isaharness

Miss Fancy Nancy struts her stuff at Oak Grove

Wed, 06 May 2026 03:01:11 GMT

Miss Fancy Nancy and Atlee Bender turned their winning performance into a fiesta during Cinco de Mayo at Oak Grove. The duo won by open lengths in a time of 1:52.3 in the $14,000 conditioned optional claimer.

Two Indiana horses started side by side from post one, featuring Ponda Eagle, and post two with Miss Fancy Nancy. Bender had Miss Fancy Nancy ready to take off when the gate opened and was the first horse called by Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans. However, Ponda Eagle and Marcus Miller took a few extra steps to get going before powering out and taking over the lead heading into the first turn. Miss Fancy Nancy was taken back to third as the field passed by the quarter in :27.1. Miss Fancy Nancy was then out and on the move to take over in front of the grandstand the first time, sliding over with ease heading into the second turn. Once on the lead, Miss Fancy Nancy relaxed into her leadership role and had full control of the field.

In the final turn, horses began to reposition themselves for the stretch drive. However, Miss Fancy Nancy had a lot of pace, striding home in :28.1 for the win by one and three-quarter lengths under wraps. Lyons Spirit and Darrell Moore moved up late to finish second while Ponda Eagle, a son of Capt Midnight, finished third.

Miss Fancy Nancy was the favorite of the field, paying $3.02 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by A Piece of the Action Stable and trained by Wayne Oke.

A Sires Stakes contender last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Miss Fancy Nancy picked up her first win of 2026 in the effort. She now has nine wins and nearly $300,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:50.2 was taken last summer at Harrah’s’ Hoosier Park. Duane Miller and Gene Borkholder bred and raised the mare, who is the last Indiana sired foal from the Somebeachsomewhere mare Singit Like Aretha. She has a half sister named Alwaysanun with a mark of 1:52.3 and earnings of more than $182,000.

ISA Board holds May meeting

Tue, 05 May 2026 03:08:09 GMT

Photo of Ray Allison, new executive director of the Indiana State Fair, addressing the ISA Board Monday, May 4 during their monthly meeting

ISA Board of Directors hold May meeting

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA)Board of Directors met for their monthly meeting Monday, May 4 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield. The meeting kicked off with a special guest speaker, Ray Allison, the new executive director of the Indiana State Fair, replacing longtime executive Cindy Hoye, who retired in March.

Allison, who assumed his new duties April 1, has been with the Indiana State Fair in several capacities since 1993, starting off as a college intern. He has worked alongside Hoye for nearly two decades and noted he is tuned in to the history of Standardbred racing at the fair.

ISA Director Doug Rideout, who oversees the county fair committee, asked Allison about the tent utilized last year during the Indiana State Fair for stabling during the races. Allison noted another 30 x 105-foot tent has been scheduled, which included 20 stalls. Rideout noted additional stalls were provided last year, but they did not have a cover and were not used because of that issue. Allison said they would be happy to talk about bringing in an additional tent for stabling during the races.

Allison also noted the construction on Gate 6 is wrapping up soon and there will be no construction on the east side of the campus, which will alleviate transportation issues in and out of the speed barn areas. It was also noted to Allison that one barn will continue to be utilized for Speed Barn tours during the fair. Allison noted the current above ground electrical wires and poles will soon be placed underground, which will provide better and more efficient electricity to that area and with the poles removed, will make everything more accessible. Allison said an additional construction project will soon be implemented to remove the current old restrooms near the barns and a new restroom building will be constructed to include showers and individual bathrooms. He also said several of the barns are getting windows replaced that needed repair.

Allison completed his talk by noting the State Fair grants, which are due soon, have been started. With the transition of new staff, they are getting caught up on several projects including the grants.

Mike McDaniel, longtime lobbyist for the ISA, addressed the board for his last meeting. The 75-year-old will be retiring at the end of May, saying he has been connected to racing since he was a kid. He mentioned several mentors along the way, including Keith Bulen, Larry Borst, and Mitch Daniels, and noted Jack Holton brought him on board with the ISA as a lobbyist in 2010. During his time with ISA, he represented racing in the statehouse on many issues and projects. He was also responsible for the creation of the Governor’s Cup Championships, with points accumulating toward the finals at the State Fair, a project he was most proud of. McDaniel said he always tells people that the ISA was his favorite client because everyone loves what they do and they work so hard. That is why the industry is now a $2 billion business in the state. McDaniel also commended the board for hiring executive director Tony Renz and said they have a great team assembled and he is confident they will continue to do great things in the state.

Adam Kallick, who is part of that team, updated the board on legislative issues and noted the primaries set for Tuesday, May 5, especially in the Senate, could see some changes. He noted it will be important for him and Matt Norris, the other lobbyist, to digest any changes and be adaptable and adjust as far as the leadership goes.

Robert Taylor gave an update on projects on the backside at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, noting the new tank project should be completed in the next day or so. They have been working on the water valve and water pressure. He also noted they are getting bids on asphalt for the barn area driveways.

ISA President John DeLong gave an update on a new Blood Gas machine through the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. He recommends one that has been in place at Rood & Riddle in Lexington for the past five years and will continue to work with IHRC on this project.

Yearling inspections for this fall’s Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale began Monday, May 4. Purdue Day at Kountry Lane Standardbreds is Thursday, May 7, and the Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale will begin accepting entries June 1 with the sale set for Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10 at the Topeka Livestock Auction House.

ISA Treasurer Rhys Helt provided an update on the new electronic payment system for ISA memberships, and the program is ready to launch. The board voted to implement it in the next few days. The ISA Office has provided flyers with QR Codes for easy access to the new online payment system. There is a $1.80 fee for online payments.

ISA Director Doug Rideout noted there were 280 Elite nominations this year, up a few from the previous year. He also said Wickeys are locked in for seven fair dates this year to provide food on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. Yard Signs for the ISFC are also in production and will be available soon.

ISA Director Carrie Hollman said they had a huge turnout for ISA Night at the Races with more than 140 in attendance. She also noted they received 11 memberships during the event, which brings the ISA up to 796 members. The next project for the promotions committee is Horse of the Month, featuring Little Rocket Man in May. The promotion is sponsored by Elite Nutrition. Tony Renz, Executive Director, also noted the upcoming Friday Night Owners Club this summer.

President DeLong noted Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s handle has been strong so far, and they recorded their highest handle on a non-event night last Friday with more than $1.2 million wagered. He also said Gabe Prewitt of HHP had updated him on Fox Sports and they will have three premier shows this year, including the Dan Patch, Caesars Trotting Classic, and Hoosier Champions Night featuring Indiana Sires Stakes Finals. He also said Fox will feature HHP along with The Meadowlands on a two-track show Saturday, May 16.

Renz gave an update on the Grattan Helmet promotion with ISA members still taking advantage of the initiative. So far, there have been 35-40 helmets ordered since the program was implemented last fall. The current program is scheduled to run through June, but the ISA is looking into extending it further to assist many more ISA members with highly discounted new helmets, which boosts safety measures for all participants on the track.

The next meeting for the ISA Board is set for Monday, June 8. The date was moved due to the ISA Golf Outing, which is slated for Monday, June 1.

Skyway Freakshow steals the show at Bangor

Mon, 04 May 2026 01:19:06 GMT

Skyway Freakshow and McGwire Sowers closed out the Sunday program May 3 with a win in the $4,800 conditioned pace at Bangor Raceway. The Indiana sired pacer trudged through the sloppy track for the open length win in 2:01.1.

Skyway Freakshow began from post six and rallied out quickly when the gate folded to be a top contender in the race. Dark Eclipse N and Kevin Switzer Jr. was the quickest of all from the far outside and crossed over for the lead before the first turn, leaving Skyway Freakshow parked around the first turn before settling in third.

Fractions of :28.2 and 1:00.1 were placed on the board before movement was detected at the back of the pack to the outside. The advancement by Sweet Scarlett and Andrew Harrington flushed out Bettor N Joy and Timothy Hudson, which eventually flushed Skyway Freakshow to the outside and into first over positioning. Around the final turn, Skyway Freakshow was in a big battle with Dark Eclipse N before taking over and moving out to the lead in solo fashion. She rallied home in :29.4 to score the win by two and three-quarter lengths over Dark Eclipse N. Bettor N Joy finished third.

Skyway Freakshow paid $14.60 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Freaky Feet Pete is a family owned horse, owned by McGwire and Autym Sowers with Autym serving as the trainer. Samuel Schrock bred and raised the mare who earned her second win of 2026. Overall, she has seven wins and more than $45,000 on her card with her career best taken at two at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:56.1. She had six starts under the direction of trainer Henry Graber Jr. before moving to upstate New York and later Maine. She was sold from the Slabach Brothers Standardbreds consignment as a yearling, purchased by Eleven Star Stables for $7,000 late in the sale. She was the latest foal from the multiple stakes winner Marnie Hall, who was a millionaire while racing in all the major stakes, taking a mark of 1:49.0. She has several six figure earners including DA Delightful, a winner in 1:48.3.

Earlier on the card, two Indiana sired pacers led the conditioned pacers to the wire for a one-two finish in 2:02.0. Holymotherofmoses and Kevin Switzer Jr. turned in a gate to wire effort for the win by two and one-half lengths over Kea Island and Andrew Harrington. Holymotherofmoses was the favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. She is the six-year-old daughter of Check Six owned and trained by Logan Lanpher. Alvin Fry and Lamar Miller bred the mare, who picked up her first win of 2026 and her 13 ^th overall. To date, she has more than $114,000 with a career best time of 1:54.2 taken last year at Vernon Downs. She began her career in Illinois and raced just a handful of times for Kevin Miller before shipping east.

