Hawthorne vacates Jan. 24-25 dates
Suburban Downs at Hawthorne Race Course has requested approval to vacate live racing scheduled for Jan. 24-25, the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association announced Thursday (Jan. 22). The IHHA said the racetrack’s “banking issues” have not been resolved.
Opens headline snow-shortened Batavia card
Everything was going as scheduled at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 22) until immediately after the ninth race, when heavy snow squalls moved into Genesee County and dumped copious amounts of snow on the track while causing zero visibility at the same time. That combination prompted racing officials to quickly call off the remaining three contests due to unsafe racing conditions and an abundance of caution for the safety of the horses and horsepeople competing.
Members reminded to vote on rule change proposals; Feb. 1 deadline approaches
As the 2025–2026 USTA membership meetings wrap up this weekend, all current U.S.Trotting Association members are encouraged to make their voices heard by voting on the 2026 rule change proposals. Online voting is open through each member’s secure USTA account, with the deadline of Feb. 1, 2026, to vote.
Pandy’s Meadowland picks for Friday, Jan. 23
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at the Meadowlands on Friday (Jan. 23).
Claiming co-features stand atop Saturday Big M card
It’s not often that claiming races are the featured events at the No. 1 harness venue in the world, but that will be the case this Saturday night (Jan. 24) at The Meadowlands, when a pair of extremely competitive dashes will comprise half of the Early 50-cent Pick-4.
Northwood Bloodstock to expand service
Bob Boni’s Northwood Bloodstock is expanding its service entering 2026.
Monticello Raceway alters draw schedule
Due to the incoming Winter Storm Fern, Monticello Raceway has changed the draw schedule for Thursday, Jan. 29.
Hambletonian, Hambletonian Oaks to be conducted in elimination format
The Hambletonian Society has announced that both the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks will be conducted with elimination races the week prior to the final, pending the number of entries, as part of the upcoming 2026 Hambletonian Day card.
Yonkers adds special qualifying date for Jan. 27
MGM Yonkers Raceway will add an extra night of qualifying races on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The box will close at 3 p.m. (ET) on Friday (Jan. 23).
Powerball brings record price at Prix d’Amerique sale
At the first part of the Prix d’Amerique sale, held Wednesday (Jan. 21) in Deauville, a European sale record was set when the 10-month-old colt Powerball was sold for 300,000 Euros.