First Tracks Cumberland has a host of lucrative series finals as well as the third annual Au Revoir Retirement Showcase slated for closing weekend, which runs from Friday (Dec. 22) through Christmas Eve Sunday (Dec. 24).
Author: by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
Randy Manges, 72, dies
Randy Delbert Manges, the longtime sales manager for the Kentucky Standardbred Horse Sales Company and later the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. He was 72.
Gregory Pecs, successful Virginia Standardbred sire, passes away at age 21
Gregory Pecs, one of the most successful sires in Virginia’s 26-year history of pari-mutuel harness racing, passed away earlier this month at the age of 21
Carryover Craze caters to the little guy
For years, smaller players had a tough time of it at the track when it came to going for the big score, as larger minimums tended to exclude the low-level bettors from being serious players in those extremely attractive giant pools, permitting bigger partnerships and syndicates to bet big and scoop the pots.
Breeders Crown back at Big M in 2024
The Hambletonian Society announced Wednesday night that the Breeders Crown will be contested at The Meadowlands in October of next year.
Cullipher enjoys rise of Down Under imports
A couple of Down Under pickups have gotten off to strong starts for trainer Jeff Cullipher as he looks to determine their paths for the year ahead.
District 3 elects Sal DiMario director
Sal DiMario, the recently retired executive director of the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, has unseated the incumbent, David Siegel, in the USTA District 3 membership director election, it was announced Wednesday.
Freehold Lasix fee increase
Freehold Raceway will be increasing the Lasix fee to $20 as of Jan. 1, 2024. The increase is consistent with Lasix fees in PA, NY, VA, MD and at the Meadowlands.
Drug testing under HISA: When uniformity and variability collide
In his Thoroughbred Daily News story, Dan Ross explores the failures of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit in implementing and conducting the uniformity in drug testing that they have promised.
Batavia Downs realized a 75% handle increase in 2023
With the books now finalized after the last live card of racing took place on Saturday (Dec. 9), Batavia Downs saw a major growth in handle that started last January during their first winter meet in 20 years, and ended the year showing a 75% increase in wagering over the track’s previous record high.