On to Norway extends streak in seasonal debut

Sun, 03 May 2026 02:46:26 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

On to Norway kept the winning streak going in his first start of 2026 Saturday, May 2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. It has now been over a year since he lost a race and his streak is up to 24 straight wins in the state of Indiana.

Guided by John DeLong, On to Norway was being tested against older open trotters for the first time in his career, and he was ready to go when the gate folded. He had his ears pinned and DeLong had his hands full when they left the gate, showing early speed right alongside the likes of Track Record Holder Ponda Jet and Peter Wrenn, who went on to take over the top spot. DeLong was finally able to get On to Norway in a hole in fourth as trotters passed by the quarter in :26.2. There was no change at the half in :57.0 with a slow second quarter. On to Norway could wait no longer. He was out and rolling toward the leaders in the final turn.

Once again, On to Norway had his ears pinned and he was all business heading down the lane. He got past Ponda Jet but then had to contend with Operator and Marcus Miller, who had sat in the two-hole the entire way. In the end, On to Norway was a length winner in 1:53.2, trotting home in :25.4. Operator was second, just a neck ahead of Ponda Jet giving Trainer Jay Hochstetler and second and third place finish in the evening’s featured Open Trot.

On to Norway paid $3.20 as the favorite of the field. The now four-year-old son of Muscle Massive is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, Michael Rosenthal, and Black and White Stable. Bennett Farms of Michigan bred the gelding, who is now 28 for 34 lifetime with more than $671,000 in career earnings for trainer Ron Burke. His quickest time of 1:51.2 was taken last year during his standout sophomore year that earned him Trotter of the Year honors in Indiana.

Also a winner on the night was another standout trotter and former year-end honoree Dover in Motion, driven by DeLong. The seven-year-old Dover Dan gelding got away fourth, following the lead provided by Toy’s for You and Luke Plano at the quarter in :28.0. Flirtnwiththepilot and Peter Wrenn took over after the quarter and led the field through the half in :57.4 before Dover in Motion was out and on the move.

In the lane, Dover in Motion had to fight hard for the lead, a fight that lasted all the way to the wire. In the end, Dover in Motion was a winner by a neck over Flirtnwiththepilot. Toy’s For You finished third.

Dover in Motion was the favorite of the field, paying $2.60 for the win. It was his second win of 2026 in his sixth start. Overall, he has 23 wins and more than $700,000 in earnings for trainer Ricky Macomber Jr. and owners M & M Racing and Macomber Racing. Lyle Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who has a career best time of 1:50.4 taken at five at Oak Grove.

Im a Real American wins Indiana debut

Sat, 02 May 2026 02:20:03 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Just as Always a Runner was winning the Kentucky Oaks, it was Always a Virgin sophomore Im a Real American in the winner’s circle at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Indiana gelding scored a win in the first division of the $12,000 Hal Dale Series, which kicked off with two divisions Friday, May 1.

Im a Real American began from post four and went straight for the lead with John DeLong in the bike. Check Your Pockets and LeWayne Miller joined them from the inside and grabbed the pocket seat as Im a Real American rallied through the first quarter in :27.4. There was no action to the outside to the half in :57.1 and Im A Real American and Check Your Pockets began to put a few lengths between them and the rest of the field around the final turn.

In the stretch, Check Your Pockets was ready to move out and challenge, but Im a Real American had another gear left. He pinned his ears back and took off, finishing the mile with a :27.4 final quarter to win by a length over Check Your Pockets. Echo Canyon and Trace Tetrick finished third in the 1:52.4 mile.

Im a Real American was the heavy favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. He is owned by Evans Nation and Engblom Farm with Per Engblom handling the training duties. Im A Real American was bred by Dave Yoder and is out of the former Indiana Sires Stakes champ Ag-N-Au (pronounced Silver and Gold) Bluegrass. She made more than $300,000 during her racing career back when purses were not as hefty as modern day times.

For Im A Real American, he is now two for three this season. It was his first start of the year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park as he previously raced at Harrah’s Philadelphia to prep for his three-year-old Indiana debut. Last year at two, he started off in Indiana under Missy Essig before going to Lexington and Cumberland Run where he took advantage of his dual eligibility and raced in Kentucky Sires Stakes. He qualified twice at Pocono Downs before making his two starts at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Im A Real American is from the final crop of Always a Virgin and was one of seven yearlings who sold at public auction. He was sold at the Standardbred Mixed Horse Sale in Harrisburg as a yearling under the name Tenex and was purchased by Nation and along with Missy Essig. Engblom bought into the gelding last August. His career best time is 1:51.0 taken earlier this year at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

In the other division of the Hal Dale, Bam Bam and Atlee Bender got away in third before moving after the quarter in :27.3 and taking over, rallying home for the win by one length in 1:53.3 with a final quarter in :26.1. Brookview Glider and Jordan Ross finished second over Timber Man and Marcus Miller for third.

Bam Bam was also the heavy favorite, paying $2.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis sophomore is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Engel Stable of IL, and Tony Willinger. Dan Shetler bred and raised the gelding, who is now three for four. He was unraced last year as a two-year-old and now has a mark of 1:52.4.

It's My Story scores byline in Go On BB Series

Fri, 01 May 2026 01:54:21 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

It’s My Story wrote her own ending in the first round of the $12,000 Go On BB Series Thursday, April 30. It’s only fitting that Trainer Ron Burke won two of the three divisions named in honor of his standout pacing mare Go On BB, who surged across the million dollar mark during her career nearly 20 years ago.

It’s My Story and Kyle Wilfong began from post four and left the gate with authority, seeking the top spot. Princess Laa and Dale Hiteman got the first call with horses three wide around the first turn with It’s My Story in between Princess Laa and Keeps Miss Dixie and Jordan Ross. Once It’s My Story cleared the lead, Keeps Miss Dixie cleared to be the third leader of the race before Cruisen Halle and LeWayne Miller were out and rolling to become the fourth leader at the half in :56.1. It’s My Story stayed tucked in along the rail around the final turn. In the stretch, she was on the move and took over, coasting home to a three-length lead in a time of 1:53.0. Willow Larue and Marcus Miller closed for second over Keeps Miss Dixie.

It’s My Story paid $10.80 for the win. The three-year-old daughter of Best in Show is now owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Michael Rosenthal, and Frank Baldachino. She was bred and raised by Michael Weaver. It’s My Story raced under Trainer John Merkel last year as a two-year-old starting off on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and then later making her mark on the pari-mutuel ranks. Merkel also trained her mother, A Lozkoz Bluegrass, during her racing career. It’s My Story is now two for three this season.

In the middle division of the Go On BB, Burke’s Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick rallied home in a near gate to wire effort for the win by two and one-half lengths in 1:52.4. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old paid $3.80 for her efforts as the race favorite. Beautiful Mistake and Brandon Bates finished second over Ponda Lime and Atlee Bender for third.

Klorox Queen is owned by Burke Racing, Knox Services, and Weaver Bruscemi. It was her second win of 2026 and her fourth overall. The mile also provided her with a new lifetime mark.

The first division of the Go On BB Series, Treacherous Woman and Kyle Wilfong were gate to wire winners in a time of 1:52.1. Gina Romantica and Marcus Miller finished two and one half lengths back in second over Rockin Charli and LeWayne Miller for third. Treacherous Woman had the fastest division of all fillies in the Go On BB series, paying $2.80 for the win as the race favorite. The Rockin Image filly was making her first start of 2026, coming off two wins in three starts as a two-year-old last fall for trainer Jay Hochstetler. Treacherous Woman is owned by Connie Hochstetler, Mary Buddig, Janet Schwartz, and South of the Tracks Rac Inc.

Bluebird Hill thrills in Expression Series

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:23:55 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Several new series got underway Wednesday, April 29 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with some surprise winners in the first round. Bluebird Hill and Marcus Miller were one of those pairs, scoring a longshot win in the $12,000 Expression Series for Indiana sired trotters.

Bluebird Hill began from post five and got away in mid pack as Hawt Yoga and Kiwon Waldron took over the lead position before the quarter in :28.4. They continued to lead the way through the half in :59.4 with the field staying in single file behind him. In the final turn. Movement began to form on the outside that included Bluebird Hill.

In the stretch, Bluebird Hill took flight, traveling home in :27.4 to reach the front position by the wire in 1:58.3. Let’Em, also a longshot, moved up for second for Lamar Wingard while Yawt Yoga held on for third in the 1:58.3 mile.

Bluebird Hill paid $28.20 for the win. The sophomore son of You Know You Do is owned by Matthew Miller and John McGill. Miller signed the ticket for the trotter at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $26,000. He is a half brother to the standout mare Bluebird Dove, who established a world champion mark during Little Brown Jug Week in a division of the Buckette. She took a mark of 1:52.2 and completed her racing career as a multiple Indiana Sires Stakes winner with more than $226,000 in earnings. The family also includes six-figure winner Bodelicious.

Robert Wyman trains Bluebird Hill, who is now two for three this season after only scoring one win last year. He began on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and later worked his way up into stakes action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Overall, he has more than $22,000. His mile Wednesday was a new lifetime mark for the gelding, beating his previous mark set last year by one fifth of a second.

In the other division of the Expression Series, Marcus Miller guided that winner as well for trainer Jay Hochstetler. The Dover Dan sophomore moved from the three-hole into the final turn and rallied away from the field for the win by four and three-quarter lengths. Inverness Ave and Kevin Lambright finished second over Bravo Alpha and Doug Rideout for third.

Sunday Swagger paid $4.20 for the win. He is owned by Connie and Homer Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. He is a home bred for the Hochstetler barn and was a winner in his first start of 2026 after scoring two wins last year, including his career best time of 1:54.3. Sunday Swagger now has more than $60,000 on his card.

Friday Night Owners Club set for summer

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:23:45 GMT

Photo by John Adamsky

The Indiana Standardbred Association, Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development are partnering together for a special series for owners. The Friday Night Owners Club is set to span four months beginning in late June.

