunity. I’m looking forward to the challenge of bringing the best harness racing possible to Vernon Downs, the type it enjoyed during its glory years.
In addition to his 16-year stay at Saratoga, Swalsky also headed up the harness racing departments at Edmonton Northlands (1982-1987), Flamboro Downs (1979-1982), and served as racing secretary for Buffalo Raceway and the Syracuse Mile (1977-1979). He also presided over facility maintenance and equipment at the Edmonton track, and has experience in preparing stakes books, creating morning line odds, producing tip cards and has handled program sales.
Swalsky was also involved in the racing operations for the Great Barrington Fair thoroughbred meet, served as Entry Clerk and Clerk of the Scales for the Tioga Park quarterhorse track, and worked in the racing and publicity/public relations departments at Monticello Raceway.
“I’m pleased that Ralph was available and wanted to return to the sport,” said Vernon’s new General Manager Dennis Dowd. “He’s got a terrific harness racing background, he knows the track’s history and its horsemen, and so it’s a perfect fit. He’s hit the ground running and has displayed great enthusiasm for his new duties.”
DOWNS DOINGS—Swalsky will be assisted in his new duties by veteran Program Director Shane Hoehn, who also serves as assistant racing secretary, and by office secretary Angie Futter…Ralph and his wife, Phyllis, make their home in Gansevoort. They are the parents of two grown sons…Swalsky replaces two-time former Vernon racing official Greg DeFrank… Vernon’s racing department is currently accepting applications for stalls…The track’s first qualifying session is set for Friday, April 16. Additional information may be obtained by calling (toll-free) 1-877-777-8559, Ext. 216 or 225.
October 31, 2003
Dover Downs to host Filion milestone
It was a disappointing two weeks of racing at Harrington Raceway for Herve Filion. Coming in with only four wins to go for his 15,000th win, Filion could only notch three wins during his ten days of racing in Harrington.
On Thursday, his fifth race victory with C B's Julius left Filion one short of the 15K milestone on Harrington's closing night. In the next race aboard the Karen Crothers trained Thepanbeforetime, Filion lead from gate to stretch only to be nosed out by Kevin Sizer with ENS Gladiator.
In race 14 another victory was snatched out from him in the stretch. This time it was Jim Morand with O S and Y catching a tiring, even money favorite Todd's Jackpot.
Opening day at Dover Downs on Saturday will have Herve Filion on the morning line favorite Anaheim N in race 4. He has 3 other drives listed on a night that features The Matron series elimination's. First race post time is 5:30.
Filion wins two to get closer to milestone
By: Matt Sparacino - Harrington Raceway
HARRINGTON, Del. – Driver Herve Filion is just two wins shy of becoming the first driver in North American history to win 15,000 races, after winning two races Tuesday at Harrington Raceway.
The 63-year-old Filion has won 14,998 lifetime races. He won the second race, a $25,000 claiming pace, with Thomas Weber’s Mr. Brooke Lyn (1:56.3) over a sloppy track, and then won the 11th race with Frank Condurso’s Golden Tan (1:59.4).
Filion, who made his return to racing at Harrington last spring after a seven year hiatus, currently has two drives on the Wednesday program, but could obtain additional mounts over the course of the program.
In the co-featured filly and mare winners-over pace, Love that Cut (1:56.3, Brad Hanners) scored a mild upset at odds of 6-1 for owners Gary and Barbara Iles.
Post time for Wednesday’s program is 5:30 p.m.
4 to go for the next Filion milestone.
Two more wins at Pocono Downs this weekend has inched Herve Filion closer to the 15,000 win mark. With Pocono closing this past weekend, the drive for 15K will continue on at Harrington Raceway beginning today. Filion's 102 wins at Pocono was sixth best this season.
Filion originally was to break the 15,000 mark in New York while driving at Yonkers Raceway some 6 years ago but unsubstantiated race fixing charges and a lengthy court battle derailed his pursuit of this goal. (More on this on opinion page)
When Herve Filion arrives at Harrington today, He will be bringing along with him a handful of horses trained by his son Brandon and cared for by son Justin.
