by Timothy M. Jones, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Springfield, IL — The “Call to the Post” sounded, but there wasn’t a starting gate to be found. Just as it ended, the two millionaire pacers stepped lively before the Livestock Center audience on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. American Standardbred Adoption Program Director Susan Wellman showcased wealthy retirees Timesareachanging and Taser Gun at the Illinois Horse Fair in the Breed Demonstrations this past weekend.

The ASAP farm in DeSoto, Wis., is home to 21 horses, primarily Standardbreds waiting adoption or to be fostered in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota homes. All are cared for by volunteers and donations.

Timesareachanging won the Adios, Cane Pace and Little Brown Jug.

Led by Director Wellman and Timesareachanging, along with her son Zack with Taser Gun, they were followed into the venue by Jen Moore and Sidney Rain. The three minute demonstration provided the audience a glimpse of the breed’s even temperament, good looks, and how track athleticism can be redirected to the show ring, trails and/or eventing.

Timesareachanging, a gelded son of Cam’s Card Shark–Lodi Hanover, earned just over $1.5 million in 64 starts. His 3-year-old campaign was nothing short of brilliant, winning 10 of 22 starts and banking nearly $1.2 million. Timesareachanging won an elimination of the Meadowlands Pace, but finished second to Holborn Hanover in the final. He won the Adios, finished in a dead heat for win with Western Terror in the Cane Pace and also won the Little Brown Jug.

Timothy M. Jones photos

Taser Gun raced nine years and banked $1,158,893.

Taser Gun needed nine years of combat to reach the millionaire plateau, nearly $1.2 million to be exact. Like a fine wine the son of Henry Letsgo–Shootin Shelly, primarily racing on the Chicago circuit, seemed to get better with age in setting a lifetime mark of 1:49.2 at age 5. He also paced two sub-1:50 miles in less than a week. A 1:49.3 scorching of the Illinois State Fair’s oval in a colt stakes elimination was followed by a 1:49.4 in the final just four days later.

Ironically, the most beloved Standardbred at the Horse Fair never set a hoof on the track.

Jen Moore and Sidney Rain have developed a bond stronger than super glue. The tacking routine on the big bay with soft black eyes is often interrupted by a kiss here, a couple pats there. Can’t forget about the vitamins — a.k.a. treats — either.

Three horses — two millionaires — and one who has broken the bank with a loving relationship. On the track, or in retirement, these Standardbreds are winners thanks to Susan Wellman and Jen Moore.