by Gabe Wand, Wisconsin Harness Horse Association

Elkhorn, WI — Harness racing in Wisconsin opened with a bang on Saturday (June 18) at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, Wis. A total of 46 horses went postward in various classes, but were mostly dominated by 2- and 3-year-olds making their debut performances.

Veteran reinsman Gary Magee scored two victories with a pair of trotters. Get Physical, a 4-year-old Cantab Hall gelding made every call a winning one in his Wisconsin debut in a time of 2:15 in the conditioned trot. Two-time Wisconsin Trotter of the Year Fox Valley Bunns benefited from an early speed duel in the Free For All Trot to win by a long neck in 2:08.2.

Rick Tittsler photo

Pat DeLong scores victory #100 with Colemanandthesea.

Tom Insko of South Beloit, Ill., also returned to the winner’s circle twice on the day. He piloted Pretty Place, a 3-year-old pacing filly, to victory in the non-winners of $500 pace as well as Diamond Joe, a 2-year-old gelding in the Green Trot. Both horses are owned by Richard Thompson of Beloit, Wis., and are trained by Tom’s father, Del, known coast to coast and a member of the national Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Perhaps the biggest news of the day came as driver Pat DeLong drove Colemanandthesea to a two length victory in the afternoon’s sixth race. The victory was the 100th win in the 28-year-old’s career.

DeLong began driving competitively when he was 15, but until recently, those drives have been mostly at the Wisconsin and Illinois fairs. DeLong’s most memorable season came in 2001 while driving Fox Valley Sting at the Illinois fairs. The duo combined for 12 consecutive victories, topped off with a win in the Downstate Classic at Springfield.

He continues to drive and train horses while exporting containersized grain for the family owned business, The DeLong, Co.