Tag: Ken Weingartner

Jim Campbell always will be associated with last year’s Hambletonian Day, but what happened over the remaining days on the calendar ensured he also will be remembered for his stable’s season beyond that one afternoon. A month ago, Campbell was named the U.S. Harness Writers Association’s 2022 Trainer of the Year.

Two horses making debuts in Friday’s second race at The Meadowlands are the top-two choices on the morning line. In the case of Ron Burke-trained On The Money GB, it’s a North American bow after competing for three years in the United Kingdom. In the case of Mark Harder-trained Super Girl, it is a first lifetime start after missing her 2-year-old season in 2022 because of a hoof issue.

Peter Pumpkineater won over owner/trainer Bruce Lauer with his class and determination. He competed for Lauer throughout 2022 and ended the year — and his career — with a win on Dec. 31 at Freehold Raceway. It was the 74th victory of Peter Pumpkineater’s career. In addition to Peter Pumpkineater, four other 14-year-olds over the last two weeks of the year won their final career start.

Jim Slendorn went 30 years between winning races as a driver, but ever since then, the victories have been coming with increased frequency. The 58-year-old Slendorn, a regular in the GSY Series for amateurs, has added 20 triumphs since he captured a conditioned event at Freehold Raceway in January 2021, his first win since 1991 at the same track.

It might be difficult to imagine a driver getting the first victory of his career and having that single triumph put him on top of the season’s national standings for wins, but thanks to James Day, there is no need to imagine. Day accomplished the feat Sunday (Jan. 1) when he won Northfield Park’s first race — the sport’s first race of 2023.