Antognoni S, Blockchain and Busy Making Moni gave driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Ron Burke the victories in the trio of $30,000 divisions of the second leg of the John Brennan Trotting Series on Wednesday night (April 9) at MGM Yonkers Raceway.
Author: from Yonkers Raceway media
Mike Kimelman named USTA ID Technician
Mike Kimelman has been involved in multiple aspects of the Standardbred business since the mid-1980s, and he will add another entry to his résumé this month when he begins his role as a U.S. Trotting Association ID Technician, covering New Jersey, lower New York, and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mike Merton wins four at Monticello
Leading driver Mike Merton owned the Wednesday (April 9) card at Monticello Raceway, taking four races, one of which was the Open Trot.
Sir Pinocchio impressive in Pocono qualifier
Sir Pinocchio, an altered son of Met’s Hall who trotted to over $600,000 in earnings last year at three while winning several major stakes, made his 2025 debut a successful one at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Wednesday morning (April 9), winning in 1:55.2 despite the mercury being barely above the freezing mark.
Harrah’s Philadelphia drivers meeting April 13
There will be a mandatory drivers meeting on Sunday (April 13) at Harrah’s Philadelphia at 12 p.m. in the drivers lounge.
Joyce McClelland, 87, dies
Joyce McClelland, 87, died April 1, 2025.
Brandon Bates wins 2,000th race
A day after Brett MacDonald came to town and crossed the 2,000-win plateau, Brandon Bates entered the Tuesday (April 8) card at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel a few wins shy of the milestone himself. But a driving hat trick coming down to the last race on the day lifted Bates into the 2,000-win club.
OHHA Freshman Focus returns
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association will kick off the fifth consecutive season of Freshman Focus on Thursday (April 10) at 7 p.m. Hosted by Roger Huston, the premiere episode will feature a special recap of last year’s Freshman Focus standouts.
Good news for “Gemini” fans
Three-time Illinois harness Horse of the Year Fox Valley Gemini will be back in competition in 2025, says his long-time driver and job-sharing conditioner Casey Leonard.
Pick-5 carryover and guaranteed pool Wednesday at Yonkers
No tickets had five-of-five in the Pick-5 on Tuesday night (April 8) at MGM Yonkers Raceway, triggering a hefty $9,456.76 carryover and a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the sequence on Wednesday night (April 9).