The Friday Night Owners Club begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 26 and runs until 7:30 p.m. in the Top of the Park room at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The event will coincide with Friday racing and will be a summer reception for owners, both new and returning, to enjoy a special night out at the races.

The Owners event will include appetizers and two complimentary beverages along with a racing program. Self serve betting terminals will be provided in the Top of the Park for the convenience of the participants.

The Friday Night Owners Club does not require an RSVP to attend. Those planning to attend should make their way to the Top of the Park for the featured nights.

In addition to the kickoff Friday, June 26, events for the Friday Night Owners Club will be held Friday, July 24, Friday, August 28, and will conclude with a Saturday special edition Saturday, September 26. Look for more information on the Friday Night Owners Club on social media or on the ISA’s website at indianaharness.com.

Just Rosas Luck uses skill in Monticello feature

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:46:36 GMT

Just Rosas Luck cashed in on a little skill and a little luck Monday, April 27 to win the featured $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Monticello Raceway. The Indiana mare took a chance on a big move in the final half that paid off in a big way for the win in 1:55.3.

Just Rosas Luck began from post six and floated over to the inside as several horses rallied out to get the early lead. Catie Faye Hanover and Ralph Silvestri III were the longest shots on the board and took over the lead with race favorite Jillian Jiggs and Jim Taggart Jr. on the outside past the quarter in :27.3. Catie Faye Hanover would not surrender the lead, leaving Jillian Jiggs on the outside at the half in :56.1. Horses from the back of the pack began to move and so did Just Rosas Luck, who sat right on the back of Jillian Jiggs.

At the three-quarter pole, Just Rosas Luck and driver Michael Merton made the decision to flip three wide heading into the final turn. Once they were in full stride, they went right on by their opponents and at the head of the lane, Just Rosas Luck was on top of the field by three. Her lead increased to the wire for the win by six and one-quarter lengths with a final quarter in :29.2. Wish I Had Thyme closed for second with Don’t Chip Me, another Indiana sired mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip, finding room on the outside to advance after traveling inside during the mile for Bruce Aldrich Jr.

Just Rosas Luck paid $9.48 for the win. The six-year-old Luck Be Withyou mare is owned by Go For Glory Stable and trained by Rob Harmon. Misty Ridge Stables bred the mare, who scored her third win of the year. Overall, she has 18 wins and more than $214,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.4 taken as a five-year-old at Plainridge.

Just Rosas Luck began under the direction of trainer Melanie Wrenn at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She has had several owners over her career and this is the second time that Go For Glory Stable has owned her in the past year. Her dam, Goddess’s Rosa, took a mark of 1:51.0 and made $189,000 before becoming a brood mare. Just Rosas Luck is the richest of her foals, but she has two others, Rosas Image, and Don’t Tell Rosa, who are also six figure winners.

In the very next race, it was two Vel horses fighting for the win at the wire in the photo with Vel Miss Taylor and Michael Merton getting the win in the conditioned pace. She took over after the quarter in :28.0 and maintained her position all the way to the wire to win by a length and a quarter. Obsessed with Lou and Bruce Aldrich Jr. closed in for second, just a neck ahead of Vel Quick Daisy and Kyle Dibenedetto for third.

Vel Miss Taylor was the favorite, paying $2.98 for the win. The six-year-old daughter of Ponder is now owned by Cliff Grundy and trained by Tammy Sowers. She began her career under the direction of Larry King on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and now has 36 career wins and more than $138,000. Her career best time was taken at three at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:54.3 before she relocated to the East Coast.

Heaven Needs Me delivers at Harrah's Philadelphia

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:24:00 GMT

It was a fight to the finish between two Indiana sired pacers with Heaven Needs Me and Simon Allard getting the final call Sunday, April 26 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. The Indiana sired pacer turned in a last to first effort for the win in 1:52.4 in the $13,500 conditioned pace.

Heaven Needs Me began from the outside post seven and showed no interest in getting involved in the race early, moving to the back of the pack as Seaworthy Hanover and Ridge Warren put their rail starting spot to good use and became the first leader. However their time on the top was short lived as Lazarus Star and March Herschberger rallied up and around to take over before the quarter in :28.1. The field stayed in single file through the half in :56.4 and it wasn’t until the field has moved down the backside for the second time that the trailing horses began to shift to the outside.

Heaven Needs Me made one move. He moved to the outside to pass horses and had to go three wide in the final turn to reach the top horses in the race. In the stretch, he was widest of all and in full flight as the wire neared. He was able to fend off Son of Era and Patrick Ryder on the inside to score the win by a neck. Son of Era is also an Indiana bred son of JK Endofanera. TH Colby and Tim Tetrick used a move up the inside to finish third.

Heaven Needs Me paid $17.20 for the win. The four-year-old son of Capt Midnight is owned and trained by Chelsey Faurot, who also bred the gelding.

Heaven Needs Me is now two for three in 2026 after going unraced as a two-year-old. Overall, he has five wins in 22 starts and tops $67,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:52.2 was taken last year at Pocono Downs.

Earlier in the card, Indiana sired Lovers Trouble and Joe Bongiorno turned in a near gate to wire effort after taking over after the quarter in the $11,000 claiming event. Around the final turn, Lovers Trouble began to scoot away from the field and won by three and one-half lengths in 1:52.2. Hesa Kingslayer N and Simon Allard finished second over Duckies Dynasty and Mark Herschberger for third.

Lovers Trouble was the favorite of the field, paying $2.40 for the win. The five-year-old Tellitlikeitis gelding is owned by JB Racing and Evans Nation. Bongiorno also trains the gelding, who was bred and raised in Indiana by breeders Zach Miller, Edward Dobrowolski of Indiana and Edward Dobrowolski of Michigan.

Lovers Trouble earned his third win of the year in the effort. Overall, he has 13 wins and more than $146,000 in earnings. He picked up a sub 1:50 career best mark as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. He is the foal from the former Indiana contender SS Lover, who made $68,000 during her career and took a mark of 1:53.0 before becoming a brood mare. She is now a 100 percent producing brood mare with four winners from four foals of racing age. Lovers Trouble is her richest and her quickest to date. She does have a two-year-old this season, a colt by Freaky Feet Pete named Freaky Lover.

BB Lucky Boy scores in dead heat at The Big M

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 03:58:56 GMT

BB Lucky Boy finished in a dead heat with Seasideescape Saturday, April 25 through a driving rainstorm at the Meadowlands. The Indiana pacer shared the final time of 1:51.4 with his opponent in the claiming event.

BB Lucky Boy began from post six with driver Dexter Dunn and pushed the gate out of the way with early speed. However, several horses to his inside, including Seasideescape and Jason Bartlett, also went to the lead, leaving BB Lucky Boy four-wide heading into the turn. The field began to settle behind Rockme Rollme and Yannick Gingras before the quarter and BB Lucky Boy had the opportunity to move into the four-hole but passed it up as Seasideescape also decided to go onto the lead after the quarter in :26.4. Once Seasideescape cleared the top, BB Lucky Boy became the third leader of the race at the half in :55.0.

Heading into the final turn, horses were approaching on the outside by BB Lucky Boy remained in control. In the stretch, the top two pulled away from the field with Seasideescape pulling out of the two hole and emerging on BB Lucky Boy. One last surge brought the horses together at the wire for the dead heat win. Alabamajamma and Colin Kelly moved up for third.

BB Lucky Boy paid $2.80 for his half of the dead heat. The seven-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Paul Kautz and trained by Cameron Capone. Martin Schmucker bred ad raised the gelding, who picked up his fifth win of 2026. Overall, he has 36 trips to the winner’s circle with more than $300,000 on his card. His best time of 1:49.1 was taken as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. BB Lucky Boy began under the direction of Robert Taylor at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Later in the evening, another Indiana sired pacer scored a victory at the Big M as Saba Rock and Jason Bartlett moved first over in the middle stages of the conditioned pace en route to the victory by two and one-half lengths in 1:51.2. Captain Crusader A and Tim Tetrick finished second, just a neck ahead of Voukefalas and Jordan Stratton.

Saba Rock, a product of the DeLong breeding operation, paid $4.80 for the win. The four-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, and Adam Friedland. Per Engblom trains the gelding, who earned his first win of 2026 in the effort.

Overall, Saba Rock has nine career wins. After only starting twice at two with no wins, Saba Rock won eight of 19 starts last year as a sophomore. Roger Welch broke and trained the pacer until last fall. Saba Rock is a former Indiana Sires Stakes winner in the Hoosier State.

Bikini Chaser in chase mode for Indiana win

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:04:55 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Photo by Dean Gillette

It took the entire length of the stretch, but Bikini Chaser gave chase to veteran pacer General Dolan and won the battle Friday, April 24 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Guided by Joey Putnam, the Indiana sired pacer scored the first win of 2026 in the $8,000 conditioned pace.

Bikini Chaser began from the outside in post seven and left with some speed from the gate, but went into idle for a few strides until assessing the situation. Putnam saw General Dolan and Trace Tetrick rush out to the lead and that was the horse to follow. Bikini Chaser hurried up and got the seat right behind him before the first turn and through the quarter in :26.4. From there, the field stayed in single file as General Dolan led through the half in :55.4 for a little breather before the final half.

Aye Aye Capt Russ and Kevin Lambright were the first to pull to the outside and endured a first over journey, but could not catch up to General Dolan. At the head of the lane, Bikini Chaser was able to move out from his resting spot and went to work, chasing down General Dolan to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.1. Shooting in Place and Brandon Bates moved up for third.

Bikini Chaser paid $45.00 for the win, his first in his second start of the year. The four-year-old son of JK Endofanera is owned by JP Racing and trained by Joe Putnam. Joe Putnam and Katie Brown bred the gelding from their previous race mare Rockin Bikini, who took a mark of 1:51.4 and made $136,000.

