by Alan Schott

With the Cleveland Classic not filling, the last leg of HANA Harness’ Grand Circuit Shoot-Out Handicapping Contest sponsored by the Hambletonian Society, DRF Harness, Meadowlands Racing & Gaming, Northfield Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs has been canceled.

This results in Garnet Barnsdale being named the top handicapper for this year’s contest with a net profit of $4,553.40, more than $3,000 ahead of second place Mark McKelvie who had a net profit of $1,276.

In a last minute move, Brian McEvoy managed to nail Bob Zanakis for the show position, thanks to his $250 win wager on McWicked on Sunday’s Progress Pace at Dover Downs.

While not finishing in the money, the last leg’s big winner was Earl Paulson who had a $250 play on the winning trifecta which gave him a weekly net profit of $2,850, allowing him to move up from tenth to fifth place, putting him within striking distance of the third spot if he was successful in the Cleveland Classic but alas, it was not to be.

Rounding out the competitors (in sixth though 15 place, respectively) were Brandon Valvo, Josi Verlingieri, Derick Giwner, Rusty Nash, Gordon Waterstone, Dennis O’Hara, Sally Hinckley, Anne Stepien, Ray Garnett and Ray Cotolo.

By nature of Barnsdale’s winning of the contest, a donation of $1,500 will be made to his selected Standardbred rescue, TROTR (Therapeutic Riding and Off Track Rehabilitation). In addition, donations of $250 will be made by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association and Red Shores-Charlottetown to the Canadian rescues of their choice in honor of Garnet’s victory.

For his second place finish, a donation of $1,050 will be made to McKelvie’s selected rescue, Rainhill Sanctuary. A donation of $450 will be made to Horse Rescue United, Brian McEvoy’s selected rescue.

HANA Harness would like to once again thank its Gold Sponsors, the Hambletonian Society, DRF Harness, Meadowlands Racing and Gaming, Northfield Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs as well as COSA and Red Shores-Charlottetown for their sponsorship and the handicappers which allowed this contest to help Standardbred rescues across North America.

For further information on HANA, please visit our website www.horseplayersassociation.org.