by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The first annual Team Allard yearling giveaway is in the books. Rene Allard became the 2017 leading trainer in both wins and UTR at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and to celebrate Team Allard gave away lots of free stuff.

Dave Erickson was the lucky grand prize winner and he won five percent of a yearling with Team Allard. That’s right, no gimmicks, no purchase fees, no expenses or bills. His only hardship is to pick either My Sweet Memory (a Sweet Lou filly) or Bettor’s Account (a Bettor’s Delight colt), the two yearlings selected to choose from.

Curtis Salonick photo

Rene Allard received his 2017 leading trainer award on Tuesday.

We won’t put any pressure on Dave just yet to select, as he probably will want to research their pedigrees, scan pictures, watch some of the replays of their sires winning Grand Circuit races and setting world records!

There were also eight consolation prizes offered up to anyone who signed up, including a set of Tim Tetrick racing colors; New Vocations Racehorse Adoption gift bag; Team Allard custom winter jacket; Brian Sears Hall of Fame memorabilia, and much more. All winners’ names will be available at www.TeamAllard.com.

The bottom line is that Dave Erickson has never owned a horse — and now he does. He lives in Niagara Falls, and is within driving distance to a lot of racetracks. It’s never too late to get involved in harness racing and now Dave has a reason to bring all of his friends and family to the racetrack and learn all about the sport.

In an interview after accepting his award, Rene was excited about the yearling giveaway, and is looking forward to doing it again next year.

“It gives everybody a chance to get part of it, and we like to give back to the sport we love,” he said.

About his 2017 leading trainer award, he was equally emotional, accepting with his parents and brother, Simon, at his side, along with members of Team Allard.

“Growing up, I dreamed about racing horses, never mind getting those kind of trophies.”

He praised his team, saying it is much more than Rene Allard contributing to his award.

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono closes out its 2017 season on Saturday (Nov. 25). The Breeders Crown returns in October 2018.