from the California Harness Horsemans Association

Sacramento, CA — A Man of great vision and respect and two horses will be inducted into the California Harness Hall of Fame on Sunday March 25.

CHHA photo

Pres Jenuine

Pres Jenuine was for many years one of the best known and respected racing officials in the sport. Prior to World War ll he trained horses and officiated in his native Illinois, establishing the Topline Circuit and Illinois Colt Stakes in the 1930 and rising to the post of top steward during the inaugural 1946 meet at Maywood Park. After serving in the navy during the war he came to California during the winter and spring season while still working in Illinois, Ohio and Maryland the rest of the year. His first California assignment was as a paddock judge at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita in 1947. A year later he was named racing secretary. In 1956 he was promoted to general manager and served that capacity for Western Harness (at Hollywood Park) for almost three decades. For many horsemen and fans he was the face and voice of California harness racing, serving on the USTA board for 29 years. He was also a director of HTA, serving as its president in 1969 and 1970, and a director of the Hambletonian Society.

Ridge Jumper, by the late Ironridge and out of the Life Sign mare, Thisjointisjumpin has become the fastest and richest Cal Bred filly of all time, taking a mark of 1:50f and earning a bankroll of $533,325. Bred by Elliot Gorov, she didn’t start her racing career until the age of 3 where she was then sold to Greg Pistochini, Michael Silber and Gilbert Herrera. A winner of one stakes race, Ridge Jumper started to bloom and was then sent back east to race where she became a tough campaigner. Currently owned by John Kay and Richard Spota , Ridge Jumper is still racing under the care of trainer Lou Pena.

Kimmie Girl, by Sacramento out of Bonefide Girl was a fan favorite at Cal Expo for many years. Owned trained and driven by Wally Peterson, Kimmie, as she is known, took a mark of 1:57m and earned $256,963 in purses. Kimmie Girl was a tiny mare who no one really wanted due to her size as a yearling, but Wally saw something special in her and bought her. It was almost comical to watch Kimmie Girl race as Wally was a big guy but it was the heart and determination that Wally saw in her. Kimmie Girl raced into her 11th year and was then retired to the breeding shed. She is expecting her 2nd foal, this one by Claudius Augustus.