by Bob Lieberman, for NEAHDC
The New England Amateur Harness Drivers Club (NEAHDC), with membership totaling 26, competes weekly at the Plainridge Park. They just completed their 2016 season on Monday, (Nov. 28) on an extremely high note.
The club held 36 races with purses totaling $166,000 and averaged $4,628. The last two races of the season highlighted the year by having the lower class race for $15,000 and the higher class racing for $20,000. Those total figures show an increase of 56 percent in total purses and an increase of 35 percent in the number of races.
Club President Bill Abdelnour, a dedicated harness horse owner/trainer/driver, summed up the year succinctly.
“The club had such a rewarding season that they continued to donate to the charities of the previous years and were able to add a few more new charities to help benefit them. It`s such a good feeling to watch the drivers put on such a professional effort in their races.”
A big thanks goes out to The Penn National management team for all their help, as well as a special thank you to Plainridge Park general manager Stephen O`Toole, for the great condition races that race secretary Paul Verrette made available. Gratitude is also extended to track announcer Len Calderone, the presiding judge, his associate judges, and the rest of the Penn National staff.
The leading point winners for the club were:
First Place: Dan Tuccillo Prospect, Conn. 172 points
Second Place: Eric Davis Hartly, Del. 166 points
Third Place: Jim Tomaso Rehoboth, Mass. 140 points
We wish all harness racing fans, who come to the track to watch and bet the races, a wonderful holiday season and most importantly a happy and very healthy new year. We looked forward to seeing you next year on April 10, 2017. …“ When the starter calls the pacers ”