News Archives

Legendary event proposed

MONTICELLO, N.Y./John Manzi -- Once upon a time, in a more perfect harness racing world, New York State was easily the industry leader. Yonkers Raceway was known as "The Giant of Trotting" and Roosevelt Raceway was "where it all began."

To be able to race in the metropolitan New York City circuit one must have had to have a top-flight horse and for a driver to compete a special talent was needed to assure success.

Of course the racing action in the state wasn’t relegated to metropolitan-New York. Racing was also paramount at Saratoga Harness, Buffalo Raceway, Batavia Downs, Vernon Downs and Monticello Raceway. With seven racetracks mighty New York State led the way with some of the best horses and many of the best drivers competing regularly. And throughout the United States the cream of the driving talent usually ended-up on the Yonkers and Roosevelt circuit.

Many of the drivers of that past era became legends. Now Monticello Raceway wants to bring back some of the names that the east coast harness racing fan could easily identify with.

Later this season—no date is set at this time—The Mighty M will stage a driving challenge for the top names from that bygone era in a Battle of the New York Legends.

"It would be great to bring back Buddy Gilmour, Benny Webster ,Lucien Fontaine, Norman Dauplaise, Real Cormier, Billy Popfinger, Carmine Abbatiello, Herve Filion and others who were household names in the old days,’’ said prominent owner and racing enthusiast, Larry Roman who wants to sponsor the event.

Roman, a devotee of harness racing, has sponsored many events at the Mighty M including the annual Ms Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant and the Battle of the Broadcasters.

"If we could get many of the old-timers from the 60’s and 70’s this could be one of the biggest promotions of the year," Roman said. "When this comes together I promise we’ll put on a good show for everyone concerned."

Monticello Raceway is now in the process of contacting drivers who made names for themselves during that by-gone era. For further information, or for inquiries about that driving contest, please contact Monticello Raceway’s publicity office at 845-794-4100 ext. 455.

Delaware gaming burnt by new smoking legislation Opinion on no smoking click here

Business at the three racing facilities in Delaware has been down dramatically since the state has outlawed smoking in all public facilities. All bars, restaurants, race tracks and casinos have become smoke free.

In a visit to Dover Downs last week, the drop off was instantly noticeable. "It's been this way for the past three weeks." one restaurant employee said,"We make the bulk of our pay on tips. I don't know what I'll do if this continues." There were a few that braved the cold outside to light up but that didn't compare to crowds that filled the casino in the past.

"I don't understand it."one frigid smoker said. "My husband doesn't smoke. We have been coming here with our friends since the place opened and none of them have ever been bothered by the smoke. They tell me that the air is cleaner here than at my own house."

Dover Downs houses a newly built 232 room four star hotel. The casino area has a state of the art ventilation system that sucks the smoke upwards every 10 seconds. Slot action has plunged 30%.

At the northern and southern ends of Delaware, the impact has been even more severe. Taverns and restaurants in these areas have seen their business go to Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These states have reported a noticeable jump in business in the past three weeks.

Friday July 5, 2002

Herve Filion, Dave Palone, Brian Allen, George Sholty, Brian Zendt, Ron Pierce, Brian Sears invade Pocono

for star studded sire stakes card.

The all-time leader of harness driving victories will continue his quest for 15K Sunday evening on a night that features 4 Penn Sire Stakes events for 3YO filly pacers. Filion is currently carded to drive in 3 of the non-stakes events but may be penciled in for others to face this assortment of the countrie's best drivers from out of town.

Filion wins three at Harrington

July 4, 2002

-- by Matt Sparacino, publicity director, Harrington Raceway

Harrington, DE --- Wins seem to come in bunches for perennial driving champion Herve Filion. After making his return to the racetrack on June 23 in grand fashion by winning three races, Filion scored another driving triple on Wednesday at Harrington Raceway.

The 62-year-old Filion, winner of 14,790 races, lifetime has the most victories of any driver in history.

