by Mitch Demick, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Stickney, IL — Sometimes the great ones do come home — at least for a few hours.

The nation’s leading harness driver, Tim Tetrick, is expected to arrive in Chicago shortly after the conclusion of Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands to drive at Hawthorne Race Course on Saturday night, August 4.

On Hawthorne’s Night of Champions, Tetrick has committed to driving Cheyenne Hollywood for trainer Scot Di Domenico in the Robert F. Carey Jr. Memorial, and it’s a commitment Tetrick is happy to honor.

“Anything I can do to help out this great game I’m all for. Chicago’s a great circuit and the Careys have always been good to me,” said Tetrick.

The 25-year-old budding superstar will drive the exciting filly Pampered Princess in the $1.5 million Hambletonian a few hours earlier, but the likeable Tetrick, who’s already won two million-dollar races this summer, will board a jet shortly following The Meadowlands’ final race and make it to Chicago in time for most of Hawthorne’s big evening.

“Just spending a few hours with my friends and family will make it worthwhile. Even if I win (the Hambletonian) I’ll be there. I love Ryan Anderson and I grew up with Dave Magee as my idol so I’ll make it happen,” added Tetrick.

Seeing the familiar green and yellow in the sulky may be a brief encounter, but also a special one. Tetrick is scheduled to drive in seven of the 14 races. First post is 6:30 p.m. central time.

Taser Gun and Broderick on hand for Night of Champions

On a night when Illinois celebrates its current Standardbred stars, two past Illinois bred champions will make a special appearance on Saturday.

The great Taser Gun, who once paced in 1:49.2, when such miles weren’t quite so common, and Broderick, who trotted to the winner’s circle 24 times in 76 attempts, will be on hand to represent the American Standardbred Adoption Program.

The American Standardbred Adoption Program is an equine humane society whose purpose is to find homes for non-racing and retired Standardbreds. They have been in operation since 1994 and attempt to place this breed and others into loving homes where they can enjoy their second lives.

The A.S.A.P. also accepts and appreciates donations of money, time and supplies.

Organizations like A.S.A.P. allow pacing and trotting heroes to prosper beyond their racing years.

Two years after his last race, Taser Gun, who won 69 races and earned $1,158,893, is a living example of the program’s work.

Find out more by visiting The American Standardbred Adoption Program Web site:www.4thehorses.com.