by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Dave Palone and Ron Burke are two of harness racing’s grandest champions and on Friday (Jan. 30) fans will have an opportunity to meet them and take home Palone- and Burke-themed premiums.

The occasion is the annual “Night of Champions Celebration” presented by The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. Beginning at 6 p.m., fans may meet Palone and Burke and receive posters autographed by the two champions and mugs honoring their achievements (while supplies last).

Meadows photo

Thomas Allen Pauly’s painting of Dave Palone getting career win 16,754 — the victory that made him the world’s “winningest” harness racing driver — will be featured.

Also participating will be noted equine artist Thomas Allen Pauly, whose painting of Palone getting career win 16,754 — the victory that made him the world’s “winningest” harness racing driver — will be featured. Palone was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2010.

For his part, Burke has been North America’s leading trainer for six consecutive years and in 2014 smashed his own record with more than $28.3 million in earnings.

Both Palone and Burke are based at The Meadows.

Other activities include:

• A “Spin to Win” wheel offering prizes of $2 wagering vouchers and other items.
• A handicapping contest for Racing Player Rewards members, with the winner earning 20,000 bonus points.
• Presentation of awards to The Meadows’ 2014 equine champions, as voted by MSOA members. The connections of Cammikey will receive his award as The Meadows’ 2014 Horse of the Year.

Friday’s live card begins at 6:55 p.m.