Prior to this past December, Johnathan Ahle had never driven at Rosecroft Raceway. This year, the Maryland oval has become something of a home away from home. Ahle, who lives in New Jersey, is third in wins among drivers at Rosecroft, where his total of 23 is two behind second-place Russell Foster. His performance at Rosecroft has helped the 26-year-old Ahle get his second full season in the sulky off to a strong start. Overall, he has posted 37 victories this year and is rapidly approaching his total of 45 wins for all of 2022.
Tag: Ken Weingartner
Borgata consolation winner Im Sir Blake A back for more
After a five-month hiatus to freshen up from a busy 2022 campaign, Australian-bred male pacer Im Sir Blake is ready to make his first start of this season ahead of a trip to the MGM Borgata Series later this month.
Cummings family sweet on ‘Candy’
It might be uncommon for someone to buy a racehorse while getting a pedicure, but that bit of multitasking has paid off beautifully for Tammy Cummings and her daughter, Alyssa. Candy’s Desire has won 14 of 56 starts, cashed a paycheck in a total of 45, and earned $92,508 since joining the Cummings Stable.
Danish duo to drive in International Women’s Day races at The Meadowlands
Mariann Thorup Nielsen and Sabina Gammelgård have won races around the world, but never competed in the U.S. — until Saturday night (March 4). Nielsen and Gammelgård, both from Denmark, are among the drivers participating in races celebrating International Women’s Day at The Meadowlands.
Ell finds his perfect ‘Island’
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.
British invasion: Inglis to make U.S. debut Friday
Ryan Inglis is a rising star in the United Kingdom. This week, he is over the moon. Inglis, a native of Scotland who turned 23 on Feb. 5, will make his American driving debut in a GSY Series amateur race Friday (Feb. 24) at the Meadowlands.
‘Vixen’ set to debut for new connections
Ester Balenzano enjoyed great success with her homebred male trotter Melady’s Monet, and now hopes to rekindle some of that magic with a recent acquisition, 4-year-old female trotter Perfect Vixen.
Jimmy Freight set for 2023 debut
“Jimmy Jets” is ready for takeoff. Millionaire pacer Jimmy Freight, who saw an injury halt his 2022 campaign in September, will begin this season Saturday (Feb. 18) at The Meadowlands, where he is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a $23,000 conditioned race. The 8-year-old stallion, aka “Jimmy Jets,” will start from post six with Scott Zeron driving for trainer Brett Pelling.
Robertson enjoying the ride with Single Girl
Missy Robertson hopes Single Girl will follow in her mom’s footsteps as a successful broodmare someday, but until that time comes, Robertson will continue to delight in watching the homebred pacer give her all on the racetrack.
Ross to represent U.S. in World Driving Championship
The thought of representing the U.S. in August’s World Driving Championship already has kept Jordan Ross awake at night. But in the best possible way. Ross, a 25-year-old Tennessee native who enjoyed a breakout season on the Indiana circuit in 2022, has been selected by the U.S. Trotting Association to wear the Stars and Stripes in this year’s WDC.