Let’s be honest—the driving title was decided on Day One. Just as it has been for the past nine years. Aaron Merriman seized control immediately, and history took care of the rest. Everything that followed didn’t change the outcome; it merely delayed the announcement.

The Illinois Racing Board has ordered financially strapped Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Ill., to cease live horse racing and off-track betting operations – at least temporarily. The order, made late Friday afternoon, came after Standardbred horsemen at the current harness meet were issued a second round of checks with non-sufficient funds to cover purses and, according to communications within the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association board of directors, Hawthorne failed to secure required bonds for 2026

Despite drawing post 10, Aardie B Miki N flaunted her back class in the Friday (Jan. 2) night feature at The Meadowlands, crushing her foes as the 1-5 favorite in the $17,500 high-end conditioned pace for fillies and mares.

From one season to the next, Woodbine Mohawk Park is set to launch its 2026 meet tonight (Friday, Jan. 3) with a 12-race card beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Muskateer Hanover traveled down the road to win the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 1).