He started the night with a bang, scoring wins in both halves of the Daily Double with the 9-5 favorite, Smokeys Point, in the first race and the 5-1 shot Ronaldo N in the second race, a co-featured $40,000 claiming pace.

Filion utilized his pole position with Ronaldo N early, taking the lead at the quarter-mile mark in :274. He then yielded to Second Agenda (Mike Cole) and settled into the two hole behind a half-mile of :57 and three-quarters in 1:262.

Ronaldo N found room down the passing lane and triumphed by two lengths over Mr Brooke Lyn (Jim Morand) and Roadside Assistance (Kevin Lare).

Owned by the Outten Racing Stable and Roy Paul Fisher, it was Ronaldo’s third win of the year and second of the meet in $40,000 claiming company.

In the co-featured $15,800 winners-over trot, the 43-1 shot Esquire Ascot and driver Roger Plante, Jr. took advantage of early mishaps by the favorites to win by four lengths in 1:591.

The 4-year-old Esquire Spur gelding earned his first lifetime victory in winners-over competition, gaining his fourth win of the year for the Freedom Reins Stables.

Nomar (Hal Belote) was second with R Little Am Lo (Travis Bowman) finishing third.

Nightmare ends as harness racer Herve Filion returns to track on Sunday

JIM MORRIS (CP) - The nightmare is about to end for Herve Filion. Banned from harness

racing for seven years over allegations of race-fixing which he adamantly

denies, the sport's all-time leader in wins will make his return to driving

Sunday at Harrington Raceway in Delaware.

"The nightmare is over," Filion, 62, of Angers, Que., said in a telephone

interview from his Long Island, N.Y., home. "I've got a shot to sit behind a

horse again. I have a shot to win races again. It's a new life for me."

Earlier this month the racing commissions in Pennsylvania and Delaware

granted Filion a one-year conditional licence.

"Quite a few drivers and trainers have said they thought it was a very good

move," said Jim Boese, Harrington Raceway's general manager.

"They thought it was the right thing to do. We haven't been able to find

anything in Herve's background that would prevent him from racing here."

With 14,783 victories to his credit, no one has won more races than Filion.

Raised in a family of 10 children, he won his first race as a 13-year-old at

Rigaud, Que., and went on to collect over $85 million US in pursues. At age

35, he was the youngest person ever to be inducted into the U.S. Harness

Racing Hall of Fame and is one of just five drivers with over 9,000 wins.

"I want to reach the 15,000 (wins) and take it from there," said Filion,

talking loudly over the happy cries of the infant granddaughter he was

holding on his lap.

"I have a lot of confidence in myself. I'm not going to lose the race for

the horse, he is going to win races for me. I'm just a passenger. I follow

the horse."

Filion's last race was Aug. 5, 1995, at Yonkers Raceway in New York. As

usual he won but afterwards his world was turned upside down.

Indicted for conspiring to fix a race, he was charged, along with several

other alleged conspirators, following a wire-tapped telephone conversation

with owner Danny Kramer. At the time of his arrest, New York race officials

suspended Filion's licence.

Filion said he knew Kramer through a third party and believed he was having

a simple conversation with a person who asked how he would finish in a race.

"I know I didn't do anything wrong on the race track," Filion said.

"I did something wrong talking to that guy."

By mid-October 2000, after spending thousands of dollars on legal fees, the

charges were dropped for a guilty plea on a misdemeanour charge of tax

evasion. Filion claims he failed to report $1,500 in earnings.

Even though Filion never was found guilty of race-fixing, the innuendoes and

suspension drained his bank account and left scars on his family.

"The allegations hurt my family," he said.

"I embarrassed the Hall of Fame, Yonkers Raceway. I embarrassed myself. I

embarrassed the industry of harness racing, which I have a lot of respect

for. Everything I have, I got through harness racing."

Filion has spent the last several years golfing and working as a stable hand

on a friend's farm. To some it would be like Wayne Gretzky suddenly being

forced to do odd jobs around an arena.