Filion will not be a stranger to the fall Harrington meet. He has had some success this season racing on Monday afternoons at Harrington. Eddie Lohmeyer's Ruffed up and some of Chris Height's stock have kept Herve active in Delaware. This should be enough to get him the additional catch drives needed to score 15K during his first week at Harrington.
Laag Nut finally sips from the Little Grey Jug at Monticello
by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway
Monticello, NY --- If at first you don’t succeed just keep trying. That was probably the mind set of trainer Steve Reid when he again raced Laag Nut in Monticello Raceway’s 14th annual Little Grey Jug on Sunday, September 22.
“We finished second in the last two Little Grey Jugs, and finally we get to take home the trophy and blanket,” Reid said smiling as he held his old campaigner in the winner’s circle after their 1:582 triumph.
Reid, and his dad, James Reid of Manchester Conn., the co-owners of Laag Nut, were thrilled with their victory courtesy of a competent drive by Greg Merton.
Merton took advantage some confusion in the first turn and sent his charge to the front while Merton’s brother, Michael, drove Denarius Evergreen, who were nestled behind him -- where they stayed throughout the mile.
Nearing the half-mile pole, Gramercy Way and Ken Devaux were the first to challenge, but Merton and Laag Nut put them away up the backstretch. They then braced for a charge from bother Michael and Denarius Evergreen. And sure enough it came and the two leaders straightened for home -- but Laag Nut was ready.
The 9-year-old Laag gelding, a winner of over $180,000 in his illustrious career, paced away from Denarius Evengreen in the deep stretch and had enough in the tank to hold off a late charge from Yannick Gingras, driving Pass The Dessert, who ended up in second. Danarius Evergreen, despite his two hole trip, faded and finished third.
Little Grey Jug to be raced this Sunday at Monticello Raceway
-- by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway
Monticello, NY --- The 14th Annual Little Grey and three divisions of the second leg of the William J. Sullivan Memorial Claiming Series will highlight this coming Sunday afternoon’s card at Monticello Raceway.
In an event that started out as a tongue in cheek spoof on the world famous Little Brown Jug and presented on the Sunday after the famed pace, Monticello’s Little Grey Jug features only grey- colored pacers.
Entrants from Yonkers Raceway, Pocono Downs, and Saratoga Raceway helped round-out the eight horse field that will be competing for a $5,000 purse on Sunday afternoon.
Likely to be the betting favorite is the Yonkers invader, Pass The Dessert , who’ll be handled by the Hilltop oval’s standout, Yannick Gingras. A 1:574 winner of five races, Pass the Dessert will start from post seven.
But formidable opposite looms in the presence of both Grammercy Way and Laag Nut. The former, a 1:59 winner this year with Ken Devuax at the lines, will start from post four, and the latter, a 1:544 winner at the Meadowlands last January, has Greg Merton at the controls.
Last year, two grey races went to post, one as the Little Grey Jug and the other as the Little Grey Mug, and both winners were driven by Zeke Parker. Parker won the “Jug” with Icara in 1:574 over the aforementioned Laag Nut, who’ll be looking to avenge that loss this year, and Zeke then copped the “Mug” with Love To Tuscarora in 2:002.
Parker also won the first Little Grey Jug in 1990 with Royal Emperor in 2:013. The stakes record is 1:57, set by Almahurst Looker in 1999.
The three Sullivan Memorial divisions, each for a $5,000 purse, are slated as races two, five, and nine, and each features a winner from the first preliminary leg.
Jimmy The Cricket, a 1:583 winner last week in the Sullivan Memorial, will again be the one to beat. He’ll start from post one in the second race with Claude Huckabone III aboard.
In the fifth race, the morning line favorite, Shut Up Bevis, a 1:574, wire-to-wire winner last week, will start from post five and again gets the driving services of Zeke Parker.
The final Sullivan division has last week’s winner Direct Order racing from post six with Yannick Gingras at the controls.
