Author: by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

For the second time this meet, Jim McNeight Jr. visited the winner’s enclosure five times during the Wednesday night (Nov. 29) card at Batavia Downs to further enhance what has been a career year for the 27-year-old reinsman. His first foray with five came on Oct. 6.

Tom Cunningham, best known for his knowledge of the sport and lively attire, has been a fixture at the Standardbred auctions for over 50 years. In fact, his position within the industry has put him on the front lines of the very foundation of the breed.

Ed Martin, the president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) has again called on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) to adhere to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) requiring open meetings, public record access and transparency in operations.

Three-year-old male pacer Confederate closed out the 2023 Grand Circuit season as the No. 1-ranked horse in the final Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll released Tuesday. The colt, who took on older rivals in Saturday’s FanDuel Open Pace Championship and finished eighth, led the rankings for the last 15 weeks of voting.

Illinois champion He’zzz A Wise Sky was given a shrewd drive by Kyle Wilfong and the result was a 1-3/4 length victory in Hawthorne’s $11,100 Open Pace Monday night (Nov. 27).