Filion credits the support of his family for helping him get through the

years, especially his son Brandon who worked with a lawyer friend to get his

father reinstated.

"He wanted me to go back and fought for it," said Filion.

Some in the racing industry question if Filion will still have the skills

and reflexes to driver winners.

"I don't know how much being out of the sport for seven years will affect

him," said Boese.

Many owners don't share those concerns. Filion is booked for nine drives

Sunday, has five scheduled for Monday and six on Tuesday.

Filion scoffs at suggestions his skills may be rusty. He weighs 158 pounds,

six less than in 1995, and still understands the secret to making a horse

win.

"I'm not worried about being out of shape," said the first French-Canadian

to be named French Athlete of the World.

"My reflexes are good, my health is good. You have to go out there, try to

take them (horses) to the water and hope they take a drink."

Besides reaching 15,000 wins, Filion hopes to have his licence restored so

he can race again at Yonkers. He also would like to race in Canada again.

"I'll probably make a guest appearance in Montreal or Toronto," he said.

"Maybe when I'm 68 or 69, when I'm ready to slow down. I'll finish off the

year with a guest appearance to finish off my career."

© The Canadian Press, 2002

HARRINGTON, Del. – Herve fever has officially hit Harrington. The sport’s all-time winningest driver with 14,783 lifetime victories will make his first drive in seven years Sunday in Harrington Raceway’s first race.

Filion was approved for a license Tuesday by presiding judge Don Harmon and will make his return to the sulky with Napa’s Jokester (10-1) from post six in the first race on the 14-race program, a $25,000 claiming event.

He is scheduled to drive in nine races.

“Even though I haven’t driven in a while, I’ve been working with horses,” said Filion. “I’m in top physical condition and I’m ready to go.”

Owned by Lloyd Hickman, Napa’s Jokester finished fourth in his last start, beaten two lengths.

Filion will be driving two horses for long time friend and Harness Tracks of America’s 2001 Owner of the Year, Lloyd Arnold.

He will pilot morning line favorite Beaudiene Jean N (5-2) in race nine, and Direct Bride (4-1) in race 12, both owned by Arnold.

Filion also picked up drives for the top two leading trainers at the meet, David Columbo and Kevin Lare.

He is driving Cc’s Last Sam (5-1) in the third race for Columbo and Ain’t Nobody’s Fool (4-1) for Lare.

While Filion’s comeback will take the majority of the spotlight, talented 4-year-old Terro Franco N (5/2, Brad Hanners) will try to improve to a perfect 7-for-7 lifetime in the fourth race.

The daughter of Falcon Seelster began her career in grand fashion, winning her first six races, her last by four lengths.

“She’s the real deal,” said Hanners. “A very versatile horse who race on the lead or from behind.”

Owned by Tim Beaver and Jim Webb, Terro Franco N will start from post three.

Post time is 5:45 p.m. Parking and admission are free.

PA COMMISSION STILL LOOKING AT FACTS

A decision could come any day from the review of Herve Filion's application to race in Pennsylvania. The decision will be made solely by the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission Executive Secretary Anton Leppler.

" This state is very precise in the way we come to our decisions. I will be looking only at facts, not allegations", said Mr. Leppler, "There is no gray area to work with here." Pennsylvania has one of the strictest guidelines in the country to allow individuals to participate in harness racing.

"Mr. Filion has a long career in this industry so there are a lot of facts to go through. There have been several marks on his career for various incidents but with reference to the race fixing, we need to see convictions bases upon facts."

Filion has been interviewed by Mr. Leppler and has answered all of the questions put to him by the secretary.

"I know that my decision will be popular to some and not to others whichever way I decide", Leppler goes on, "But the laws have been written with the best interest of Pennsylvania harness racing in mind and that is how I will make my decision. There will be no politics involved."

One of those decisions that was made a few years back happened to involve an application from harness racing's second all-time winningest driver, Walter Case.