Post time for the 11 race card will be at 1:05 p.m. (EDT).
Free admission during construction period
When Monticello Raceway begins construction for the planned installation of video lottery terminals the track will offer free admission for every race program while work continues.
The free admission policy will begin on Sunday, September 28. Currently the track offers live harness racing four times weekly, on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays all with 1 p.m. (EDT) post times.
“We are grateful for the patronage we have received over the years, and now as we begin to develop our racino we want all our loyal fans to be able to enjoy the harness races at no charge,” track president Cliff Ehrlich said.
Beginning Sunday, September 28, the entire racing operation, which includes all simulcast wagering, will be moved to the third floor of the track’s grandstand.
“Moving our racing operations upstairs will allow us to completely refurbish the ground floor so we can install the VLTs (video lottery terminals),” Ehrlich added. “The operation on the third floor will include everything we had on the ground floor including concession stands, two spirits bars, a pizza stand, and the Subway Shop.
“Racing fans will be able to wager on the third floor or in the track’s dining room and will be able to view the action from the grandstand, dining room, or box seats while construction continues.”There may be some minor inconveniences, but in the end it will all be worth it.”
Where will Herve Filion score 15K?
When Herve Filion decided to launch his return and pursue his goal of 15,000 wins, he knew that his dream of setting the mark in New York was not going to materialize. With the support of the racing boards in Pennsylvania and Delaware, the journey towards 15K would end in one of these two states.
The time table pointed towards a celebration in Delaware this fall. Knowing how rough the coming months would be, those 217 victories needed would take some time to get. Not having his own racing stock and establishing relationships with horsemen again would make the time drag on. The skills are still there and his health is fine.
He is now only 45 short of 15K. With a recent surge that has seen him score 3 on August 23 combined with an 8 win week, 15K may come a bit sooner than anticipated. With 33 race dates left at Pocono Downs and occasional starts at Harrington, another hot streak could move the celebration to Pocono. At his current 13.8% winning, it would take 41 race dates to score 15K.
There are two weeks between the closing of Pocono on October 19 and the opening of Dover Downs on November 1. An active Filion during those 9 racing days at Harrington could bring the party there. Remember, it was at Harrington that Filion made his return after his 6 1/2 years out of the bike. The dining room sold out way in advance and the thousands that came to welcome his return made Harrington a happy place to be. They would be more than happy to do it all again for Filion's 15K.
Dover Downs was earmarked early in the comeback as the place for the event to take place. Dover PR Director Marv Bachrad was at Harrington last year to welcome Herve back to the bike and made it no secret that Dover Downs wanted to be the place for the 15K party. Bachrad is in the Writers' Corner of the Hall of Fame and one of Filion's biggest supporters leading up to his return so anything planned by him will be special.
So will it be Dover, Harrington, or Pocono? We will keep a close eye on the developments as they lead up to Herve Filion's quest for 15k.
Records fall at The Rock in Zweig finals"Troy told me to just go to the front," and driver George Brennan did just that, piloting Mutineer to a 1:54.4 all age track record and career best in the second division of the $133,538 Zweig Memorial Trot for three-year-olds on Saturday afternoon at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire.
Brennan drove the son of Muscles Yankee for trainer and co-owner [with the GDS Stable] Chuck Sylvester, right to the lead, following instructions from Sylvester's son and assistant Troy. The duo got to the lead in :28.2 and held it through a :57.2 half, with Keystone Maxwell (Jackie MacLeod) and Vrahos (Rod Allen) behind him at that marker. At the 1:26.3 three quarters, Mutineer had a length and a quarter lead on the field.
By the top of the stretch, he started to move away from the field, hitting the wire first by five and three quarters lengths in an all age track record time of 1:54.4. Man Of Action (Jimmy Takter] was second and Vrahos [Rod Allen] was third.
