Christmas Week begins Monday evening (Dec. 22) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with a packed 12-race card to start a stretch of notable wagering opportunities.
Author: from Woodbine Communications
Cumberland track crew has ‘can do’ attitude
A day in the life of a harness racing track man is anything but routine. Depending upon the weather, the team of Bruce Kilton and Michael Bilodeau could be working all day, all night, or all day and night on the racing surface at First Tracks Cumberland.
Lee and Hernandez romp, Fiumenero upsets in Philly AHDC events
Joe Lee, Geovany Hernandez and Michael Fiumenero all found the winner’s circle in their respective American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) divisions on Sunday (Dec. 21) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Meadowlands closes out 2025 with Fan Appreciation Night
The Meadowlands has two more nights of racing in 2025, Friday, Dec. 26, and Saturday, Dec. 27. Post time for both nights is 6:20 p.m. (EST).
Holiday match race set for Tuesday at The Meadows
The Battle for Christmas continues at Hollywood Gaming at The Meadows on Tuesday (Dec. 23), as Santa Claus and the Grinch go head-to-head.
USTA announces expansion of Graded Stakes program for 2026
The United States Trotting Association announced Monday (Dec. 22) that the Standardbred Graded Stakes Committee has approved the addition of eight new graded stakes races for the 2026 racing season, bringing the total number of graded stakes events to 179.
SIP placings due soon
The 2025 Standardbred Incentive Program (SIP) show season ended Nov. 30, but there is still time to submit shows and placings. Participants have until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025 to enter information via their USTA MyAccount.
El Rey to stand in Indiana
El Rey p,2,1:49.2, 3,1:48.3 ($835,391) has been retired and will stand stud at Schwartz Boarding Farm in Indiana in 2026.
Ponda Warrior to stand stud in 2026
Ponda Warrior (1:48, $788,595), a Dan Patch and Indiana Super Final winner, will stand stud in Indiana in 2026 at Chapel Ridge Farm of Grabill, Ind.
Two Prix d’Amérique spots awarded; only one will be used
With Liza Josselyn winning the Criterium Continental for 4‑year‑olds and Epic Kronos taking the 5‑year‑olds’ Prix Tenor de Baune on Sunday afternoon at Vincennes, both horses earned a wild card for the 2026 Prix d’Amérique.