Secretary Leppler says about Case, "The way he drives, he does take his foot out and the back legs of the horse do make contact with his foot. I have never seen him beat a horse with a whip or kick one either, but it is within the power of the judges to issue the warnings and fines. The USTA has since amended the rules for drivers removing their feet from the standard driving position.

Case was required to provide urine samples at the end of each day that he raced. Every test proved negative.

HERVE FILION BACK AT POCONO ?

__________________________

Filion & Stan Bergstein at Monticello Raceway during the World Driving Championship

The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission office at Pocono Downs has confirmed that harness racing's all-time winningest driver Herve Filion has applied for a license to drive at the Pennsylvania oval. "He just walked in like everyone else with his paperwork, filled out the necessary forms, and left", said one racing official.

Before he can be issued his license, Fillion's application must be forwarded to the Harrisburg office for a standard review.

CAMPBELL, CAPONE, MORRILL BREAK THROUGH CLOUDS AND FIELD TO SHINE AT SYRACUSE

John Campbell returned to the Syracuse Mile to grab the lion's share of the $354,500 offered in this year's Harry M Zweig Memorial Trot. Campbell had to come from off the pace with Cobol and Chasing Tail for his two victories on the afternoon.

Rod Allen spoiled Campbell's bid for the hat trick when he drove even money favorite CR Kenetic to an easy 3 length victory in the third $100,000 event of the afternoon. CR Kenetic's 1:51.1was too much for Campbell's Fishing Clinic who finished third.

Jim Morrill drove three Mark Capone pacers to NYSS wins.

Talented Sakra, Memphis Mentor, and Nick The Stick all won their 3yo divisions and may face each other when the division runs at Monticello on Sunday August 26. (click here for all of The Syracuse Mile results charts)

Entry box overflows for Syracuse Mile opener

August 2, 2001

-- by John Manzi, for the Syracuse Mile

Monticello, NY --- Who says there's shortage of race horses in New York? Certainly not Don Hoover, racing secretary at the Syracuse Mile. When he opened the entry box on Wednesday, August 1 Hoover found 173 entries for the initial program at Syracuse.

"We have enough horses for 21 races but that's way too many to have on a single program," Hoover said. "We'll be going with 15 betting races and a couple of non-betting events on our Saturday card and will carry over four races to Sunday."

The Syracuse Mile begins it's 28th race meeting on Saturday afternoon, August 4 at the New York State Fairgrounds and will offer five programs featuring stakes races and late-closing events. Over $800,000 in purse money will be up for grabs during the five-day race meet.

Each program will offer full-card simulcasting at multiple off track betting parlors and inter-track wagering sites. Last year Syracuse set a new wagering record with a daily average handle of $531,564, and the total gross handle of $2,657,822 was also a new record.

Saturdays program offers $102,000 in purses and features late closing events for 2-, 3-, 4-year-olds on both the pace and trot.

"We're surprised by the amount of entries we had here today at Syracuse, "said Bruce Hamilton, the executive director of the New York Sire Stakes program. "In the past we used to race three weekends in August before the Fair, but a shortage of horses necessitated fewer race cards. But with today's showing maybe it's time to expand our racing program."

Racing will continue the following afternoon, Sunday, August 5, and then pick up again with three more race programs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 10, 11, and 12.

The upcoming Syracuse meeting will feature the best harness horses in New York State competing for lucrative purses. The featured event, the 27th Annual Dr. Harry M Zweig Memorial , an open race for 3-year-old trotters will be contested on the final card, Sunday, August 12.

Post times for all race cards at Syracuse will be at 12:45 p.m. (EDT). Free admission and free parking are offered to all race fans.

Bailey wins three New York-bred events at Monticello Raceway

Bill Bailey put on a driving clinic by winning three divisions of New York Sire Stakes late-closer trots this past Sunday at Monticello Raceway.

Racing for $6,000 purses, Bailey won with Trot Dot Com in 2:03; Incredible Patt in 2:043; and with Clip Clip in 2:061

Bailey used the front-end route to score with Kirkland Standardbreds’ Sir Taurus gelding Trot Dot Com, turning back the late rally from the odds-on favorite, Go Joe Go, driven by Scott Mongeon.