Bikini Chaser now has six career wins and more than $105,000 in earnings. His career mark was taken last year as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:50.3. Bikini Chaser is one of three six-figure winners from Rockin Bikini, joining Droppin Bikinis and Madisons Angel with more than $100,000 on their cards.

Also a winner on the night was Classical Jane and Jordan Ross in the $8,000 conditioned trot. The four-year-old Swan for All mare followed cover in the middle stages of the race before rallying home in the stretch to fend off a late charge by Dashing Danny and Marcus Miller for the win by a neck in 1:55.3. Dans Credit and Luke Plano finished third.

Classical Jane paid $12.40 for the win. The mare is owned by Hillside Stables, Frank Baldachino, Beasty, and Backroad Stables. Henry Graber Jr. trains the mare, who is a product of Mast Standardbreds.

It was the first win in the first start of 2026 for Classical Jane, who now has seven wins and is closing in on $300,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:54.1 was taken last year at three at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Lady by a Nose a winner by a length

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:42:10 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Lady by a Nose and Brad Ferguson rallied home to a length victory Thursday, April 23 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo covered the one mile conditioned trot in a time of 1:56.4, a new lifetime mark.

Lady by a Nose began from post seven and joined a group of horses to her inside who displayed early speed. Ferguson was able to identify a spot along the inside in fourth as West Stokes and Brandon Bates moved up to take the lead through the quarter in :27.4. The field remained in single file through the half in :56.2 before Lady By a Nose was moved to the outside in first over fashion around the final turn.

In the stretch, Lady by a Nose only had one horse to catch and that was West Stokes. Midway through the stretch, Lady By a Nose moved out to the lead and was able to fend off all late challengers for the win. You Know Dancer and Robert Taylor maintained ground inside for second over Hot Cash and Kevin Lambright, who closed on the outside for third.

Lady By a Nose paid $10.00 for the win. The five-year-old daughter of Colie’s is owned by Brad and Augustus Ferguson and Joel Bontrager. Amos Schwartz bred and raised the mare, who is trained by Harry Miller.

A one-time contender on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, Lady By a Nose earned her first win of 2026 in her fourth start of the year. Overall, she now has four wins and more than $40,000 in earnings. She has been owned by the Ferguson family her entire career.

In the very next race, newcomer Sensational Tell scored a win in her second career start in the $11,500 conditioned pace. The three-year-old daughter of Tellitlikeitis rallied out to the lead for Trace Tetrick and never looked back, pulling away from the field for a three-length victory at the wire in 1:54.2. It Liz Again and LeWayne Miller finished second over Promiss Me Therock and Robert Taylor for third.

Unraced at two, Sensational Tell paid $6.60 for her first career win. She is owned by Country Club Acres, Jeff Eckburg, Joe Sbrocco, and John Fodera. Tyler George trains the filly, who was born and raised at Victory Hill Farm. She was a $75,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and is a full sister to Indiana Sires Stakes contender Captain Tell. The maternal family traces back to the great Betting Line, 2016 Canadian and U.S. Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year with more than $1.8 million in earnings and a mark of 1:47.2. He is now a successful sire.

Horse of the Month coming to Hoosier Park

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:41:07 GMT

A new promotion is on the horizon for Harrah’s Hoosier Park (HHP). Through a partnership with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) and a sponsorship from Elite Nutrition, Horse of the Month is being introduced beginning in May.

Each month, one horse will be selected. Special t-shirts will be created with the Elite Nutrition logo and depicting the “Horse of the Month.” Each Friday, a limited number of t-shirts will be placed into Hoosier Park’s regular t-shirt toss. Those who catch the special t-shirts will then be invited to come back and watch the “Horse of the Month” race. Those with the t-shirts are encouraged to wear the shirts for the horse’s next race. If they wear their “Horse of the Month” shirts and the horse wins its race, they will be invited into the winner’s circle and will be part of the post race presentation and photo of the winning horse.

The “Horse of the Month” will change each month and will be announced before the end of the previous month. The purpose of the promotion is to build a fan base around some of the horses that excel at Hoosier Park and also encourage on-track attendance for the races. Gabe Prewitt, vice president and general manager of racing, will assist the ISA with selecting the “Horse of the Month” during the 2026 racing season.

Watch for more details on the new “Horse of the Month” promotion via social media and on-track. The first “Horse of the Month” will be announced soon and will be for the month of May. T-Shirts will soon circulate on Fridays at HHP to get the promotion underway.

The “Horse of the Month” promotion is one of the latest provided by ISA and HHP to encourage engagement with racing fans and help showcase Standardbred racing in the state of Indiana.

Fortunada kicks off Yonkers program with a win

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:52:19 GMT

Fortunada kicked off the Tuesday, April 21 program at Yonkers with a win in the evening’s opener. The Indiana sired pacer crushed her opponents as she rallied home a winner by open lengths in 1:55.2.

Fortunada and Joe Bongiorno began from post one and tried to use early speed, but had big challenges from the outside from Disaronno Hill and Jason Bartlett and Ideal Skies and Jim Marohn Jr. Horses were three-wide in the first turn as Fortunada was doing everything she could to maintain the top spot. There was contact between Ideal Skies and Disaronno Hill for a few strides before Ideal Skies dropped in behind Fortunada and Disaronno Hill went onto the lead at the quarter in :28.1. From there, the field stayed in single file through the half in :57.3. Horses from the back of the pack began to inch out which prompted Beantown Babe and Jordan Stratton to the outside in first over fashion.

Bartlett popped the earplugs on Disaronno Hill at the three-quarters in 1:26.1. Beantown Babe could not close the gap on the leader, allowing Fortunada to move to the outside in the final turn.

Once the field straightened out in the stretch, Fortunada found another gear. The Indiana mare cruised home for the win by two and three-quarter lengths over Disaronno Hill. Beantown Babe finished third.

Fortunada was a mild upset winner, paying $15.14 for the win. The six-year-old daughter of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Flatland Racing and trained by Ricky Bucci. She was bred and raised by William DeLong, Gordon Wright, and William Patrick DeLong. It was her first win of 2026 and her 20 ^th overall. She now has more than $400,000 in earnings with her career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The former Indiana Sires Stakes Super Final winner as a two-year-old was campaigned for the DeLong family by Trainer Roger Welch. Following her three-year-old season, she shipped East and has raced mainly in the New York area since.

Fortunada is the final foal from the Modern Art mare Lauren, who earned more than $370,000 in her career. She began in Canada under Bob McIntosh and was a strong Ontario Sires Stakes contender before eventually coming back to Illinois to race. She was also trained by Roger Welch.

Treasure G worth the wait at Oak Grove

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:17:12 GMT

Indiana filly wins first pari-mutuel race

Treasure G took her young career to the next level Monday, April 20 with his first pari-mutuel win at Oak Grove. Driver Brandon Bates guided the Indiana sophomore to victory in the $12,000 maiden to earn her first win of 2026.

Treasure G began from post three and floated out of the gate and secured a spot in mid pack as Keep on Stepping and Terry Skinner rallied out to the first lead before the quarter in :27.3 with Dancin After Dark and Zyler Maxwell parked on the outside. Dancin After Dark moved onto the lead. It wasn’t long before the front end changed again as Coverupthetracks and Atlee Bender moved out and around to take over before the half in :55.4 with everyone staying along the inside rail behind him. Treasure G was gapping by many lengths off the top contenders in the first half.

As the field approached the three-quarters, horses from the back of the pack moved out and began to move forward. Treasure G had closed the gap and was waiting for the right time to move out. As soon as Keep on Stepping moved out, so did Treasure G. Coming out of the final turn, horses were four across the track with Treasure G the widest of all. She hit another gear in the stretch and paced home in :28.4 to score the win by three-quarters of a length. Dancin After Dark finished second over Keep on Stepping.

Treasure G paid $12.52 for the win. The three-year-old filly of Capt Midnight is owned by breeder Carla Bride and trained by Leslie Burton. It was the first time Bates had driven the filly, who began her career on the Kentucky Fair Circuit last season, winning one of those races.

Treasure G was making her third start of 2026. She is the first and only foal from the Popperosa mare Air’Eez, who also raced for Bride and Burton. She has yet to race in Indiana as she is dual eligible to both Kentucky and Indiana.

Lucky Streak strikes at Shenandoah

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:56:22 GMT

Indiana sired Lucky Streak closed out the Sunday, April 19 racing program at Shenandoah Downs in Virginia with a win. The gelding rallied home with an impressive final quarter to score the win in 1:57.0 in the $5,000 conditioned event.

Lucky Streak was out of the gate in a flash for driver Eric Davis heading into the first turn. Horses were three wide as Lucky Streak made his way to the front, finally getting his wish heading down the backstretch. Western Flames and William Carter had settled into second but they were not satisfied to follow, moving out and around before the quarter in :28.4. From there, Western Flames controlled the tempo with Drunkonaplane and Corey Braden moving out first and joined Western Flames on the front end at the three-quarters in 1:28.1. Lucky Streak was still on the inside, but Davis grabbed hold of the gelding and moved him back and out, swinging three wide in the final turn.

At the head of the lane, Lucky Streak hit another gear and moved away from the field for the win in 1:58.0 by two lengths. Drunkonaplane finished second between horses with Western Flames in third.

Lucky Streak paid $9.00 for the win. The six-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Spencer Goldin and trained by Alexandria Goldin. He was bred by Elmer Yoder. It was his first win of 2026 and his 13 ^th overall. Lucky Streak has accumulated more than $72,000 during his career with his career best time of 1:53.0 taken at Shenandoah.

Despite being an Indiana sired gelding, Lucky Streak began his career in Maryland and has never raced in Indiana. He has been with his current connections for the past two and one-half years.

