Freehold, NJ — After starting the Christmas season by donating $5,000 to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame last week, the AHDC contested their Christmas race on Saturday (Dec. 24).

Campbellini won by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:02.1. Vicki Wright/World Wide Racing Photos.

And in the spirit of the season, Campbellini with Dante Scattolini at the reins took up the part of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and fired their way to the head of the pack as the race began. After clearing King Cast (Jim King Solomon) at the quarter pole, there was no looking back and the fleet footed gelding led the pack of horses the entire mile, winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:02.1. Masster Blue (Anthony Verruso) made a first over move up the backside, but no one could get close to the leader. Allindotime (Joe Lee) surged up for the place spot in the lane by nosing out Masster Blue.

Campbellini, an 8-year-old Cantab Hall gelding, is owned by Dante Scattolini and trained by Bryson Dunning. The gelding was sent off as the betting favorite, so the majority of backers should have had some money to spend on gifts. He returned $4.40 for the win.

The AHDC will be racing this Saturday, New Year’s Eve, so come help ring in the New Year and see some exciting action.