William Weigand, Jr. is the proud owner of Incredible Patt, Bailey's second triumph. Starting from a trailing position, post nine, Bailey got the daughter of Incredible Abe into contention at the three-quarters, ranging-up alongside brother James driving DD Note Worthy, and then battling nose-to-nose until mid-stretch before pulling away to a one length victory.

Bailey's final winner, Clip Clip, owned by Mark Taylor, used the front-end route to an easy three length triumph over Gantry T, piloted by Ken Ball.

However, the fastest clocking in the five divisions was turned in by Skull N Roses Stable’s Skull N Roses. Francis Raia III guided the Capidimonte gelding to a one-half length victory in 2:013, holding-off a late charge by favored Alpine Go Go, driven by Brian Walker.

A final $6,000 division went to Helen Grefe and the Little Lady Stable’s Pompous in 2:033. Joe Schwind drove the daughter of Sir Taurus to a four length victory over GMR's Jazzie Lady and driver Jimmy Allen.

Longshots the rule in New York Sire Stakes action at Monticello

Upsets were the order of the day in the $150,000 New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies yesterday at Monticello Raceway.

Trix, a 19-1 shot owned and trained by Tina Adamczyk of nearby Otisville, N.Y., won her $37,540 division in 2:013 for driver Jeff Gregory over the favored Pretty Michaela (Travis Bowman), producing a $41.20 win payoff.

In another $37,540 split the 8-1 shot Ken Jacobs’ Yankee Amelia, driven by John Stark, Jr., held off favored Bob's Wizard and Howard Okusko, Jr., scoring in 2:03 and returning $18.80 to her backers

And in yet another $37,540 division, Del McTavish, Jr.’s One For The Road, in rein to Perry Simser, surprised favored Hippity Hoppity and Wally Hennessey charging to the front in the final strides for a 2:03 victory, paying $25.20 to win.

Only the 3-5 favorite John Sixt and Judith Blaun’s Hugs Fanci, driven by Richard Mays, lived up to her billing by winning from the eight hole by four lengths in 2:03 over Punchin Dody (Jim McNeight) in the final $37,540 division.

The afternoon proved to be another successful afternoon for nearby Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, N.Y., whose stallions sired all four New York Sire Stakes winners. Trix and Yankee Amelia are daughters of Magical Mike, while One For The Road and Hugs Fanci are offspring of On The Road Again.

Also on the Sunday card was the Pulaski Pace, for Polish American drivers only. The event was the sixth leg in the Mighty M's Heritage Series which features races for drivers of various ethnic groups.

Coming from far back to score a 2:011 victory was the Dave Dziengiel-driven Howmac Cruiser, owned by Jim Doherty, who rallied in the final strides to collar Jess Sebolsky's RG Hyakutake. And, fitting in with the longshot theme of the day, Howmac Cruiser paid $22.20 to win.

A final feature was the James Forgione Memorial Pace won by Jason Steinberg’s Pure Revenge in 1:59 for driver Andre Sinani. But what made this even unique was that dear friends of Mr. Forgione: Herb Weiss, Walter Blacharski, and Jim McGowan; put up $3,000 -- $1,500 to be split among the first five drivers and $1,500 to be divided between first five trainers using the same percentages that divided the purse in the event. And, Andre Sinani made out the best as he was also the winning horse's trainer.

The following comes courtesy of TIMES IN HARNESS

Fully Loaded draws rail for 'Rooney' final

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Elimination winner Fully Loaded drew post position 1 for the July 28 $305,569 Art Rooney Pace final at Yonkers Raceway.

The 13th edition of the Rooney, for three-year-old colts and geldings, is Yonkers' premier race for pacers.

Fully Loaded, who won the fastest of two $50,928 'Rooney' elims, is trained by Art McIlmurray and driven by Luc Ouellette.

