Standardbred racing has always been driven by performance — both on the track and in the breeding shed. But as the sport evolves and public scrutiny intensifies at a swift pace, we are learning that genetics matter — not just for speed, but also for sustainability, welfare and perception.
Author: by TC Lane
Hoof Beats: Going the Extra Mile
Pinehurst, N.C., is known worldwide for golf and boasts 42 courses, including five designed by the legendary Donald Ross. But it has also been a haven for harness racing for well over a century and home to a litany of Hall of Fame performers. While this beautiful destination is steeped in history and guarded by preservationists, there is one unprotected location that a lifelong resident of the community is on a mission to bring under that same umbrella.
DP Freedoms Chrome scorches Oak Grove trot
Last season’s Minnesota Harness Horse of the Year, DP Freedoms Chrome, continued his tear in the top class at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Tuesday afternoon (June 3) with a 1:51.3 win — two-fifths of a second off the track record — in the $33,000 Open Trot.
Incaseyoudidntknow scores in Harrington Open
James Magno and Joe Fonte’s Incaseyoudidntknow ($5.60, Jim Morand) overcame an overland route to notch a 1:52.4 win in the $18,000 Mares Open on Tuesday (June 3) at Harrington Raceway.
Quiksilvr Bluechip dominates Pocono trot
Maybe Quiksilvr Bluechip wants to be the next Chapolier. “Quiksilvr” is building a resume getting closer to the stellar summary page of the other, on Tuesday afternoon (June 3) winning the $16,000 featured claiming handicap trot at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania in 1:53.2.
Prince Hal Hanover, Bourbon County take ‘Beach’ splits
The final stop on the road to the Pepsi North America Cup took place Saturday night (May 31) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with two divisions of the Somebeachsomewhere, for 3-year-old pacers.
Purple Lord easy winner in Tioga trot
Purple Lord (Jim Pantaleano) took the featured $16,000 Open Trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday (May 31).
Prospectors Gold takes Vernon feature
Prospectors Gold (Chris Long) captures the featured $7,500 pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 31).
Lyons Surfing gets winning wave at Buffalo
Lyons Surfing ($6.50) caught a winning wave in deep stretch in Buffalo Raceway’s $16,000 Open Pace on Saturday afternoon (May 31) and beat Melanion N by a neck in 1:55.1 over a good track.
Dublin Dasher splashes to Pocono victory
Dublin Dasher continued his winning ways with a 1:52.2 victory over sloppy going in Saturday’s (May 31) $17,000 feature for developing male pacers at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.