by Gabe Wand, president, Wisconsin Harness Horse Association

Madison, WI — Hidden Hope Farm and owners Lisa and Shawn Fitzgerald have teamed up with the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association in a promotional effort to aid the Wisconsin Fair Circuit.

Citing that the farm has a lot of Wisconsin clients, the Fitzgeralds graciously donated two free 2009 breedings to either Arizona Jack or Longport. The two breedings will be auctioned off at the WHHA’s annual banquet in Madison on Saturday, January 17. The winning bidder of each breeding will have their choice.

Arizona Jack (Abercrombie-Concertina-French Chef) p,3,1:50.2 ($705,823) has been a successful Illinois stallion since he began standing there in 2002. His offspring have bankrolled $4,244,785 and more than 71 percent of his starters have been winners. Arizona Liar leads the pack with a mark of 1:50.2f and earnings of more than $575,000.

Longport (Dragon’s Lair-For Your Eyes Only-Jade Prince) p,3,1:50.4 ($248,876) is relatively new to the breeding shed in Illinois and his oldest foals were 4-year-olds in 2008. He already has two sub-1:53 offspring — Loganport p,3,1:52.2 and Saltea’s Sanjay p,3,1:52.3f.

For those interested in bidding on these two breedings, but who are unable to make the banquet, have no fear. Phone bids will be taken until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, by calling WHHA President Gabe Wand at (608) 574-5468. All you need to do is call and place your confidential maximum bid and you’re in the game.