Fully Loaded enters the final with three-straight victories. He has won five of his 11 starts with winnings of $164,274.

Four Starzzz Shark, who won the other elim and drew post 5, also brings a three-race winning streak into the final.

Ed Hart trains the son of 1994 Rooney-winner Cam's Card Shark, who has hit the board in 11 of 13 starts and won $249,239 in 2001. Dave Miller will drive.

Trainer Mark Ford, whose Gallo Blue Chip won last year's Rooney and went on to win Horse of the Year, conditions 25 percent of this year's final field.

The complete field, with morning-line odds: Fully Loaded (Luc Ouellette, 8-5); Keen Mind (Ron Pierce, 8-1); On The Attack (Stephane Bouchard, 5-2); Yankee Blitz (Dan Dube, 5-2); Four Starzzz Shark (Dave Miller, 4-1); J K Bandit (Mike Lachance, 6-1); Bullvilleintherain (Jim Taggart Jr., 10-1); Royal Art (no driver, 12-1).

The following story comes courtesy of Times in Harness On-line

Saving New York harness tracks

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A great deal of money is on the line, as well as the future of harness racing in New York State. The state Assembly bill introduced recently by assemblyman Alex Gromack could mean $5 million for New York's distressed harness tracks. The measure was reported favorably from the Racing and Wagering Committee, which is a sign of hope. Now the measure moves to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where it faces some roadblocks, but still has a future. Oddly enough, the bill has not received public support from the harness tracks it attempts to assist.

In the New York State Assembly, a bill designed to provide financial support for state's harness tracks. The bill would help harness racing a number of ways, including ending the $100 per racing day license fee for racing associations and corporations (replacing it with a straight $500 per year fee); provide harness associations and corporations with a larger share of the breaks; lower taxes paid by off-track betting (OTB) corporations and on simulcasts received at tracks within the state (on bets for races run by other tracks within the state); require OTB corporations to simulcast all in-state harness in order to be eligible to take simulcasts from out-of-state harness; and lower the tax paid by OTB corporations on out-of-state harness signals and routing the savings to New York harness tracks and purses. Almost all of the revenue lost to the state in taxes and fees would flow to state harness tracks.

MONTICELLO MANAGEMENT AND HORSEMAN SIGN AGREEMENT

Racing will resume at Monticello Raceway beginning this Sunday June 17 thanks to the new contract agreement singed between the Horseman's Association and track management. Wednesday afternoon's race card was canceled as a result of the battle between the two sides.

"We are glad to bring racing back this weekend to our fans. It was just a matter of language that held up the signing of the new contract", said Raceway President Cliff Ehrlich. Both sides had stated that each party had bargained in good faith during the negotiations.

Commissions from money wagered at Monticello Raceway on out of state tracks are divided between horseman and the track in an agreed fashion. This agreement allows for the sharing of expenses of the raceway's simulcasting facility. The horsemen had singed over their 1.75% of additional funds from a 1994 New York State statute in an earlier contract agreement. This was the sticking point in their new contract negotiations.

The new contract now gives back the 1.75% and allows for both sides to work out the remaining of the agreement for division of the out of state commissions.

STRIKE BY HORSEMEN LOOMS

AT MONTICELLO RACEWAY

June 11, 2001

Racing could possibly come to a halt at the Catskill oval if an agreement is not reached between horsemen and management by midnight tonight over a new contract. Draws for this Sunday's card are in jeopardy and owners are already making plans to race at other tracks if need be.

A spokesman for the horsemen says that they are looking to take back the 1.75% of certain OTB revenue earmarked for purse money. In 1994 New York passed into law that this money must go towards purses but the horseman's association signed those funds over to the track years back for reasons unknown.

As the deadline approaches hopes are high that an agreement will be reached. Raceway President Cliff Ehrlich is negotiating with the horsemen and all seems to be going in a positive direction but the deadline still hovers over the situation.

