It’s not often that a post time favorite is not involved when an early speed duel erupts at a harness track but that was exactly the scenario that played out at the Skowhegan State Fair on Tuesday (Aug. 18) when a a pair of 8-1 shots left the gate hard against each other, with neither showing any inclination toward relinquishing their desire for the front-end seat.
Author: by Mike Sweeney for the Skowhegan ME Fair
USTA to conduct ROAP Continuing Education Nov. 22-23 at The Meadows
The U.S. Trotting Association (USTA) will offer a 16-hour Continuing Education (CE) seminar for accredited racing officials on Sunday (Nov. 22) and Monday (Nov. 23) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA.
USTA partner Merck’s counsel on staying ahead of emerging equine health threats
The U.S. Trotting Association’s partnership with Merck Animal Health is part of our broader commitment to equine health and the well-being of the Standardbred horse. Our work together on microchip initiatives is one example of that commitment and of Merck’s broader efforts to advance equine health.
Glamour boys scorch Skowhegan
Maine’s glamour boys division rolled headstrong into the Skowhegan State Fair on Tuesday (Aug. 18) with the set’s swift 3-year-old male pacers enjoying a purse increase to kick off the evening program.
Slipped Onmybeans and Captain Ricky both dazzle again at Aces
Freshman Minnesota-sired action was featured at Running Aces on Tuesday night (August 18) and a couple of win streaks were on the line in the top divisions.
Solvalla Yearling Sale sets record
Tuesday’s (Aug. 18) Solvalla Yearling Sale set a record, averaging SEK 456,276—about $48,000 —per yearling. A total of 94 yearlings were sold,an increase of no less than 21% compared with last year and 8.7% higher than the previous auction record, set in 2024.
Tempting Flames sets Scioto Downs track record in Ohio Sires Stakes
Tempting Flames set a new track record Tuesday (Aug. 18) at Eldorado Scioto Downs while equaling the world record on a five-eighths mile track for 2-year-old filly pacers. Taken in one of the two $75,000 Ohio Sires Stakes divisions, Tempting Flames hit the wire in 1:50, equaling the record set by Beach Cowgirl in 2022.
ARCI seeks CEO
The Association of Racing Commissioners International is recruiting for an individual or entity to oversee, coordinate and manage the organization’s finances, programs, staff and operations.
Three track records fall at the Topsham (ME) Fair
Track conditions, which bordered on excellent throughout the meet, combined with what many have described as the finest card of harness racing ever to be programmed at the Topsham Fair, conspired to deliver both enthusiastically appreciated action and blazing new track records in the fair’s closing session on Saturday (Aug. 15).
Dandy Ideal matches stakes record in Dan Patch at Hoosier
A day removed from being named the home of The Hambletonian beginning in 2027, Harrah’s Hoosier Park played host to the $300,000 Dan Patch Stakes presented by Indiana Standardbred Breed Development where Dandy Ideal and driver Tyler Buter survived torrid opening fractions en route to a dominant 1:47.2 score for trainer Hunter Oakes.