by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — What do Valley Girl K, Glive, Yankee Guru, and Golden Czar A all have in common? They’re all 12-years-old and still racing at Buffalo Raceway. In case you’re new to the sport, a harness horse can race to the ripe old age of 14. These four are not only racing, they’re very competitive and still winning!

Lets start with the trotter Valley Girl K. This BJ’s Mac mare is owned and trained by Paul Messina of Batavia, New York. Last year at the age of 11, she made it to the winner’s circle seven times and collected a very respectable $15,515. Her lifetime earnings currently stands at $60,803 and she has a lifetime mark of 1:59.1. She also finished in the money 12 more times with five seconds and seven thirds. She’s currently racing for the claiming tag of $3,500 with allowances.

Next is Glive. This classy pacer has bankrolled $231,503 lifetime, with a best time of 1:53.3, which he set a long time ago as a four-year-old. Currently owned by Robert H. Gruber of Hamburg, New York, this Nukes Image gelding won five races in 2005 and amassed $9,507 in earnings, and is still going strong. You’ll find him racing near the $5,000 claiming level.

Another trotter who is earning his keep at the raceway is Yankee Guru. Owned and trained by Mike Caprio of Oakfield, New York, this 12-year-old Cumin gelding likes it on the front end, usually going wire-to-wire when winning. In 29 starts last year, he had four wins, five seconds, and three thirds for $9,982. Lifetime earnings stand at $145,526 and he holds mark of 1:58.2, which he set as a seven-year-old. Counting Batavia Downs last year, he has finished in the money (first, second, or third) in seven out of his last eight races.

Last, but certainly not least, is the real crowd favorite Golden Czar A. Currently owned by Barry Franklin of Westbury, New York, this Golden Greek gelding is trained by Kris Rickert. Having won nine races and $28,867 last year, he’s the type of horse that every trainer-horseman wants in his barn. Although a bit rambunctious at times, Rickert seems to have unlocked the key that keeps him happy. Lifetime earnings stand at $237,753 and his best time of 1:53.1 was set five years ago as a seven-year-old. You’ll find him running with the $7,500 claimers.

Waiting in the wings are these 11-year-olds: Sinbad N, former Open pacers Raque Balboa and Dragoon, Angeloftheknight, and the former Open Pacer from the Meadowlands, Invader Hall.