If the final results are favorable by both sides of the table tonight, then the final vote by the horsemen will be at noon tomorrow, in time to draw for Sunday's racing card.

CJ'S SECRET IN COLONIAL

AT WOODBINE

CJ'S Secret faces open company this Friday night June, 8 in the 5th race at Woodbine Racetrack. Trained by Noel Daily and driven by Dan Daily, CJ'S Secret was an easy winner on May, 28 at Saratoga. CJ draws the 8 hole while his biggest challenge will come from Danish Delight. John Campbell will start from post 5 with this J. Carluzzi trained colt.

Also starting in the 8th race of the Colonial will be Partnershipproblem who won his 2nd race of the season in as many starts at Saratoga on May, 28. He will start from post 5 as the #4 horse in the 9 horse field. The connection of driver Jack Rice and trainer Jimmy Cruise face a tough challenge in the names of Annies S J piloted by John Campbell, and Banker Hall driven by Trevor Richie. For more on CJ"S Secret go to Horse profiles or click here.

VERNON DOWNS TO OFFER MAJOR RACES WORTH MORE THAN $600,000 DURING 2001

Courtesy of Jim Moran-Vernon Downs

VERNON, NY-Vernon Downs will present nine races of special interest from the prestigious New York Sires Stakes program and a pair of C.K.G. Billings events for amateur drivers of trotters during its 49th live harness season, that gets underway on Friday, May 4.

Four regular New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for three-year-old standardbreds are expected to offer purses of more than $500,000 during this year's 84-card campaign, which continues through Saturday, Oct. 20.

This season's on-track schedule also calls for two NY-bred late-closing preliminary events, a pair of state-bred late-closing finals, a NY-sponsored county fair championship test and the two Billings attractions, all of which should add another $100,000-plus to this year's purse offerings.

The 2001 Major Races Schedule:

Friday, June 15 C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Trot Series leg

Saturday, June 16 NYSS 3-year-old filly pace and NYSS 3-year-old colt/gelding trot

Saturday, July 21 NYSS 3-year-old colt/gelding pace and NYSS 3-year-old filly trot

Friday, Aug. 10 NYSS-sponsored late-closer for 2-year-old trotters

Saturday, Aug. 11 NYSS-sponsored late-closer for 2-year-old pacers

Saturday, Aug. 18 NYSS-sponsored late-closing pace for 4-year-olds and older final and C.K.G. Billings Amateur Trot Series leg

Saturday, Sept. 15 NYSS-sponsored county fair 2-year-old trot championship

Saturday, Sept. 29 NYSS-sponsored late closing 3-year-old filly pace final

Following a Friday, Saturday night opening weekend, Vernon plans a basic Thursday, Friday afternoon (first post 1:10), Saturday evening (7:35) schedule. Monday matinees (1:10) are planned for Memorial (May 28) and Labor (Sept. 3) days, while Wednesday afternoons (1:10) will be added in July and August. The program on Friday, Aug. 10 will be raced in the evening (7:35).

Vernon will be offering free admission for all afternoon cards this season, with a $2 racetrack entry fee on Saturday evenings. A $25 season's pass is available through the track's Marketing Department Youngsters age 16 and under will be admitted free if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Program books at the track will again cost $2.

DOWNS DOINGS-Leslie DeLorenzo, who became the track's Account Wagering/Telephone Betting Supervisor in February, has taken on the added responsibilities of Moni~Maker Club Supervisor. She resides in Bridgeport with her husband, Frank, and four children. Vernon continues to offer full-card simulcasting seven days and nights a week.

Pair charged in connection with death and disappearance of a horse at Monticello Raceway

From USTA Newsroom

Trainer-driver Marc Mosher and veterinarian Berkeley D. Briggs await a May 17 court hearing in Monticello, NY on charges of conspiracy and tampering with a sports contest in connection with the pre-race death of a trotter at Monticello Raceway.

State Police in Liberty, NY and the New York state Racing and Wagering Board allege the men injected a performance-enhancing drug to the horse, Too Much Data, before the 12th race at Monticello Raceway on February 20. Authorities charge the drug resulted in the death of the horse.