Select Friday a Saturday winner at The Big M

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:04:36 GMT

Select Friday and Driver Mark Herschberger pulled in a mild upset Saturday, April 18 at The Meadowlands. The duo pulled away from the field late in the lane for the win in the TrackMaster Series in a time of 1:53.1.

Select Friday began from post seven and was one of four horses who left the gate for the lead. Swifty Lazar and Joe Bongiorno had the first advantage inside with Select Friday to his outside. Sono Confuso and Scott Zeron continued to pursue the top spot as Select Friday slid in behind Swifty Lazar. Sono Confuso was the new leader after the quarter in :27.2. It didn’t take long for Swifty Lazar to move out and around and retake the lead at the half in :56.1. Only a few strides later, and Select Friday was flushed out of his resting spot heading into the final turn.

Select Friday was strong on the outside and moved up with authority. At the head of the lane, Herschberger asked him for more speed and he responded, pulling away for a two-length win at the wire over Lincoln Boulevard and Yannick Gingras, who closed to second. Sono Confuso finished third.

Select Friday paid $16.80. The eight-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Chad Colasanti and trained by Donald Maiorano. Frontier Farms bred and raised the gelding, who picked up his third win of 2026. Overall, he now has 32 wins in 183 starts with more than $218,000 in earnings. His career best was taken as a five-year-old at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Select Friday began his career at Pocono Downs, turning in two qualifiers before venturing to Indiana where he joined the LeWayne Miller barn for a few starts and later moved to the care of Trainer Lyle Scurlock. He initially was named Frontier Romance and sold from the Newfound Stables consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. He brought $20,000 through the ring as the second foal of the mare The Face of Love with a mark of 1:52.1 and more than $162,000 in earnings. She is a half sister to the standout Illinois gelding Iam Bonasera, a winner in 1:49.2 with more than $850,000.

Another Indiana winner was part of the Saturday program at The Meadowlands later in the card as BB Lucky Boy and Jason Bartlett scored a gate to wire win in the $20,000 claimer. The seven-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou stopped the timer in 1:51.0, one and one-half lengths ahead of Gallie Getaway and Braxten Boyd. Dancing Lew and Todd McCarthy finished third.

BB Lucky Boy was the favorite of the field. He is owned by Paul Kautz and trained by Cameron Capone. Martin Schmucker bred the gelding, who earned his fourth win of 2026. Overall, he has 35 wins and topped the $300,000 mark in earnings with his latest victory. He took his career best time of 1:49.1 as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. BB Lucky Boy began his career with the Robert Taylor barn at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Bam Bam turns in knockout performance in Landess Final

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:25:44 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Bam Bam and Atlee Bender turned in a knockout performance Friday, April 17 in the $20,000 final of the Jerry Landess Series. The three-year-old earned a new lifetime mark in the effort in a time of 1:52.4.

Bam Bam came into the race with one win and one second in his young career. He began from post two and used a little early speed to slide into the three hole as Vel See you later and Clint Coy were the first leaders at the quarter in :29.0. They were overtaken by Ilikeitlikethat and Brandon Bates at the half in :57.2. Heading into the final turn, Bam Bam was out and moving forward and passing up rivals with every stride.

In the stretch, Bam Bam took over and took off. He rallied home in :27.1 for the win by three and one-half lengths for a knockout punch to his opponents. Vel See You Later crossed the wire next, but made a break late in the lane and was placed back to third, moving Don’t Cuss Russ and John DeLong up to second.

Bam Bam was the favorite of the field, paying $2.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Engel Stable of IL and Tony Willinger. Erv Miller trains the gelding, who was unraced at two. Bam Bam was a $46,000 yearling purchase from the Walker Standardbred Sale in Illinois. His dam, Podges Lady, took a mark of 1:51.4 and made more than $400,000 and has become a very productive brood mare. She is the dam of six winners in seven foals, including Sams Triple Crown with a mark of 1:49.1 and General Ward, who has more than $300,000 on his card. Of the six winners, four have six figures on their card. The family has a two-year-old this year, an Illinois bred by Somestarsomewhere named Fox Valley Kravitz and a yearling this year, also by Somestarsomewhere named Fox Valley Equinox.

In the race before the Landess final, Crooked Smile and Jordan Ross scored a win in 1:49.2 in the upper conditioned pace. After sitting in second behind M-M’s Bud and John DeLong, they found room to maneuver in the lane and rallied home to a length win over Sanday A and Trae Tetrick. Gorgeous Big Guy and Kyle Wilfong finished third.

Crooked Smile was a longshot, paying $26.40 for the victory. The nine-year-old Panther Hanover gelding is owned by Wilson Racing Stable and Turn For Home Racing. Tim Wilson Jr. trains the veteran pacer, who earned his second win in his fourth start this year. Overall, he has 40 wins and more than $625,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:48.4 was taken last year as an eight-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has now won at least once in a sub 1:50 time the past six years of his career.

Cruisen Halle on cruise control in Stohler Final

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:17:44 GMT

Sophomore filly breaks maiden in Final

Photo by Dean Gillette

Cruisen Halle and LeWayne Miller were on cruise control at the wire to win the $20,000 Kenneth Stohler Memorial Thursday, April 16 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The mild upset winner scored the victory in the fillies and mares event in 1:52.2 for the filly’s first career win.

Starting from post two, Cruisen Halle headed out to the lead from the inside and was the first to show the way in the field of 10 before Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick reached the lead at the quarter in :26.1. Cruisen Halle let her settle on the front before popping back out and retaking control before the half in :54.4. Lets Justin Turtle and Marcus Miller was then the third leader heading into the final turn. Sweet Mama Drama N and Mike Micallef led the outside charge forward around the field turn with Cruisen Halle getting shuffled back on the inside.

In the stretch, Cruisen Halle found room to move and was out and rolling, getting by her opponents and leading the way to the finish line by a comfortable two length advantage. Sweet Mama Drama N maintained her position for second over Klorox Queen for third.

Cruisen Halle paid $15.80 for the win. She picked a great time to break her maiden in the Stohler Final for her connections, owner William Hartt and Britney Dillon, who also trains. Devon Beechy and Devon Knepp bred the sophomore daughter of Rockin Image, who sold out of the 3-D Farms consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $80,000. The well-bred filly is a full sister to the standout older pacer Buzzsaw Russ, making her a hot prospect both on the track and as a brood mare some day.

Cruisen Halle made 10 starts last year as a two-year-old with no luck. She made her three-year-old debut in the last preliminary round of the Stohler Memorial and finished second, setting her up for her maiden breaking victory in the final.

Later in the program the $20,000 Miss Windfall Final was held with Princess Laa and trainer-driver Dale Hiteman picking up the win. The five-year-old Always a Virgin mare is owned by DTM Stable of Ohio and is a product of Velocity Standardbreds from their tough race mare Sugar Nips. Princess Laa was in the mix early, and fought her way to the wire for the win by a neck in 1:54.4. Ishtar and Trace Tetrick finished second over It Liz Again and Kyle Wilfong.

Princess Laa is now two for four in 2026. The win was also a new lifetime mark for the mare, who only started one time as a two-year-old, missed her entire three-year-old season, and then only had two starts last year at four. Her dam, Sugar Nips, used to race in Indiana and earned a mark of 1:50.4 with more than $250,000 in earnings before her retirement. She is a near 100 percent producer with three six figure winners, Sugar Island (1:50.1, $251,000), Velocity Poprocks (1:50.2, $318,000) and Suge (1:52.3, $185,000). Princess Laa is her final foal.

Ponda Jet soars in 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:10:40 GMT

Indiana's reigning older trotter is back

Photo by Dean Gillette

Ponda Jet and Kyle Wilfong made their return to Indiana with a big effort Wednesday, April 15 in the featured $22,000 Open Trot. The duo remained perfect for the year with their second win of the season in 1:53.2.

Indiana’s Trotting Track Record Champion Ponda Jet came into his Indiana debut off a win at Oak Grove at the end of March. He began from post five and headed straight to the lead from the start, posting the first quarter in :27.1. He kept a lively tempo to the half in :56.0 and three-quarters in 1:24.2. Ponda Jet soared in the lane, winning by one length in 1:53.2 over stablemate Operator, driven by Marcus Miller. Famous Father and Luke Plano finished third.

Ponda Jet was the overwhelming favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. The six-year-old son of Dover Dan is owned by Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. Pond-A-Acres bred the gelding, who is trained by Jay Hochstetler.

Ponda Jet now has 35 career wins from 77 career starts. He is closing in on $800,000 in earnings. His track record setting time of 1:50.0 was set as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Also a winner on the night was Sun Rae’s Triumph, driven by Anthony Miller. The three-year-old Best in Show filly sat in mid pack before finding her best stride late in the lane, rallying up to capture the win by a half length over Be Fearless and John DeLong. Dojea Gingerale and Trace Tetrick finished third.

Sun Rae’s Triumph is owned by Alvin, Dessa and Zach Miller. She is a home bred from the family’s former standout race mare Pacific Sun Rae, who won 12 races and more than $323,000 in earnings during her career. As a brood mare, she has had six foals of racing age with Raes Lucky Charm the quickest and the richest with a mark of 1:52.2 and earnings of $51,000. The family also has a yearling filly this year by Southwind Ozzi.

It was the first start of the year for Sun Raes Triumph. She is now four for 10 in her career with her bankroll exceeding $16,000. Her career best time of 1:55.2 was taken in her race Wednesday. She paid $19.20 for the win.

Star Pilot shines at Saratoga

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:55:13 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Star Pilot shines at Saratoga

Star Pilot and Leon Bailey proved to be too tough Tuesday, April 14 in the $8,300 conditioned trot at Saratoga Harness. The duo covered the one-mile event in a time of 1:59.4 as a mild upset winner.

