Lucas Wallin will receive the 2022 Rising Star Award at next month’s Dan Patch Awards banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment. And while he is grateful to the U.S. Harness Writers Association for the recognition, to hear him talk one would think the name should be changed to Rising Stars.
Author: by Rich Fisher, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent
“Golden Ticket” for Kindergarten winner into Freshman Fall Final Four
A new incentive has been added for those 2-year-olds that are made eligible to both the Kindergarten Series and Freshman Fall Final Four at The Meadowlands in 2023.
McCarthy wins four, including feature, at Big M
After sweeping the Early Daily Double that paid $34.20, driver Andy McCarthy wasn’t quite done on the Saturday night (Jan. 14) program at The Meadowlands, as later on the card he recorded his third winner of the night with Rich And Miserable in the featured trot, a high-end conditioned event that sported a $23,000 purse. The 36-year-old Aussie ended the night with four winner’s circle visits.
Bythemissal named 2022 Ohio Horse of the Year
Bythemissal, the Ohio 3-year-old Pacing Colt of the Year, has been named the 2022 Ohio Horse of the Year.
USTA District 1 convenes in Columbus, Ohio
Members from the United States Trotting Association District 1 met on Saturday (Jan. 14) at the Hilton Columbus Polaris hotel in Columbus, Ohio, to discuss proposed USTA rule changes and to make recommendations that will be conveyed at the USTA’s annual board of directors meeting in March. The meeting preceded the district’s annual awards dinner, which was held later that evening.
OHHA to present Special Recognition Awards at annual banquet
The connections of 2022 Little Brown Jug champion Bythemissal, 2022 Breeders Crown champion Pebble Beach, Virgil Morgan Jr., the trainer of 2022 Breeders Crown champion Grace Hill, and owner Joe Sbrocco will be presented the 2022 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Special Recognition Award at the OHHA annual awards banquet on Saturday (Jan. 14).
Going out a winner
Peter Pumpkineater won over owner/trainer Bruce Lauer with his class and determination. He competed for Lauer throughout 2022 and ended the year — and his career — with a win on Dec. 31 at Freehold Raceway. It was the 74th victory of Peter Pumpkineater’s career. In addition to Peter Pumpkineater, four other 14-year-olds over the last two weeks of the year won their final career start.
Conway Hall euthanized at age 28
Conway Hall, one of the most influential trotting sires of the modern era, was euthanized Wednesday (Jan. 11) according to Alan J. Leavitt, manager of the Conway Hall Syndicate. Leavitt said the 28-year-old stallion had begun to suffer discomfort when an old stifle problem resurfaced.
New York Sire Stakes eligibility payments due Feb. 15
The New York Sire Stakes 2023 eligibility payment forms for 2- and 3-year-olds must be completed and mailed by Feb. 15.
Denise Mondi, 75, dies
Denise Rose Mondi, 75, died Jan. 11, 2023, in St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family at her side.