Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Co-owner Christina Takter has confirmed that Tom Ridge, the Hambletonian favorite who finished eighth in Saturday’s race, had surgery today on his throat muscles to correct a breathing problem that appeared in the race.

“Dr. (John) Cummins did the surgery in Kentucky,” said Takter. “He has been there since Tuesday. I just talked to Nancy (Takter, Tom Ridge’s groom, daughter of Christina and Jimmy Takter, the horse’s trainer) and she says he is tired, but he’s recovering.”

Christina Takter said that Tom Ridge will remain in Kentucky to prepare for the Yonkers Trot (eliminations to be held on August 21 at Hawthorne Racecourse in Chicago) and the World Trotting Derby (September 4 at Du Quoin, Illinois State Fair).

Tom Ridge came out of Saturday’s race with his usual robust demeanor, says Mrs. Takter. “He came in the barn screaming and going for his feed. I gave him an apple like always, because I have a short memory,” she laughed.