The rest of the field in order of finish: Galaxy Chip Om - 4th (Jan Johnson), Conative - 5th (Bruce Ranger), Holy Guacamolie - 6th (Carl Allen), Mac's Crown K - 7th (Ron Pierce) Keystone Maxwell - 8th (Jackie McLeod), Panama Hanover - 9th (Jay Picciano).
The track record was taken from Mr. Eero, who'd won the first division of the Zweig in 1:55.1 two races prior.
"It was just easy," said driver George Brennan. "I did what Troy [Sylvester, assistant trainer to his father, Chuck] told me to do - 'Go to the front.' "
Sylvester said Mutineer was much improved after a disappointing eighth place finish in the Hambletonian eliminations on July 26 and subsequent shoeing change prior to his second place finish in 1:53.3 in the Townsend Ackerman Stake on August 1. "There is a flip flop shoe, a plastic shoe, well known in harness racing, and he just wasn't getting over the track with it," said Sylvester from the winners circle. "So we took it off, a week too late. He's wearing alumimum shoes now, I didn't think he'd trot that light. It was just easy. Before, he was going up and down, hitting his elbows. He used to wear elbow boots, but not now.
"The rest of the year, he has the American National [at Balmoral Park near Chicago] and the World Trotting Derby [at the Illinois State Fair in DuQuoin, Illinois]. I bought this colt as a yearling - $20,000. I owned the mare [Bathonia] and sold her in foal to Russell Williams [of Hanover Shoe Farms]. I bought the colt at the sale [Standardbred Sales Company auction held in Harrisburg, PA each fall]. I was looking for a Muscles Yankee that didn't have a heavy frame and we were prepared to pay alot more, I've sold some foals out of this mare for $60-70,000, but we didn't have to."
In the first Zweig division for a purse of $131,037, Mr. Eero, the most lightly raced horse in the field, with just four lifetime starts, was the winner by a nose in an all age track record [later eclipsed by Mutineer] and career best time of 1:55.1.
Mr. Eero is owned by Erkki Laakkonen of Georgetown, Ontario and trained by Gary Bourgon; the same trainer/driver/owner combination that won the Zweig Trot for fillies earlier in the day with Decadent Pagan.
Muscle King (Gates Brunet) was first away from the gate, hitting the quarter mile mark in :28.4 and the half in :58.1, with Garden Spot (Steve Smith) and CR Audacious (Rod Allen) following to that point. Muscle King maintained the lead to the 1:26.2 three quarters and in to the homestretch, while Mr. Eero was outside the pack, a length off the leader.
In deep stretch, Mr. Eero and Impressive Lavec (Jimmy Takter) were pressuring the leader, Muscle King. Mr. Eero finished a nose in front of Garden Spot and it was Impressive Lavec a neck behind him. The rest of the field in order of finsih, was CR Audacious (4th), Muscle King (5th), Hawaiian Speedster (6th). Touchstone (7th) and Incredible Hulk (8th).
"This is the best trip I've had in a while," said Bourgon. "He was quite fractious as a two-year-old and that's why we cut [gelded] him. Of all the colts we trained, he was the worst-behaved, but once we cut him, he calmed right down. This finish ranks right up with them. I've won a few Ontario Sires Stakes, but that was a long time ago. I kept looking away from the screen. I was just like a fan with a $2 bet. But when they put up his number, I yelled. We'll take him to Woodbine and probably race him there. He has some stakes later in the year."
ZWEIG FILLY RACE
Decadent Pagan, "is a bona fide broodmare now, I guess," laughed trainer Gary Bourgon after the three-year-old filly's three quarter of a length victory in the $44,725 Zweig Memorial Trot for fillies at Rockingham Park on Saturday afternoon.
Decadent Pagan was driven by Ron Pierce for owner Erkki Laukkonen of Georgetown, Ontario. Giantess (Mike Simons) got the early lead from post one, hitting the quarter mile mark in :29 before Parmachenee Belle was out to challenge and grab the lead just before the :57.4 half. Parmachenee Belle held that lead by a length to the 1:27.3. Decadent Pagan bade her time in third along the rail until deep in the stretch, when she fanned three wide to pass the field with a :29.2 last quarter and a career best 1:57.2 mile. Giantess (Mike Simons) was second, Fatal Embrace (Richard Pugliese) was third and Parmachenee Belle was the fourth finisher in the four horse field. The time equals the track record, set on July 6 of this year by Spa's Tidal Wave.
