Island Of The Sea was recovering from an injury when trainer Eric Ell bought the unraced pacer as a 2-year-old in May 2019. He was told that Island Of The Sea needed time but would make a nice horse if Ell did right by him. So, Ell, who is best known for his work with Dan Patch Award-winning millionaire trotter JL Cruze, took a shot.
Kakaley wins five during Pocono qualifiers
Matt Kakaley, the winningest driver at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania last year and already atop this year’s standings with 12 triumphs in the first four cards, kept the hot hands during Wednesday morning’s marathon 15-race qualifying session, winning five times, including the two quickest outings with horses sent out by the 2023 meet’s leading trainer, Travis Alexander.
5 in Front: Chantal Mitchell
Twice monthly until April, a familiar Woodbine Mohawk Park horse person will step into the spotlight to answer a handful of fun, offbeat questions, while giving readers a unique perspective into their personality on and off the racetrack.
Diamond Creek adds Sea Silk to broodmare ranks
Diamond Creek is excited to announce the addition of Sea Silk to the broodmare ranks. She will be owned in partnership with a group that includes many of her original owners and her resulting offspring will be sold at the fall yearling sales.
Meadowlands Pace payments up significantly
The Meadowlands is pleased to announce an enthusiastic response to the February payment for the track’s signature event, the $700,000 (est.) Meadowlands Pace. The first payment for 3-year-old colts and geldings saw 55 sustain eligibility and two pay the $7,500 supplement for a total of 57 paid in. This represents a 27 percent increase over the 2022 February figure.
$500,000 in Virginia certified bonus monies awarded in 2022
The Virginia Harness Horse Association announced $500,000 in Virginia certified bonus awards were distributed among 67 2- and 3-year-old horses that qualified for the residency program in 2022.
Foster’s hustle pays off at Rosecroft
Russell Foster drove on the Dover card Tuesday (Feb. 28), including a second place finish with Northern Express in the Open Trot. He then hightailed it 98 miles to Rosecroft to drive Richard Hans’ star trotter Yall Beneath Me in the $14,000 Open Trot at Rosecroft. That hustle paid off as the son of Googoo Gaagaa looked awesome in a 1:53.4 mile for the victory.
Muscle Dynasty repeats in Dover Open
Muscle Dynasty made it back to back wins in the Open Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Feb. 28). The win lowered his lifetime best for the second consecutive week.
First mare bred to Breeders Crown winner Rebuff pronounced in foal
Reported by Jeff King of Victory Hill Farm, the stakes winner and multiple stakes producer Hernameissylvia was the first mare bred to Rebuff on Feb. 13, 2023 and the 100 percent producer by Cantab Hall is now in foal to the fastest son of Muscle Hill.
Woodbine Mohawk Park to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 9
Woodbine Mohawk Park is proud to celebrate the women of harness racing for International Women’s Day during live racing on Thursday (March 9).