by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Here is a look back at some memorable dates in harness racing history:

February 12, 1979: Jurgy Hanover defeats defending champion Quick Work to win the Su Mac Lad final in 2:03.1 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

February 13, 1962: Dave Palone, the winner of more than 11,000 races and a four-time winner of Harness Tracks of America’s Driver of the Year Award, is born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

February 14, 1987: Keystate Hanover wins the inaugural Aquarius final in 1:55 at the Meadowlands.

February 15, 1985: Selena Lobell sets the world record for female trotters on a five-eighths-mile track by winning in 1:57.2 at Pompano Park in Florida.

February 16, 1985: Diane Long drives Don’t Bug Me to victory in 1:55.3 at Pompano Park for the fastest pacing mile by a female driver on a five-eighths-mile track.

February 16, 1991: Sure Fact wins the Dygert Memorial Trot in 1:58 at Hawthorne Race Course near Chicago.

February 17, 1987: Ombre Rose wins the inaugural Night Styles final in 1:56.4 at the Meadowlands.

February 18, 1989: Banker Blue Chip equals the world record for pacing horse five years and older by winning in 1:52.2 at Pompano Park.