Starting from post four, Star Pilot left the gate with intentions of leading the way. They were challenged by Discus Hanover and Jacob Cutting from the inside, who reached the top spot first, keeping Star Pilot hung on the outside around the first turn. Once they straightened up toward the quarter in :29.4, Star Pilot was able to clear for one stride before Discus Hanover was back out to retake the lead.

Heading to the half, Discus Hanover continued to lead the way with no movement coming from the back of the pack. Heading to the three-quarter pole, Pappy Go Go and Phil Fluet moved out and up but could not get close to the top two. This allowed Star Pilot to move to the outside at the three-quarter pole in 1:29.2. However, the petite Star Pilot could not make up any ground on Discus Hanover, who was hanging tough on the top spot.

At the head of the lane, Discus Hanover went off stride and left the course inside the pylons. This would have appeared to open up the race to Star Pilot. However, the miscue by Discus Hanover opened up the inside for Arlanda and Chris Lone, who shot up the inside. But Star Pilot was strong to the wire, winning by one length over Arlanda. Paradise Moni and Aaron Byron finished third.

Star Pilot paid $23.60 for the win. The five-year-old daughter of Pilot Discretion is owned by Adam Friedland and trained by Amanda Bailey. Devon Knepp bred the mare, who picked up her 13 ^th career win and her second of 2026. Overall, she has more than $172,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:55.4 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She has been with her current connections since last summer.

Star Pilot sold as a yearling at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale as part of the David Wayne Yoder consignment, who was acting as agent for Devon Knepp. She is the first foal from the Crazed mare KS Crazee and was purchased by Porterprofessionalservices of Michigan for $20,000. She made her debut on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for trainer-driver Matt Rheinheimer and later moved to Harrah’s Hoosier Park, competing in the Indiana Sires Stakes Super Final. After being claimed, she eventually landed in upstate New York.

Earlier in the day at Saratoga, Leon Bailey guided another Indiana trotter to a win as Help Us Help You moved first over before taking over late in the lane for the win in 1:59.4. Help Us Help You was a length winner over Spill the Tea and Aaron Byron. Shalamar Hanover and Chris Long finished third.

Help Us Help You paid $20.42 for the win. The four-year-old Helpisontheway gelding is owned by Adam Friedland and trained by Daniel Gill. Help Us Help You was bred by Wiesman Farms of Maryland. He is now a three-time winner in 2026 with five wins overall. His career best time remains at 1:58.0 taken as a two-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park where he began his career under the direction of trainer Joe Putnam.

Coaches Corner back on the court in Borgata

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:31:23 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Coaches Corner was back in a big way Monday, April 13 at Yonkers Raceway. The Indiana standout pacer and defending champion of the MGM Borgata placed himself in the win column following a near gate to wire win in the third round of this year’s Borgata Series.

Starting from post two, Coaches Corner left the gate for Jason Bartlett, but so did Soho Firestone A and Yannick Gingras. Bartlett had to urge Coaches Corner on heading into the first turn to keep close to the lead. Midway through the turn, Soho Firestone A was able to take over but not for long. As soon as he crossed over, Coaches Corner was out and rolling to the lead to get settled in before the quarter in :27.4. From there, Coaches Corner was calling all the shots through the half in :56.2 and even to the three-quarters in 1:23.4 before Howlenthehills and Matt Kakaley were advancing toward them on the outside.

Midway through the final turn, Coaches Corner was still in full control of the race and as they turned for home, he continued to dominate, pacing home in :27.1 for the win by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:51.0. Soho Firestone A maintained ground for second inside with Howlenthehills finishing third.

Coaches Corner paid $2.66 as the favorite of the field. It was the first win of the season for the six-year-old son of Always a Virgin, who is owned by Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey. Per Engblom trains for Fought and Carsey with Coaches Corner bred and raised by Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables. He now has 36 wins in 94 career starts with more than $1.5 million on his card. He took his career best time of 1:49.3 as a four-year-old at Saratoga Harness.

Coaches Corner began his career under the direction of Byron Hooley at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and didn’t win his first race until September of his two-year-old season. He competed in several stakes races in the Midwest, including the Hoosier Cup at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the Two-Year-Old Standardbred at Delaware during Little Brown Jug week, finishing third. He began his three-year-old season on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, winning the Governor’s Cup Championship and Elite Series before being purchased and moving to the Engblom barn for his new connections through the Blooded Horse Summer Sale for $65,000.

Coaches Corner was the seventh horse to sell in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and brought $13,000 through the ring under the name Hot Lava. After acquired by Hooley, he was renamed for a restaurant that is popular in northern Indiana. He is the first foal of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Carobbean Pacetry, who took a mark of 1:51.1 before becoming a brood mare. The maternal family has some depth with several sub 1:50 performers and several $100,000 plus earners.

The MGM Borgata Pacing Series has two more preliminary legs with the final set for Friday, May 8.

Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale deadline Friday

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:37:52 GMT

The Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale (MSHS) has announced its last call for entries for the 2026 select yearling sale. The sale will be held Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The deadline for entries is Friday, April 17, 2026.

The sale will feature approximately 350 Indiana bred yearlings in addition to a limited number of yearlings sired in surrounding states and yearlings sired in any state that have Kentucky eligibility.

The MSHS will once again offer a sliding scale commission to consignors. Also, consignors will receive 40 percent of their gross sales at the conclusion of the sale.

For more information and a link to theYearling Entry Form, please visit www.midweststandardbredhorsesale.com . All questions should be directed to sales manager, Jamie Macomber at (740) 974-5048 or jmacomber@midweststandardbredhorsesale.com.

DP Royal Tea pours it on at Shenandoah

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:29:42 GMT

DP Royal Tea and Billy Carter made it a family daily double Saturday, April 11 at Shenandoah Downs in Virginia. The duo made it to the wire first over Carter’s son, William, driving Thorn Toad.

DP Royal Tea traded blows with Thorn Toad on the front end with DP Royal Tea leading through the quarter in :28.1 before Thorn Toad moved and retook control at the half in :58.4. From there, the outer flow formed led by Singforyoursupper and Iowa’s Nick Roland.

In the final turn, Singforyoursupper had DP Royal Tea locked in behind Thorn Toad. In the stretch, Thorn Toad drifted out and DP Royal Tea poured it on down the stretch to win by a neck in 1:57.4 over Thorn Toad. Singforyoursupper finished third.

DP Royal Tea was a longshot, paying $18.60 for the win. The five-year-old son of Palone Ranger is owned by Jamie Bozman and trained by Billy Carter. Steven Peterink and Randy Dickerhoof bred the Indiana sired gelding, who picked up his second win in his seventh start of 2026. Overall, he has seven wins with his career best time of 1:54.1 taken at Rosecroft Raceway as a three-year-old.

Also a winner earlier in the day at Shenandoah was the former Indiana contender Saddle Up, now owned by PT Stable. The JK Endofanera gelding got away in second behind Hulou and Justin Vincent as the first quarter of :27.3 was placed on the board. Saddle Up was out and moved around to take over at the half in :58.1 and led the way into the stretch.

Horses were three wide in the final turn seeking to unseat Saddle Up but he dug in gamely, fending off all challengers by a neck at the wire in 1:56.1. Jackies Boy and Fern Paquet Jr. finished second over Marco Beach and Corey Braden for third.

Saddle Up paid $12.20 for the win. The Cornerstone Stock Farm product, now trained by Bryson Dunning, earned his first win of 2026 and his 36 ^th overall. He is closing in on a half million in earnings with his career best time of 1:50.1 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Brookview Glider repeats in Fransen Memorial

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:26:33 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Brookview Glider and Jordan Ross made it clear they were the ones to beat Friday, April 10 in the second leg of the Mark Fransen Memorial at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo captured the first of two divisions on the card in a time of 1:53.4 to remain perfect in 2026 in two starts.

Brookview Glider began his race from post six and rallied out to the lead early, securing the top spot before the quarter in :27.2. Winnercircleseeker and Trace Tetrick slid in behind him to get a two-hole trip. After the half in :57.2, Brookview Glider picked the pace back up heading into the final turn. He saved his best stride for last as he rallied home in :27.1 for the win by a comfortable one and three-quarter lengths. Winnercircleseeker finished second over Baby Billy and John DeLong for third.

Brookview Glider paid $4.60 for the win. The sophomore son of Rockin Image is owned by Brian Code, James Nellinger, and Ernie Gaskin Stable. Brookview Farms bred the gelding, who was purchased by Trainer Ernie Gaskin at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $23,000. Brookview Glider didn’t find the winner’s circle last year but is a perfect two for two this season for his connections. He is the first foal from the Captaingtreacherous mare Significant Other, who is a sister to the fast Bettor Again, a winner in 1:48.2, Modern Gesture, a winner in 1:49, and Stolen Glimpse, a winner in 1:49.2.

Later in the card, veteran pacer Late Nite Hawk was a winner for Ross in the upper conditioned pace. The now seven-year-old Dover Dan gelding was the first leader at the quarter in :28 but was quickly passed up before the half by Sure Did and Kevin Lambright.

In the stretch Late Nite Hawk used a late rally to score the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.2, a final quarter in :27.3. Fifty to Win and Marcus Miller finished second over Chapolier and Luke Plano for third.

Late Nite Hawk paid $7.20 for the win. He is owned by Brett Wilfong and Goose Island Stable and trained by Wilfong. Merle Yoder bred the gelding, who is a half brother to a strong Indiana maternal family. His dam, Shaken Not Stirred, is a 100 percent producer, including the great Satin Dancer with a mark of 1:53 and more than $739,000 and Predator and Prey with a mark of 1:52 and earnings of nearly $600,000. The family, including Late Nite Hawk, has six of seven winners with earnings in the six-figure range. It was his second win of 2026 but overall, Late Nite Hawk has 22 wins and more than $310,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:51.1 was taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Rockin Charli repeats in Miss Windfall Series

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:02:25 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a fight to the finish in the second round of the $10,000 Miss Windfall Series Thursday, April 9 as Rockin Charli repeated in the event for driver LeWayne Miller. The sophomore pacer scored the win by a head at the wire in 1:55.3.

