Year: 2023

Brett Beckwith has been one of a handful of young drivers having an impact in the driver colony at the Meadowlands during the fall meeting, and the 20-year-old pilot kept rolling Friday night (Dec. 29), making three visits to the winner’s circle, including one with Splash Of Pink, who pulled off an upset in the $17,500 feature for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

The new year is rapidly approaching, which means that 2023 is coming to an end just as quickly. It is time for year-end honors but this year at Freehold Raceway, the title for leading driver has come down to the wire. Jimmy Marohn Jr. was in control of the lead for much of the year, but an injury from an accident at Yonkers in November halted his progress at 131 wins in 2023. Siegelman began the day (Dec. 29) at a total of 125 wins, just six behind Marohn. With the final weekend of racing at the half-mile track upon him, Siegelman decided it was time to kick things into high gear and close the gap. He did so successfully, winning five races on Freehold’s eleven-race Friday (Dec. 29) afternoon card. This puts his total wins up to 130, just one behind the leader.

Bob Nadeau, 86, of Saco, Maine, and his 14-year-old Putnams Storm were honored in an Au Revoir Retirement Showcase at Cumberland just before Christmas. In a story in the Portland Press Herald, Nadeau said harness racing has changed a lot during his 50 years in the sport.

Help Page, who made 8-1 look like easy money in the most recent top dance for the trotters, goes from the rail to the demanding 10 post in Saturday night’s (Dec. 30) featured $8,800 Open Trot at Cal Expo.