"It worked out great and she's a nice filly," said Pierce in the winners circle. "I couldn't have asked for a better trip."
"I saw Ronny sitting behind her and she was full of horse," said Bourgon. "It was a little shaky late. I didn't know if she was going to get up. This is her biggest win yet - she's a bona fide broodmare now, I guess....She's a pretty smart filly, smart as a whip. She's easy to drive and she doesn't have to take her racetrack around with her. You can see she's had 14 different drivers." Pierce was the 4th driver different driver for the filly in her last five starts.
Decdent Pagan is expected to make her next start in the Trillium Series in Toronto.
Local Filly Wins Big At Batavia
MISSY DOATS 2yr old filly won the first New York Sires Stakes race at Batavia Downs tonight. And what a win it was, Beating some of the best the series has to offer Missy took her share of the $16,880. purse.
L DEES AUNT ANG has won all of her last five starts, but she was no match for the Filly of Elba ,NY. Missy is owned and trained Judy Blaun of Elba.
Judy a native of Hamilton Ontario, has lived in the area and raced at Batavia for the past 25 years. Five years ago today, Judy's husband Richard passed away. Richard was the trainer / driver of the Blaun Stables until his death, then it was Judy's turn to run things. Tonight it was clear that she and MISSY DOATS are doing a great job with the Blaun Stables.
Sadness falls on harness racing
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Norman Woolworth, noted Standardbred breeder and owner, died at the age of 76 on July 3 in Connecticut, after an extended illness.
Woolworth, who raced in the name of Clearview Stable, bred or owned nearly 500 horses over many decades, including 1983 Hambletonian winning filly Duenna. He also campaigned the top pacer Meadow Skipper, who was a stallion at Stoner Creek Stud in Paris, Kentucky, which Woolworth owned with the late David Johnston. Meadow Skipper and his sons Most Happy Fella and Albatross have made enormous contributions to Standardbred bloodlines in the past 40 years.
Woolworth, who also drove horses as an amateur until 1977, bred and/or owned dozens of stakes winners, including Cumin, French Chef, Filet of Sole, Panty Raid, Bonefish and Zoot Suit, who is an important stallion in Sweden and sire of the 2003 Elitlopp winner From Above.
He was inducted in to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1981 and was a trustee of the Harness Racing Museum. Woolworth served as a director of the Hambletonian Society and won Harness Tracks of America's Messenger Award for his contributions to the sport.
Merritt Dokey wins The Battle of the New York Legends
by John Manzi, Monticello Publicity Department
They came from places like South Beloit, Ill., Pinehurst N.C. and Detroit, MI.
Despite a driving rainstorm twelve former harness racing greats gathered at Monticello Raceway to compete in four races in what was billed The Battle of The New York Legends.
When the competition was over Merritt “Butch” Dokey, from the greater Detroit, MI area, not only walked away with the trophy but with the one thousand dollar first prize. Dokey drove two winners in the contest which featured every reinsmen driving three times.
But before the competition ensued 12 “legends” who made their mark competing during the 1960’s and 1970’s on the former Roosevelt Raceway-Yonkers Raceway circuit, were seated behind tables on the ground level of the grandstand and signed autographs for their adoring fans.
The first race of the competition boiled down to a stretch duel between brothers Frank and Billy Popfinger, both former driving champions at the Mighty M during the early 1960’s. When the official sign was hung, Billy Popfinger , with Styled N Misty, won the tight photo over Frank with Cool Bayama in a 2:03 clocking
Butch Dokey won the second leg with Perfect MacKintosh in 2:03 rallying up the passing lane to collar the races pace-setter, Golden Glory, handled by Ed Lohmeyer.
