Saratoga Casino Hotel management has recently agreed to terms with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association on a deal that guarantees harness racing at Saratoga for the next seven years. In principle, the deal will guarantee 170 annual race dates and purse funding each year, through 2025.
Category: Archived
Annabeth is a winner at Saratoga
Annabeth (Shadow Play) worked hard to secure the early lead in Thursday’s (March 14) feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel and once the veteran mare got to the front, she proved to be tough as nails.
Thursday live racing canceled at Mohawk Park
Woodbine Entertainment has announced that Thursday night’s (March 14) card of live racing at Mohawk Park has been canceled due to deteriorating track conditions caused by mild temperatures.
Summary of USTA rule changes from annual meeting that become effective May 1
Numerous rules and bylaw changes aimed at providing protection for the wagering public, expediting the appeal process for fines and suspensions, and the governance of the U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors were approved at the 2019 annual meeting held March 8-11 in Columbus, Ohio. All rules and bylaw changes will become effective on May 1 of this year.
King looks to extend reign over Matchmaker Series
When Jim King Jr. thinks about returning to the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers Raceway, the trainer admits he is “going in with a better chance than most.” King will start a trio of mares in the series’ first leg Friday night (March 15), and the onslaught is led by Shartin N, who will try to become the first mare to repeat in the Matchmaker Series.
Silverlode, Wiseman on a roll at Cal Expo
The 10-year-old trotting mare Silverlode and driver Steve Wiseman have made quite the pair over the last couple of months, teaming to win three of their last five starts at the head of the Cal Expo class.
Last call for March 15 stakes payments
The March 15 deadline is drawing near for many stakes payments. Below are a list of notices that have been submitted to the USTA Newsroom.
Kirk Sparks, 47, dies
Kirk A. Sparks, 47, was taken away from us tragically soon on March 11, 2019, to be with his Lord.
Cory Stratton is ‘enjoying the ride’ with his own stable
Cory Stratton will be in the sulky Saturday (March 16) at Meadowlands Racetrack, but it is a seat he plans to take less often as he focuses on building his own training stable. The 26-year-old Stratton, the younger brother of driver Jordan Stratton, started his barn in 2018 after spending several years helping manage other stables and working for other trainers. He has 10 horses and is based at the Mark Ford Training Center, not far from his Middletown, N.Y., home.
Springtime in bloom at The Big M
As the weather warms and perennials reappear, hope springs eternal, and nowhere in harness racing is that more evident than at the mecca of the sport, The Meadowlands.