by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Manalapan, NJ — The latest edition of Harness Horse Youth Foundation camps to introduce young people to harness racing culminated with a race Wednesday (Aug. 2) at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey.

USTA/Ellen Harvey photo

Pokie’s Topshot, with driver Lindsey Buchanan, crosses the finish line first with assistant driver Eric Abbatiello.

The campers, who have been receiving instruction since Saturday from HHYF director Ellen Taylor, raced a half-mile with trottingbreds on the one mile training track at Gaitway, accompanied by professional drivers. The winner was Pokie’s Topshot, with 12-year-old Lindsey Buchanan of Allentown, N.J., with Eric Abbatiello riding along.

“It was very fun, I really like it, I like to go fast,” said Buchanan in the winner’s circle after the race. “Camp was amazing, I really liked the horses and I especially like going really fast.”

Buchanan is a rookie to the horse world, “My family doesn’t do horses but I really like them.”

“It was a good week. The kids were a small group but a very mighty group,” said Ellen Taylor. “They were very enthusiastic.”

Aside from Abbatiello, the other professional drivers assisting were Rick Pantano, Robbie Seigelman, Jim Marshall IV and Dan Figliolino.

Campers from other HHYF camps held throughout the summer will race on Hambletonian morning at The Meadowlands, this Saturday (Aug. 5).