The third event, the only trot race in the contest, went to Dokey and Nicki’s Sister in 2:05 over favored, Kernal Seelster, driven by Hall of Famer, Carmine Abbatiello.
Ken McNutt won the final leg, by sitting patiently in the pocket until the stretch, then charging up along the inside to score a 2:01:3 triumph over race favorite, Brockshann, handled by Norman Dauplaise.
Rain didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 1000 fans who were on hand for the festivities which also included a harness racing trivia contest in which the event’s sponsor, Larry Roman, threw $50 bills to fans who correctly answered his questions.
'Legends' line up
By John Manzi
MONTICELLO, N.Y. -- It won’t be long before some the harness greats of yesteryear gather at Monticello Raceway for a driving championship that’s dubbed The Battle of the New York Legends. Included on that agenda is an autograph session where racing fans can meet and greet the legends.
Sponsored by Monticello Raceway’s "patron saint", Larry Roman, "the Battle" is not only a unique event but one that will undoubtedly be duplicated many times at other racetracks in future years.
On Sunday afternoon, June 22 at The Mighty M, 11 of the greatest horsemen to ever grace the sport will be on hand to renew old acquaintances and don their colors and display the talent that brought them to the forefront of the industry while competing on the old Roosevelt Raceway-Yonkers Raceway circuit in the days prior to the inception of the Meadowlands.
Among those who’ll be featured include three Hall of Famers: Carmine "The Red Man" Abbatiello, William "Buddy" Gilmour and Del Insko. Joining them will be Benny "The Whip" Webster, "Steady Eddie" Lohmeyer, Frank Popfinger, Merritt "Butch" Dokey, Ben Steall, Real "Coco" Cormier, "Showbiz Bill" Popfinger and Kenny McNutt. Collectively they can account for over 34,000 driving victories and purses in excess of $225 million, which are incredible totals considering the majority of each came from an era of shorter race seasons and smaller purses.
Among the growing list of industry stars who’ll also be on hand that afternoon include: Bob "Hollywood" Hayden, Sam McKee, Ken Warkentin, Larry Lederman, Frank Drucker, Joe Faraldo, Don Bielak and Jay Bergman.
"We’re still trying to get the great New York racetrack announcers, "Bullet Bob" Meyer and Jack E. Lee, to join us that day," Roman said. "Their voices will add to the nostalgia of the entire event."
Along with the all the celebrities the raceway will be rolling back prices at the concession stands. Also part of the festivities will be Larry Roman’s Legends Trivia Contest where correct answers from the fans can win them instant cash.
Track looks to terminals by year's end
By BILL BROWN
Genesee Correspondent
5/27/2003 BATAVIA - Batavia Downs might have video lottery terminals by the end of the year, possibly ending two seasons of seven-figure losses at the harness race track now owned by Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
Dark for five years, the pioneering oval reopened last July for a season that showed promise in attendance. Still, OTB lost $1 million in operating costs and expects to be in the red by $2 million at the end of the coming five-month season, which will begin July 14.
John E. Clifford, OTB publicity director, said directors will meet Wednesday and are expected to authorize borrowing $6 million to $8 million to prepare the grandstand ground floor for the slot machinelike devices.
Bids then will be sought for the construction, much of it electrical, with work to take an estimated 120 days. Clifford said the track hopes to have 750 terminals in operation by the end of the year.
OTB officials were encouraged by the first year's attendance. Figures released this week by the U.S. Trotting Association, harness racing's licensing and record-keeping organization, showed Batavia averaged 1,447 patrons per night for its 72-night season.
By contrast, Buffalo Raceway in Hamburg had an average crowd of 645. In wagering, however, the Hamburg track outpaced the new Batavia season, $83,905 to $49,044 for 84 programs.
WROTB bought the track - the oldest nighttime operation in North America - in 1998 and spent more than $9 million on renovations. Getting a license for live racing took two years but made WROTB the only such operation in the nation to operate a race meet.
The grandstand clubhouse complex also serves as a conference center where numerous expositions and shows are held during the seven months when the horses are not running.
