The owners of Captain Optimistic have decided to continue to race the well-bred son of Captaintreacherous in 2026 as well as breed a limited book of mares to give him every opportunity to dominate in the 2026 racing season.
Author: from Deovolente Farms
Vroom N Vonnie sends message by wire in GLADA at Northfield
Vroom N Vonnie, smartly handled by Joseph Kramp, took the shortest route around the Northfield Park half mile oval to score a near gate-to-wire win in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) feature on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Dec. 11
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at the Meadowlands on Thursday (Dec. 11).
SOA of NY Board meeting recap
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the SOA of NY held their Board of Trustees and Directors meetings.
New York awards banquet a Fanning ‘family affair’
Treasured publicity icon and stakes administrator Moira Fanning looked out at the capacity crowd of well-wishers at Sunday (Dec. 7) night’s 66th Awards Banquet of the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), presented by the New York Sire Stakes, and said, “We all know how important family is. Without my family, I am not sure I could have done anything.”
USTA District 8 meeting recap
On Sunday (Dec. 7), Chairperson Shawn Wiles and Directors Kim Crawford, Mark Ford, John Matarazzo, Ray Schnittker, and Mike Torcello hosted the annual District 8 meeting in conjunction with the Monticello-Goshen USHWA and NYSS banquet in Otterkill, NY.
Harrington Raceway seeks race secretary for 2026
Harrington Raceway is seeking a race secretary for the 2026 meet.
Saratoga cancels racing Wednesday (Dec. 10)
Due to the impending storm, Saratoga Casino Hotel has canceled live racing for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.
USTA announces official support for the federal WAGER Act (H.R. 4630)
The U.S. Trotting Association announced Monday (Dec. 8) that it has formally signed on to endorse the WAGER Act (H.R. 4630), federal legislation introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) that would restore the full, 100% deductibility of gambling losses.
USTA District 5 (IL) ballots mailed; Dec. 9 deadline for return
Ballots for the U.S. Trotting Association (USTA) District 5 membership election, mailed to all district members on Friday, Oct. 31, must be mailed and postmarked no later than Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.