by Dean A. Hoffman

Once again Camluck was the leading sire in North American in 2006, as his offspring earned $15,486,621.

Now 20 years old, Camluck stands at Seelster Farm in Lucan, Ont.

He recently joined the select list of stallions whose offspring have earned more than $100 million, total. Camluck’s total now stands at more than $101.4 million. With the death of Artsplace in 2006, Western Hanover reigns as the richest living harness stallion, as his foals have earned $107.7 million.

Camluck easily dominated all pacing stallions, as runner-up Western Hanover was second, with $12,894,450. Third was The Panderosa, with $10.5 million, while the late Artsplace ranked fourth, with $9.9 million, and Cambest was fifth, with $9.7 million.

Camluck was represented at the races in 2006 by his outstanding daughters Burning Point p, 6, 1:49.2 ($2,710,009) and Invitro p, 4, 1:50 ($1,502,468), as well as the top gelding Casimir Camotion p, 6, 1:48.3 ($1,318,118). He has also sired such top performers as D M Dillinger and Intrepid Seelster.

While Camluck dominated the overall pacing list, Bettor’s Delight was clearly the dominant stallion in earnings of 2- and 3-year-olds. His sophomore sons and daughters banked$4.512,518 in 2006, giving him a solid edge over Camluck ($4,166,317) and The Panderosa ($3,627,191).

It’s interesting to note that among the five leading sires of 2- and 3-year-olds, four stallions placed on both lists. Bettor’s Delight led both lists, while Camluck was second among juveniles and third among sophomores. Western Hanover and his son Western Ideal placed fourth and fifth, respectively, on both lists.

Bettor’s Delight’s 3-year-olds were headed by the superb filly Darlin’s Delight, a winner now of $1,500,756 in two seasons. Among his many other top sophs in 2006 were Gimmebackmybullets, Jake Of Diamonds, and Eternity’s Delight.

Bettor’s Delight’s also had a terrific group of freshman pacers at the races last year. They earned $2,893,174, placing him well ahead of Artiscape ($2,377,967) and Camluck ($2,351,912).

His biggest first-season sensation last year was Isabella Blue Chip p, 2, 1:51.2 ($658,583), a George Teague-trained filly who stood above the others in her class from early summer until late fall.

The colt Kenneth J was another star for Bettor’s Delight among the 2-year-old crop last year. He paced in 1:50.3 and earned $421,990.