Intertrack wagering and simulcasting from other harness and thoroughbred tracks continue year-round and account for nearly one-third of the race-related income.
BILL POPFINGER JOINS THE BATTLE OF NY LEGENDS
Count “Showbiz” in. Bill Popfinger will join the stellar line-up of famous reinsmen who’ll be competing in a driving championship at Monticello Raceway on Sunday, June 22nd.
In what The Mighty M has dubbed “the Battle of the New York Legends” the event will feature many of the top drivers from the metropolitan-New York area tracks prior to the inception of the Meadowlands.
Joining Popfinger will be three Hall of Famers: Del Insko, Carmine Abbatiello and Buddy Gilmour. Also on hand that afternoon will be former standouts : Benny Webster, Merritt “Butch” Dokey, Ken McNutt, Eddie Lohmeyer, Real “Coco” Cormier, Ben Steall, along with Bill’s older brother, Frank Popfinger.
Bill brings over 1540 driving victories and purse earnings in excess of $12-million to the “Battle”. When his totals are added to those of the other participants collectively the eleven “legends” can account for over 34,000 driving victories and purses in excess of $220-million; mostly from an era of short racing seasons and smaller purses.
“Getting this kind of talent together for this special occasion is absolutely fantastic,” noted sportsman, avid racing fan and event sponsor, Larry Roman. “I’m really excited and looking forward to June 22nd because these guys were my childhood idols.”
For Bill Popfinger, returning to Monticello Raceway it will be sort of a homecoming. In the early years of the Mighty M, Popfinger, along with his brother Frank, had the top stable on the grounds. In 1959 Bill quickly made himself known to the new racing fans in Sullivan County. During that 60-day season he drove 33 winners which was second best behind Pat Iovine’s, 44.
In 1962 Popfinger’s 39 driving victories placed him second that year behind Carmine Abbatiello’s, 57. But in 1963 Bill Popfinger was tops. His 54 winners were two better than Lucien Fontaine’s 52 and 10 more than Abbatiello’s, 44.
The 1964 campaign at the Mighty M ended with Bill Popfinger registering 45 driving victories; third best behind brother Frank’s, 49, and Jim Grundy’s, 46.
In 1966, Popfinger’s last at the Catskill Mountain oval ,he finished second in driving victories with 50, 11 less than Bobby Camper’s ,61.
THE ALPHA/CAYUGA PROPOSAL
AS SUBMITTED TO THE SEC
On April 3, 2003, the Cayuga Nation, a New York State based federally recognized Indian Nation (the "Cayuga Nation"), Catskill Development, L.L.C. ("Catskill") and certain of Catskill's affiliates, including a subsidiary of Alpha Hospitality Corporation (the "Company") entered into a series of agreements which provide for the development of a trust land casino adjacent to Monticello Raceway (the "Raceway"). In furtherance of these transactions, the Cayuga Nation is expected to submit a comprehensive trust land application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs within the next few days.
The agreements provide for the development, construction, financing, operation and management of the proposed casino, including certain exclusive rights granted to Catskill and its affiliates. The agreements include; (i) a Land Purchase Agreement ("LPA") and a Shared Facilities Agreement between the Cayuga Catskill Gaming Authority (the "Authority") and Catskill, (ii) a Gaming Facility Management Agreement ("Management Agreement") among the Cayuga Nation, the Authority and Monticello Casino Management, LLC ("MCM") and (iii) a Gaming Facility Development and Construction Agreement ("Development Agreement") among the Cayuga Nation, the Authority and Monticello Raceway Development Company, LLC ("MRD").
The Company currently has approximately a 25% equity interest in Catskill. Under a recent previously announced letter of intent, the Company has agreed in principle to a consolidation with Catskill in a transaction which would result in the current equity holders of Catskill and MRD owning approximately 80% of the equity of the Company and would transfer to the Company full beneficial ownership of Catskill's operations at Monticello Raceway, including all development and management rights with respect to Native American gaming, video lottery terminals and real estate development activities. Under the proposed transaction, the Company is expected to acquire MRD and all of the equity of MCM that it does not currently own and to assume the rights and obligations of Catskill under any agreements with respect to the development, construction and operation of the proposed casino.
