by Jerry Connors, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Harrisburg PA — Arlene and Jules Siegel of Fashion Farms, and veteran breeder Sam Stoltzfus, have both made impacts with their progeny on the Pennsylvania and national scenes, and they are being honored as, respectively, Breeder of the Year and Small Breeder of the Year at the second annual Celebration of Pennsylvania Harness Racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Saturday, December 6.

The Siegels have made an impact on all facets of the breeding and racing game. They stand top sires such as Broadway Hall and Real Artist at their Fashion Farms in New Hope, Pa.; they are the breeders of and currently own two top 2-year-olds in pacer Dial Or Nodial and trotter Tom Cango; and they were the breeder of the outstanding race mare Kikikatie, a winner of more than $1.2 million. Last year Jules and Arlene were third in prize earnings in the Pennsylvania Breeders Awards program, and second as stallion owners.

Stoltzfus, a member of the Amish community, only owns a couple of broodmares, but one of them is Matt’s Filly, and she is the dam of this year’s sensational 3-year-old pacing colt Shadow Play, who won the Adios Pace while setting a world record during the competition, and then also won the revered Little Brown Jug with yet another strong effort, giving the low-key Stoltzfus breeding credits that larger farms would desperately like to boast of.

Stoltzfus will also be toting home some additional hardware from the awards dinner, as Shadow Play’s exploits were enough to earn Matt’s Filly PA Broodmare of the Year honors as well.

All of the above will be honored at December 6’s second annual Celebration of Pennsylvania Harness Racing. Tickets for the event are available from the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association’s Web site at www.pahha.com, clicking on “Tickets.” There is also information about hotel accommodations.