by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Harness racing received a rare boost on the November 7 edition of WCVB ‘S popular television show ‘Chronicle’ which airs week nights over Boston’s Channel 5.

The show featured a variety of places to enjoy as one travels from U.S Route 1 in Newburyport, Mass. to Plainville, the home to Plainridge Racecourse.

Plainridge COO Gary Piontkowski and Hall of Fame driver-trainer John Hogan were featured on the five minute segment. Piontkowski stressed the need for slots at Plainridge and noted the revenue lost to Massachusetts to scores of slot machines at nearby Lincoln, R.I., and Connecticut’s two casinos.

Hogan, a 50-year veteran of the sport with some 4,500 career wins said he has no plans to slow down. At 65 he ranks third among the track’s leading drivers.

PLAINTALK: On a sad note, the town of Scarborough, Maine rejected a November 4 referendum for a zoning change to allow slot machines at Scarborough Downs. The measure failed by just 239 votes…..Congratulations to the following drivers who reached career milestones recently. Shawn Gray (1,500); Wally Watson (1,500); Drew Campbell (2,000); Heath Campbell (3,000),,,,,,Maine’s Gary Mosher and Joey Mosher are closing in on 5,000 and 1,000 wins respectively.