Author: by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

Harness racing returns to Illinois Thursday (June 6) with the opening of Hawthorne’s weekly meeting at the State Fairground venues. First up is the revisiting of racing Standardbreds on the historic Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. First post for the initial 2024 card is 1 p.m.

According to a story posted on morningagclips.com, the 2024 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Horseperson of the Year was awarded to Al Ochsner for his service to the equine industry over the last several decades.

Invading from Harrah’s Philadelphia off a pair of second-place finishes, Sinatra De Vie sustained a first-over attack and dueled down Coventry Hall for a two length win in Wednesday’s (June 5) $11,000 Open Handicap Trot at Ocean Downs.

Luther Brothers (the horse) won for the Luther brothers (trainer Todd and owner Greg) Wednesday (June 5) in the $30,000 Kevin Greenfield final for male trotters at Eldorado Scioto Downs in 1:55.4.

Eleven 2-year-old qualifiers were held Wednesday morning (June 5) at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, with Team Schadel — driver Todd and trainer/son Cody — combining to sweep the two colt trots and also producing the fastest winner of the day.

Tioga Downs will play host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes on Friday (June 7).