Both men have charged with first-degree tampering with a sports contest and making an apparent false statement, both felonies; and with fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor. The are also charged with felony interference with, or injury to, a horse under the New York State Agriculture and Markets law.

In addition, Mosher is also charged with sixth-degree conspiracy for working with others to dispose of the carcass of the dead horse, which is a misdemeanor.

Investigators allege the trainer secretly removed the 4-year-old mare from the track in a move that was covered up by both men in statements given to authorities.

Press reports say suspicion arose after Too Much Data turned up missing. Later, calls reportedly came into the Sullivan County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals saying three dead horses were dumped at a Monticello area horse farm. Two, it was said, died of natural causes and were not racehorses. The third was said to be Too Much Data.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has suspended the men's licenses to participate in pari-mutuel horse racing, pending the court action facing them.

Fire hits M Barn at Pocono Downs 22 horses saved

Adobe PhotoDeluxe Business Edition Image

Three horsemen at Pocono Downs risked their lives in saving 22 horses as a fire ripped through two tack rooms and several stalls during the early morning hours Monday.

The blaze began in tack rooms located at both ends of the George Napolitano, Jr. Stable. Jennifer Kolessar of Tunkhannock, who is a trainer-owner, provisionary driver, discovered the blaze and quickly notified track security and fellow horsemen Eddie Dempsey, Eric Mollor and Shane Taggart.

Fire Chief Joe Hoinski of the Plains Township Fire Department said the alarm came in a 1:49 a.m. and some 35 firemen responded. Kolessar returned to the stable area to set up feed for her horses when she saw smoke coming from M Barn, where the 22 Napolitano horses are stabled. She drove to Eddie's Diner, located a short distance from the track, and notified

Dempsey before going to the Woodlands to tell Mollor and Taggart.

Upon their arrival, Dempsey, Mollor and Taggart started opening the stall doors and rescuing the horses while track security and members of the Plains Township Fire Department fought the blaze. Taggart went through a flaming inferno to secure Tylation and Radar Hanover Those two horses were in three of the stalls that were severely scorched by the flames.

"The horses wouldn't come out at first," said Dempsey. "But once we got the first one out the others followed. I really don't know how Shane (Taggart) rescued those two horses from those two stalls. He put his life on the line."

"I really didn't give it any thought before I went in for those two horses," said Taggart. "It was an instinctive move. We just love the horses. I couldn't see them dying in the fire."

Kolessar, Dempsey, Taggart and Mollor were taken to local hospitals and treated for smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported. Quick action by the security staff and the Plains Township Fire Department prevented the flames from destroying the entire barn although the two tack rooms and stables 27, 28 and 29 were severely gutted.

Other side of the barn sustained smoke and water damage. Horses of Wade Ross and Claude Huckabone III have been relocated along with the Napolitano standardbreds.

"They (Jennifer, Shane, Eddie and Eric) saved my life," said Napolitano. "Words can't express my appreciation for what they done. They saved my horses. They are true heroes. Shane went right into the thick of the fire to save two of my horses."

Napolitano estimated damages at approximately $10,000 to his lost harness equipment that was stored in those tack rooms. The equipment and barns are insured by track management and the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association.

Plains Township fire and police departments are investigating along with State Police Fire Marshal Bernie Kizis from the Wyoming Barracks. Firemen remained on the scene for several hours.

Yonkers Raceway remains dark

Given its proximity to Manhattan, Yonkers Raceway has announced that its Saturday evening program has been cancelled. Live racing at Yonkers will resume racing on Monday September 17.The track will host a special card on Wednesday September 19 consisting of the 12 New York Sire Stakes events that were not able to be raced this week. As a result, the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions has been rescheduled for September 29. In addition, the New York Sire Stakes late-closer finals have been pushed back from September 20 and 21 to September 27 and 28. -- Frank Drucker (9/14/01)