Rockin Charli began from post three and left for the lead, but was parked through the quarter in :28.1 before assuming the top spot. Down the backstretch, horses stayed in single file to the half in :58.0 before Mystical Night and Clint Coy moved out first over in the final turn.

In the stretch, Rockin Charli and Mystical Night matched each other’s stride all the way to the finish line before Rockin Charlie got the edge in the end. It Liz Again and Kyle Wilfong moved up for third.

Rockin Charli was a little lower price this week compared to the first round and paid $6.80 for the win. The Rockin Image filly is owned by Eash Racing Stable and trained by Eash. Daryl Lehman bred and raised the filly, who is now two for two in 2026 and earned a new lifetime mark in the effort. An Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender last year, Rockin Charli now has three career wins in seven starts. She was purchased from the 3-D Farms consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by Eash for $8,000 early in the first session. She is the second foal from the Always B Miki mare Angiesmiki Hanover the grand dam, A and Gs Confusion, a former Dan Patch Award winner, earning the Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly title in 2007 in both the U.S. and Canada. A and Gs Confusion retired with more than $1.4 million in earnings and a mark of 1:49.4 while winning races such as the Breeders Crown, She’s a Great Lady, and hitting the board in the Mistletoe Shalee.

Earlier in the night Dixie Dream and Marcus Miller scored a victory in the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. The six-year-old Always a Virgin mare was parked the entire mile before taking over in the stretch and rolling out to a three and one-quarter length advantage at the wire in 1:53.1. Rose Run Vision and LeWayne Miller finished second in a photo with True Blue Hanover and Trace Tetrick.

Dixie Dream paid $6.60 for the win. She is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, and Frank Baldachino. Ron Burke handles the training duties for the mare, who earned her first win of 2026. Overall, she has 18 career wins from 98 starts with more than $265,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:49.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Burke debuts impressive in Indiana

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:31:45 GMT

August Salazar wins 2026 debut

Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a big day of 2026 trotting debuts for the Ron Burke Stable Wednesday, April 8 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Earlier in the day, 2025 Trotter of the Year On to Norway won his qualifier in 1:56.3 and later that night, Burke horses won two of three divisions of the Chad E. Carlton Trotting Series, which is in its second leg.

August Salazar and John DeLong began from post one in the third of three divisions of the Carlton series. When the gate folded, they used just enough speed to maintain their positioning along the inside as Dial Nine One One and Marcus Miller took control of the lead before the first turn. Maga Hill, also trained by Burke, settled in second for Kyle Wilfong with race favorite August Salazar sitting in third. The field went by the quarter in :29.0 before DeLong pulled on the right line and moved August Salazar out and up to the leader, taking over just after the half in :58.3. Once he crossed over, he was on the lead by open lengths around the final turn.

In the stretch, August Salazar was going to be tough to beat. The sophomore trotter rallied home in :28.2 for the win under wraps in 1:56.3. Maga Hill finished two and one-quarter lengths back in second over Pilots Legacy and Jordan Ross for third.

August Salazar paid $3.20 for the win. The three-year-old son of Big Stick Lindy is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Michael Rosenthal, and Frank Baldachino. The breeder on the trotter is Risto Vidgren of Helsinki, Finland.

August Salazar began his career on the Kentucky fair circuit for Rodney DeBeck, winning his first three starts. He was acquired by Burke in August last year and moved into Indiana Sires Stakes action where he picked up several on the board finishes. He went on to win the Sires Stakes Consolation and then won a round of Kentucky Sires Stakes at Cumberland Run. He was making his first start of 2026 in the Carlton Series. The career best time for August Salazar remains from last season at 1:55.0. Overall, he is seven for 18 now in his career that includes more than $125,000 in earnings.

The Burke barn also connected with Mooter Tooter in 1:55.3 in another division of the Carlton Trotting Series.

Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick were equally impressive in the only division of The Cardinal Series. Starting from post one and getting away second, Kousin Karl followed West Stokes and John DeLong closely through fractions of :28.4, :58.1, and 1:27.2. When he got room, Kousin Karl hit another gear and rallied away from the field, winning by five lengths in 1:56.4. West Stokes finished second over Star Express and Marcus Miller.

Kousin Karl paid $2.60 for the win. He is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Knox Services. Burke trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Lyle Slabach.

A three-year-old son of Dover Dan, Kousin Karl is now three for four after not racing as a two-year-old. He now has $17,500 accumulated with his win Wednesday recording a new lifetime mark of 1:56.4. He is a recent purchase by the Burke Brigade.

Secret or Not leads Indiana trio at Saratoga

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:40:34 GMT

Secret or Not scores fifth win of 2026

It was a trio of trotters at Saratoga Harness Tuesday, April 7 that rallied home in the $12,000 conditioned trot with Secret or Not leading the way to the wire. The Indiana trotter was a winner for driver Kyle Swift in a time of 1:59.2.

Comeonover Hanover and Jim DeVaux were the first to reach the lead before Consus Victory and Billy Dobson took over after the quarter in :28.0. Heading to the half, Indiana sired Woodside Gabe driven by Leon Bailey moved to the outside first over, which prompted Secret or Not to pick up cover behind him at the half in :58.2. From there, the outer flow moved up slowly to get into position for the final quarter.

Midway through the final quarter, Secret or Not tipped three wide and was in full flight at the head of the lane. The veteran trotter passed up his rivals and scored the victory under wraps by one and one-quarter length over Woodside Gabe. Knowyoucando and Brett Beckwith moved up for third to make it an Indiana sired triple.

Secret or Not was the favorite of the field, paying $3.88 for the win. The eight-year-old son of Muscleprinctonian is owned by Jaypaul Hoover and trained by Jaymes Mcassey. Libby Myers is the breeder on the gelding, who now has four wins in 10 starts this season. Overall, he has 36 career wins and more than $289,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:55.4 was taken as a five-year-old at Pocono Downs.

Also a winner on the card was Indiana sired Midnight Swan in the $10,750 conditioned trot. The five-year-old gelding went to the lead from the start for driver Jay Randall and held his position all the way to the wire for the win by one and one-half lengths in 1:59.4. Shalamar Hanover and Chris Long finished second over Do Whats Right and Joe Nassimos for third.

Midnight Swan is owned and trained by Bruce Cooper. He was bred by Norman Bontrager and picked up his first win of 2026 in the effort. Overall, he has seven wins and more than $67,000 in earnings, all accumulated at Saratoga. Midnight Swan took his career best time of 1:58.3 as a four-year-old at Saratoga. He started out in the Robert Taylor barn before heading to New York.

Rip Wheeler roars home at Oak Grove

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:43:27 GMT

Just like his namesake, Rip Wheeler is tough. The Indiana pacer never gave in, getting the win by a nose in the $16,000 conditioned pace Monday, April 6 at Oak Grove.

Starting from post four, Rip Wheeler left the early speed to others in the race, which included a majority of Indiana sired pacers. One of those was ER Rocky and Marvin Luna from the inside who had an early advantage for a few strides before Whelk Blue Chip, also an Indiana bred, rallied up with authority for Ronnie Wrenn Jr. to take over just after the quarter in :26.4. Rip Wheeler had landed in fourth and was already on the move to the outside before the half in :55.4, but was fortunate to pick up cover behind Jada Caroline and Atlee Bender.

As the field approached the three-quarter pole, Jada Caroline could not clear, moving Rip Wheeler three wide around the final turn. At the head of the lane, he only had one horse to catch and that was Whelk Blue Chip, who was still strong on the front end. It took the very last stride to get the win, but Rip Wheeler did it by a head over Whelk Blue Chip. ER Rocky maintained ground for third.

Rip Wheeler paid $4.22 for the win. The now seven-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, David Fought, and Lili Haynes. The Cornerstone Stock Farm product, making him a homebred for Fought, is trained by Walter Haynes Jr. and is three for four this season. The stocky pacer has 32 career wins from 99 starts with earnings of more than $600,000, thanks to his win Monday at Oak Grove. His career best time of 1:48.1 was taken as a four-year-old at Pocono Downs. Rip Wheeler is out of the mare, Novascotia Hanover, a winner in 1:51.1 and earnings of more than a half million. The mare is a near 100 percent producer as Rip Wheeler joins Rock N Zeus (1:52.3), Uncle Richard (1:51.2), and Nothinbutthebest (1:56.0) as winners from the family.

Earlier in the day, E Mode’s Desire earned another win this year at the age of 10 for owner Mike Peterson. The Real Desire gelding has accumulated 30 career wins and took his career mark of 1:49.1 at Hoosier Park as a five-year-old. A one time Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender, E Mode’s Desire traveled in the two hole before moving in the stretch and grabbing the win by one and one-half lengths for driver Marvin Luna. Great Seats and Wyatt Avenatti finished second over Tickled to Tears and Atlee Bender.

E Mode’s Desire paid $5.56 for the win. He is being trained right now by Randy Crisler for Peterson.

ISA Night at the Races set for April

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:45:46 GMT

Members to enjoy night out

ISA to host Night at the Races in April

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) will once again host a special night out during live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. ISA Night at the Races will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 in the Homestretch Clubhouse at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

All ISA members are invited to attend. The evening will feature food, giveaways, and great racing. The event is a great way to reconnect with others in racing and has become a reunion of sorts as participants are “welcomed back” for a new season of racing.

Membership applications will also be available at the event, for those seeking to renew their membership.

Those planning to attend ISA Night at the Races should RSVP to the ISA Office by Monday, April 20. Reservations can be obtained by emailing indianaharness@gmail.com or by calling (317) 462-6616. The event is sponsored by ISA and Harrah's Hoosier Park.