Under the LPA, Catskill will convey fee simple title to approximately a thirty-acre site near the Raceway to the United States of America, in trust for the benefit of the Cayuga Nation, at a purchase price of $10,000,000 to be paid by the Authority. Catskill's obligation to deliver the property is subject to certain conditions, including financing and approval of the transaction by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the entering into a gaming compact with the State of New York. The closing is required to occur before May 1, 2004.
Under the Development Agreement, the Authority has appointed MRD as its agent and granted it the exclusive right as the Authority's agent to design, engineer, develop, construct, and furnish the casino until the expiration or termination of the Management Agreement. As developer, MRD will be responsible for planning, hiring and supervising the architects, designers, contractors and consultants and the purchasing of equipment, materials and supplies in connection with the development and construction of the casino, subject to certain consent rights of the Authority. MRD is to receive a fee of 5% of total project
costs, which costs are subject to a ceiling of $505,000,000, and may include reimbursement to MRD of development costs incurred by MRD and its affiliates in connection with the project.
MCM, the Authority and the Cayuga Nation are the parties to the Management Agreement, which becomes effective upon its approval by the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. It should be noted that such approval cannot become effective prior to the closing date for the transfer of the site under the LPA. The Management Agreement provides for a monthly management fee to be paid to MCM equal to 35% of the net revenues of the casino as defined by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
MCM has exclusive rights to such management for seven years from the commencement of operations, but has no titled interest to the casino or any right to manage Class II gaming activities at the casino. Subject to the approval of a Business Board selected by the Authority and MCM, MCM is to hire the General Manager for the casino, install systems for monitoring of all funds and approve all expenditures subject to the capital and operating budgets approved by the Business Board. The General Manager must ensure that qualified members of the Cayuga Nation are given preference in recruiting, training and employment.
Under a special letter agreement among the Company, Catskill, and the Cayuga Nation, the parties are to work exclusively with each other to develop the casino and the Cayuga Nation is to receive 300,000 shares of the Company's common stock vesting over a twelve month period. An initial lot of 100,000 shares is to be delivered upon filing of the Land to Trust application. The agreement also provides for Catskill to fund development costs of the Cayuga Nation on a monthly basis and for the Cayuga Nation to participate in the ownership of a to-be-developed hotel within five miles of the Casino by Catskill and/or the Company and its other affiliates. This hotel will be designated as the preferred provider to the proposed casino by the Cayuga Nation. The letter agreement further provides for a reciprocal ten-year option to acquire up to a 33.33% ownership interest in other lodging, entertainment, sports and/or retail facilities, which may be developed or operated within a 15 mile radius of the casino. The special letter agreement will terminate on April 30, 2004, unless the trust land application of the Cayuga Nation and the Management Agreement described below have received the required federal approvals.
All of the provisions of the above agreements relating to the management of the casino are subject to review and approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Secretary of the Interior prior to becoming effective. Pending such approval and as a result of such review, such provisions may be amended or supplemented by the parties.
To the extent the content of this Form 8K includes forward- looking statements, they involve various risks and uncertainties including (i) the risk that various approvals necessary for consummation of the agreements described herein and required to be obtained from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Commission, the Governor of the State of New York and various other federal, State and local governmental entities are not received, (ii) the risk that financing necessary for the proposed projects may not be able to be obtained because of credit factors, market conditions or other contingencies, (iii) the risk that the Cayuga Nation may exercise certain broad rights with regard to termination of the within described agreements (iv) the risk that definitive agreements with Catskill Development LLC and its affiliates are not consummated as contemplated and that the proposed consolidation does not occur, (v) the risk of non-compliance by various counterparties of the
related agreements, and (vi) general risks affecting the Company as described from time to time in it's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements, which statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1994, and as such, speak only as of the date made.
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