from the Standardbred Owners Association of New York

Yonkers, NY — What happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas.

On Saturday (Dec. 8), two sets of Australian lovers exchanged their “I Do’s” before selected family members, a minister, some showgirls, and Elvis Presley in Las Vegas, Nev. Less than 72 hours after duly committing matrimony, the newly betrothed couples found themselves enjoying the action at what for them was a perfect honeymoon venue — Yonkers Raceway in New York.

Photo courtesy of SOA of NY

The Australians took a trip to the winner’s circle for honeymoon photos.

On Tuesday (Dec. 11), the Standardbred Owners Association of New York proudly hosted bride Michelle Manning and her new husband, Craig Wight, as well as bride Shay Brown and her new husband, Brett Keating, to an evening of top flight harness racing at the Hilltop oval. The selection of this venue by the couples was truly an easy decision.

Michelle Manning is a consummate driver-trainer in Great Western, Victoria, and hails from a family with deep Standardbred roots. Her dad is leading Australian trainer Peter Manning. Her sister is world record holder and national heroine Kerryn Manning, the most successful female harness racing driver of all time. Shay Brown is a horsewoman in her own right. A retired jockey, Shay is now an active trainer of Thoroughbreds. Both of their grooms have the racing bug as well. All of them and their families regularly watch Yonkers races via the simulcast signal which has consistently been exported to Australia since the the beginning of the summer.

Besides trackside dinner, the foursome enjoyed a complete tour of the Yonkers facility, participated in the draw of a race card, viewed a race from the judges’ stand, met journeyman driver, USTA and SOA director Jordan Stratton, as well as track vice-president and USTA director Bob Galterio and took a trip to the winner’s circle for obligatory honeymoon photos. Michelle was even interviewed in the track’s event theater regarding her impressions of Yonkers harness racing.

The presence of these visitors at this special time in their lives is a testament to not only the worldwide appeal of our sport, but also the tremendous camaraderie that exists among horsemen and horsewomen, no matter where they reign. The SOA wishes these newly-minted couples great happiness and success in their Down Under racing endeavors.