Thirteen of Europe’s best older trotters will meet on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 8) at Vincennes in the Prix de France, which is contested at Vincennes at 2100 meters – about 1-5/16 miles.
Author: by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA senior newsroom correspondent
First Pocono qualifiers set for Feb. 9
The trotters and pacers return to Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania for the first time in 2026 on Monday (Feb. 9) at 11 a.m., as seven qualifying races will be held in preparation for the track’s initial betting card of the year at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Pandy picks seven winners at The Meadowlands
USTA handicapper Bob Pandolfo continued his hot handicapping at the Meadowlands Friday (Feb. 6). Pandy had 14 of the 15 winners listed, and seven winners on top that paid $13, $12.60, $12.60, $7.80, $5.80, $5.60 and $5.60.
‘Landing’ gets clearance, takes Big M feature
Clear For Landing found just enough space along the rail nearing the wire and shot through that opening to take the Friday night (Feb. 6) feature at The Meadowlands, a $17,500 high-end conditioned trot.
Yonkers cancels Monday card, adjusts draw schedule
Due to the ongoing major winter storm, MGM Yonkers Raceway has canceled live racing for Monday night (Jan. 26).
Illinois Awards Banquet to be held Feb. 28
The 2025 top performers in Illinois racing will be recognized on Feb, 28 at the Illinois Standardbred Banquet. The banquet will be held at Poe’s Catering in Springfield. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Feb. 15 and can be ordered by contacting Tina Schrock at 217-416-0006 (only 300 tickets will be sold).
Hokkaido Jiel posts huge Prix d’Amérique upset
In a race marked by constant lead changes, outsider Hokkaido Jiel and driver Franck Nivard appeared in the final stages and captured the victory in Sunday’s (Jan. 25) Prix d’Amérique, worth €450,000.
Meadowlands and Winners Bayonne closed Sunday
Due to the winter storm the New Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Bayonne will be closed Sunday, Jan. 25 and will reopen tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Better Is Nice takes Miami Valley Open
Better Is Nice ($15.60) upset Open favorites Im Skinnydipin N and Little Rocket Man to take Sunday night’s (Jan. 18) $36,000 feature.
Iguski Sautonne triumphs in the Prix de Cornulier
In just his second start in an under-saddle race, the 8-year-old stallion Iguski Sautonne delivered an impressive performance as Alexandre Abrivard rode him to victory in the Prix de Cornulier at Vincennes Sunday afternoon (Jan. 18).