by Jeff Zidek, for the PA Fair Harness Horsemen’s Association

Wattsburg, PA — Freshman Pennsylvania breds made their county fair debuts on Sunday (June 17) at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Wattsburg, Pa., on the final day of a two-day Sire Stake meet.

Roger Hammer dominated the nine-race card, posting five wins as a driver, including four horses from his own stable.

The day started with two $5,948 divisions of the 2-year-old colt trot and BSMaximummoondream went wire-to-wire in 2:11.4 to capture the opener. Dave Brickell drove and co-owns the son of Bedford County along with trainer Sue Brickell.

In the second division, Albany House (Andover Hall) scored in 2:14.4 for trainer/driver Hammer, who co-owns with the Ervin Miller Stable.

Filly trotters were up next, with two $5,936 splits. Lindyofalifetime, by Cantab Hall, gave the Dunn Stable and trainer Boots Dunn their first win of the day, while Hammer picked up the winning catch-drive. Lindyofalifetime scored in 2:14.3.

In the second group, only one horse managed to stay flat for the mile, Solicitation, by Tom Ridge. The filly won in 2:12.1 by open lengths for Hammer, who also trains and owns in partnership with Todd Schadel.

Three $4,100 divisions of the freshman filly pace were next to the track, and Hammer found his way to the winner’s circle yet again in the first group, despite a rough trip.

Ryan Zidek photo

Life’sarealbeach (#5 on inside) became the first 2-year-old by Somebeachsomewhere to win on the PA Fair Circuit.

RT Redyourrights and driver Bobby Rougeaux cut the mile, while Hammer had a second tier start with Life’sarealbeach. Hammer tipped early, but Rougeaux parked him for the rest of the mile. In the end, three horses were lined up across the track in a photo for win and Hammer prevailed. Life’sarealbeach became the first Somebeachsomewhere to win on the fair circuit, scoring in 2:08.3. Hammer bred and owns the filly.

Ohio-based invader She’salilfireball, a daughter of Allamerican Native, won the second event in 2:10.4. Robert Grover owns and trains, while Chris Shaw earned the winning drive.

The final division winner was Caviart Ginger (Real Desire) and driver Brady Brown. Clyde, Jason and Marilyn Bresnahan, along with Debbra Kerr, own the winner, while Jason Bresnahan trains.

Two $6,055 splits of the freshman colt pace ended the day and Jungle Of Terror (Western Terror) overcame a second tier start to win the first division in 2:07.3. Steve Schoeffel trains and drove for owners Steve Lander and Kathy and Virginia Schoeffel.

Hammer then won the final race of the day behind another one of his own horses, Falcon’s Breeze. The Nuclear Breeze colt covered the mile in 2:08.1.

For additional photos, video and information from the PA Fair Circuit, visit the Standardbred Breeders of PA website, www.standardbredbreederspa.org or the PA Fair Horsemen’s website, www.pafairharness.com.

The PA Fair Harness Horsemen’s Association sends out get well wishes to driver Winston Lineweaver. Shortly after guiding Roe Is Me to a second place finish in the first race, Lineweaver suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to Saint Vincent Medical Center in Erie, Pa. At last report the Virginia native, a longtime fixture on the PA Fair Circuit, was alert and his condition was stable. He is expected to remain overnight for additional testing.