by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Since its inception in 1996, the Progress Pace has grown into one of the sport’s top events of the late fall season, heading a strong Grand Circuit schedule each November and December at Dover Downs.

Most of the top sophomore colts in the sport are among the 97 nominees for the track’s signature event, the eighth Progress Pace. Breeders Crown winner Western Terror and Little Brown Jug champion Timesareachanging also finished in a dead heat for win in the Cane Pace. Metropolitan, winner of the Messenger Pace at Harrington Raceway and North American Cup winner Mantacular are among the leading contenders. Holborn Hanover, Modern Art, Brandon’s Cowboy and Driven To Win are among others eligible in the 2004 Progress Pace.

Last season, for the second straight year, a horse owned in part by Jerry Silva and Sampson Street Stable won the Progress Pace. It also marked the second time in four years that Newman Racing Stable was also a partner in the event winner. Radar Sign, driven by Luc Ouellette, won the 2003 edition in 1:51.4 to win the richest (at $350,060) Progress Pace Final ever. In 2000, Newman was part owner of Powerful Toy, also driven by Luc Ouellette, winner of the track’s signature event. The 2003 Progress Pace victory lifted Radar Sign earnings to $468,998 for the season and $584,913 lifetime.

Allamerican Native, winner of the 2002 Matron freshman pace, won the $25,000 Progress Pace Consolation. John Campbell sent the Presidential Ball colt into the lead after the quarter and was on the way to his fifth win of the year for David Scharf, Jerry Silva and A & G Stables. Crystal Art (Brad Hanners) had a two hole trip with Tidal Search (Ron Pierce) securing third money.

The Progress Pace has grown quickly to a now estimated $425,000 event over two weeks with a $325,000 final. The first two Progress Pace years –1996 and 1997 — were $200,000 events boasting $100,000 finals. In 1998, Bud Light became its corporate sponsor and the Progress Pace increased to an estimated $325,000 classic with a $225,000 final. In fall 2001, the Progress Pace gained stakes status with a greatly increased value.

The first Progress Pace was won by Armbro Operative, owned by Tom Walsh, Jr. and Dave McDuffee, driven by Hall of Famer Mike Lachance. Brett Pelling conditioned the colt, who now stands at stud.

Pelling continued his trainer dominance in the Progress Pace, conditioning the 1997 and 1998 champions, both driven by Hall of Famer John Campbell.

In 1997, Dream Away took top honors for prominent Canadian horsemen Marvin Katz, Sam Goldband and Al Libfeld. Browning Blue Chip won 1998 laurels for owners Crown Jewel Stable.

Jeff Snyder’s Royalflush Hanover, with Luc Ouellette driving, overtook Grinfromeartoear on the backstretch and pulled off to win the 1999 title to become the first gelding winner.

In 2000, Ouellette came back to drive the winner, Newman Racing Stable’s Powerful Toy. Sidney Korn’s Peruvian Hanover, driven by Ron Pierce, won the event in 2001.

Deena Frost, Jerry Silva, Sampson Street and TLP Stable’s Art Major, reined by John Campbell, proved much the best in winning his 2002 elimination and the final, beating stablemate McArdle.

Progress Pace Champions

1996 Armbro Operative (Mike Lachance) 1:53

1997 Dream Away (John Campbell) 1:54

1998 Browning Blue Chip (John Campbell) 1:51.2

1999 Royalflush Hanover (Luc Ouellette) 1:51.2

2000 Powerful Toy (Luc Ouellette) 1:52.1

2001 Peruvian Hanover (Ron Pierce) 1:52.3

2002 Art Major (John Campbell) 1:51*

2003 Radar Sign (Luc Ouellette) 1:51.4

*- event record