by David Krepow, for The American Harness Drivers Club

Cherry Hill, NJ — In the latter part of January, the American Harness Drivers Clubs prospects of conducting future amateur racing events at Freehold Raceway were bleak at best. While an agreement had seemed to be in place between the club and Freehold racing officials to conduct a winter series, economic and financial issues were taking a toll on the historic Central Jersey oval’s ability to operate in a “business as usual” mode. The extra expenses incurred to allow the club to continue racing was something that the track was just not in a good position to absorb. Once again, the future of the AHDC was in serious jeopardy.

Fortunately, several senior members of the club threw down the gloves and decided that the AHDC was not going to give up without a fight. It was time to think out of the box and come up with solutions that would be in the best interest of both Freehold Raceway and the AHDC. On February 20, the club and track officials met to discuss these and other ideas to address the obstacles. By all accounts, the meeting was not only amicable but also very productive. As a result, the club will implement a number of modifications to reduce the financial burden on the track. Some of the proposed changes involve starting the series a few weeks earlier than in past years as well as changing the racing day from Saturday morning to Friday afternoon. In return, the club has received the approval to conduct a five-leg Spring Pacing series.

A few moments before a field of eight pacers and amateur drivers lined up behind Bob Blum’s Freehold Raceway starting gate for the first leg of the re-invented 2010 Spring Pacing Series on Friday March 5, a very relieved club president Bernie Boland offered, “As long as we can race, we’ll do whatever we have to do”. Fittingly, it was the venerable AHDC veteran Miguel Lopez who kicked off the new era by steering Seas In Me to victory.

Lopez and the 7-year-old gelded son of Island Fantasy took the lead from pacesetters Neil Goldstein and Sinbad just beyond the quarter pole, and never trailed again. They led the parade through the half-mile, keeping Goldstein at arm’s length. They were then faced with a strong challenge by George Munniksma and It Fits as they engaged from the outside passing the three-quarter mark. As they funneled into the far turn, Munniksma pulled It Fits to even terms with Lopez and appeared poised to rush right on by. However, Lopez was not about to allow them to steal any more ground. He urged the very game Seas In Me into another gear as they entered the stretch.

Down the lane, the anticipated duel to the wire never materialized as Lopez and Seas In Me slowly pulled away and kept their advantage right to the wire, a long neck in front of Munniksma and It Fits. Time of the mile was 2:01.3 after fractions of 29.1, 59.2 and 1:31.1 to the three-quarter mark. Goldstein and Sinbad held on to take the show dough while a late charging John Regina and Falcon’s Fire A rushed up for fourth. New Jersey Horseperson of the Year, Dr. Karyn Malinowski and her own Hug Me Christi were next, finishing fifth.

Dave Yarock found himself in some early trouble as his mount Heidi’s Character went off stride, interfering with the paths of Art’s Regards with Bob Hechkoff and Jenna’s World handled by Brad Rathbone. In the end, Yarock finished sixth but placed eight behind Bob Hechkoff who was placed sixth and Brad Rathbone, placed seventh with Jenna’s World.

The American Harness Drivers Club returns to action at Freehold Raceway on Friday March 19 the second leg of the 2010 Spring Pacing Series. For more information, you can keep up with all the news from the AHDC by visiting our official website at http://www.ahdcracing.com.