The years flash by for all of us and Springfield, Ill., based trainer/driver Jamaica Patton is no exception. The one-time upcoming driver now can be considered a prominent veteran on the Illinois circuit after nearly 30 years of toiling at his profession.
Author: by Mike Paradise, for the IHHA
War Machine wins feature race battle at Aces
The $14,750 Open Handicap Pace was the featured event on the Tuesday night (May 27) program at Running Aces and offered a very talented field of eight competitors.
Ohio fair officials convene for continuing education meeting
Thirty-eight fair racing officials from three states, as well as Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) deputy director Tanya Boulmetis and Commissioner Greg Simpson, convened on Saturday (May 24) at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana, Ohio, for a pre-season educational meeting.
Riley takes over in USHDC at Oak Grove
With “regular” amateur driver Dein Spriggs sidelined, being under the weather, trainer Tony Dinges summoned his stable’s “pinch hitter” Michael Riley to action in the United States Harness Driving Club feature at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (May 26).
Oak Grove announces post time changes
Starting Monday (June 2), post time at Oak Grove will be 1:25 p.m. (CDT) for the remainder of the meet.
Escaper evaded capture again in Aces feature
Escaper (Muscle Hill) and driver Billy Mann were ready for battle when the starter said “go” in the $14,750 Open Trot at Running Aces on Sunday (May 25).
Polansky upsets in Pocono AHDC trot
Following an inquiry that resulted in the disqualification of 31-1 shot Mamy Wata for interference to the 3-5 favorite past the first quarter, runner-up Big Nudge landed in the victor’s seat at odds of 20-1 in the $10,000 American Harness Drivers Club trot at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Sunday night (May 25).
Courts On Fire leads NYSS winners at Saratoga
Last year’s New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old male pace champion Courts On Fire (Courtly Choice-Ashlee’s Spitfire) picked up where he left off from his superstar freshman campaign on Sunday afternoon (May 25) at Saratoga when the Blake Macintosh trainee posted a 1:52.2 score in an $85,500 NYSS event for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Spring Sire Stakes champions return to Oak Grove
All four Kentucky Sire Stakes spring series champions are poised to defend their titles as the second series of the year for 4-year-olds kicks off on a blockbuster Memorial Day Monday (May 26) card at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.
Allegiant wins again in Sweden
In Europe, the 4-year-old mare Allegiant continues the fine form she showed in the USA as a 2- and 3-year-old. On Sunday afternoon (May 25), Allegiant (sired by Tactical Landing) started for the second time in Sweden at Solvalla for trainer Daniel Redén with Ôrjan Kihlström in the bike.