Delightful Virgin kicks off Cumberland afternoon with win

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:57:42 GMT

It was an afternoon of delight for owner-trainer Kelly Case as her grey mare rallied past opponents to win the program opener in the $4,600 Fillies and Mares Track Master Rating. Delightful Virgin and David Ingraham pulled in the upset as the longest shot on the board in the race.

Starting from post six, Delightful Virgin got away in sixth as Threetimessix and Wallace Watson rallied out to take over the top spot early from the gate. The field stayed in single file through the quarter in :30.0 and nearly to the half in 1:01.1. Just before the half, Dancethebigdance N and Nicholas Graffam pulled out and Delightful Virgin followed his lead to the outside.

Threetimessix continued to lead the way as Dancethebigdance N had moved up on the outside. Midway through the final turn, Delightful Virgin tipped three wide and was in perfect striking distance at the head of the lane.

In the stretch, Delightful Virgin was widest of all and was making up ground with every stride. She was at the wire in perfect timing for the win by a nose over Dancethebigdance N. So Unnsurreal and Kevin Switzer Jr. finished third.

Delightful Virgin paid $56.60 for the win. The eight-year-old daughter of Always a Virgin was bred by Emerald Highlands Farm. It was her first win of 2026 and her 18 ^th overall. She now has more than $142,000 with a career best time of 1:52.3 taken as a four-year-old at Plainridge.

Later in the card, Indiana sired Duncans Ranger and Nicholas Graffam turned in a gutsy effort in claiming action to win by one and one-quarter lengths. The eight-year-old Palone Ranger gelding took over early but was immediately challenged by Furious Beach and McGwire Sowers at the half in 1:01.0. The outside horse could not clear but didn’t go away, forcing St Lads Thriller and Steven Wilson three wide at the three-quarters. Duncans Ranger stayed the course and fended his position to the finish line for the win in 2:00.3. Quan Blue Chip and Aaron Hall moved in for second over St Lads Thriller for third.

Duncans Ranger was the favorite, paying $4.80 for the win. He is now owned by Ralph Silvestri and trained by Michelle Lefebvre. Dojea Stables bred and raised the Palone Ranger gelding, who picked up his third win of 2026. Overall, he has nine wins and more than $61,000 in earnings with his career best taken at Springfield as a six-year-old in 1:55.2.

Duncans Ranger is from a very successful maternal family. He is a half brother to millionaire Eagle Luck with a mark of 1:48.3 and now standing at stud. The family also includes Hipnumberone, with a mark of 1:51.1 and more than $200,000 on her card.

Practical Joke gets last laugh in Landess Series

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:36:57 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Practical Joke and Trace Tetrick got the last laugh Friday, April 3 in the first round of the Jerry Landess Series. The duo opened up on the field to score the win in 1:54.1, a new career best in their first start of 2026.

Practical Joke began from post two and when the gate opened, he hesitated for a few strides before deciding to move on and go out for the lead. Tetrick had him settled on the front end before the quarter in :28.3 and was ahead of Vel Im Good and Doug Rideout by two lengths. Heading down the backside, Practical Joke had his ears up and was comfortable by the half in :57.4 before seeing any pressure on the outside. Ilikeitlikethat and Brandon Bates led the outer flow into the final turn.

At the head of the stretch, it only took a little urging from Tetrick to signal Practical Joke to advance. He charged down the stretch and opened up to a four and one-quarter length advantage at the wire, pacing home in :27.3. Don’t Cuss Russ and John DeLong closed in for second over Midnight Vodka and Jeff Dever for third.

Practical Joke paid $11.00 for the win. He is owned by Teagan Sage Racing and trained by Tom T. Tetrick. Rocky Road Stable bred and raised the colt, who had two wins last year on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. He was a $1,000 purchase as a yearling from the Midwest Classic Sale in Shipshewana, the lowest priced foal by Check Six that year.

Check Six stood in Indiana for five seasons before moving to Minnesota in 2024. Practical Joke now has $15,000 in earnings to go along with his new mark of 1:54.1.

In the other division of the Jerry Landess Series, Trace Tetrick guided F Thirty Five to victory after a rough first half. The three-year-old son of JK Endofanera was parked from the outside past the quarter in :28.0 and half in :56.3 before taking control of the front end. He was in full gear down the stretch and paced home in :27.0 for the win in 1:52.4. Bam Bam and Atlee Bender closed in for second over Echo Canyon and John DeLong for third.

F Thirty Five paid $4.80 for the win as the favorite of the field. He is owned by Country Club Acres, Milton Leeman, and William Calvert, all of Ohio. Tyler George trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Norman Miller. It was his first career start after going unraced at two. He was purchased by his connections as the sixth horse through the ring during the final Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale under the name Machanera from the RND Standardbreds consignment. Tyler George signed the ticket for $18,000 for the colt, who is a half-brother to Samson Blue Chip with a mark of 1:50.4 and earnings of more than $150,000.

Rockin Charli upsets in Miss Windfall Series

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:16:41 GMT

Photo of Rockin Charli and LeWayne Miller by Dean Gillette

One of the oldest series in track history got underway Thursday, April 2 and had a surprise winner in the end. The first round of the Miss Windfall series was won by longshot Rockin Charli, driven by LeWayne Miller.

Rockin Charli began from post two and was able to get away in third as race favorite Rita’s Girl and Kyle Wilfong moved out to the lead from the inside spot. Ambehaving and Mike Peterson used early speed to get in behind the leader before the quarter in :27.4.

Rita’s Girl continued to lead the way through the half in :57.3 before horses from the back formed a outer flow of traffic. Rockin Charli remained tucked in third around the final turn. At the head of the lane, Rita’s Girl continued to lead the way. Midway through the stretch, Rockin Charli found room to move out to the center of the track and once she was clear, she took off, rallying past her opponents with authority for the win in 1:56.3. Ambehaving finished four and one-half lengths back in second with Artistic Photo and Atlee Bender finishing third.

Rockin Charli paid $63.80 for the win. The three-year-old daughter of Rockin Image is owned by Eash Racing Stable and trained by Don Eash. She was bred by Daryl Lehman and was sold early in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the 3-D Farms consignment. Don Eash signed the ticket for $8,000.

Rockin Charli is the second foal from the Always B Miki mare, Angiesmiki Hanover. The second dam is 2007 Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year A And Gs Confusion, a winner of $1.4 million before becoming a successful brood mare. She is the dam of Mohawk Warrior with a mark of 1:49.1 and more than a half million on his card.

Rockin Charli was making her first start of 2026, and it was her second career win in six career starts. The win was also a new lifetime mark for the lightly raced filly, who raced on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year.

The second division of the Miss Windfall was won by Mystical Night, driven by Clint Coy. The sophomore daughter of Capt Midnight rallied out to the lead and was a clear winner at the end, winning by five lengths in 1:56.1. Kobe’s Nani and Brandon Bates finished second over Elliana Grace and LeWayne Miller for third.

Mystical Night paid $4.00 for the win. She is owned by Sheila Parcher and trained by Clint Coy. She was sold from the Pond-A-Acres consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale late in the second session for $15,000. Her second dam is the mother of Illinois standout Mystical Victress with a mark of 1:50 and more than $846,000. It was the first carer win for Mystical Night, who was making her second start of 2026 and her fifth overall.

Gaskin sophomores sweep Carlton Trotting Series

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:50:32 GMT

Photo of Inverness Ave and John DeLong by Dean Gillette

Two Indiana trotters from the Ernie Gaskin barn turned in a one-two punch in the first round of the Chad E. Carlton Trotting Series Wednesday, April 1 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The program represented the addition of Wednesday racing to the schedule for pari-mutuel racing in Indiana.

Inverness Ave and John DeLong kicked things off in the first division, beginning their race from post seven. The gelding got away in fourth as Deja Frou and Trace Tetrick settled in on the lead through the quarter in :27.4. No change in the order was detected at the half in :27.4 as Deja Frou opened up a few lengths on the field.

In the final turn, One Mike Out and Clint Coy were leading the charge on the outside and flushed out Inverness Ave. In the stretch, Inverness Ave went right on by and opened up on the field, trotting home in :27.3 to win by four and one-half lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:56.1. Surf Scoter and LeWayne Miller moved up for second followed by Tuggin Thomas, also a late closer in the race for Marcus Miller.

Inverness Ave was making his first start of 2026. The three-year-old son of Helpisontheway paid $2.80 for the win, coming into the race off a qualifying win. He is owned by Ted Engel, Doug Shore, and Ernie Gaskin Stables. The Bay’s Stable, Polger Holdings, and Little E LLC bred the gelding, who was purchased from the Lexington Select Yearling Sale for $20,000.

In the second division of the Carlton Trotting Series, Gaskin watched as his sophomore filly pulled in a win to sweep the first round of the series for the stable. Dial Nine One One and DeLong went straight to the lead and held their ground the entire way, winning by a length at the wire in 1:56.4. Hot Martini and Trace Tetrick finished second over Passin With a Sigh and Clint Coy rallied up for third.

Dial Nine One One paid $3.40 for the win. Also by Helpisontheway, the filly is owned by Haucks Racing Stables, Wiesman Farms, and Ernie Gaskin Stables. Christina Macri and Gordon Graham of California bred the filly, who was also making her first start of 2026. She was a winner in two of three races last year at two and equaled her career best time in her win in the Carlton Series. She was purchased from the Black Creek Farm consignment, acting as agent for the breeders, from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $15,000. She is a half sister to Remarkable De Vie, a winner of nearly $500,000 while racing in the Delmarva area.

Fruit Snacker throws Open Trot for a loop

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:07:10 GMT

Fruit Snacker throws Open field for a loop

Fruit Snacker and driver Tony Morgan threw their opponents for a loop Tuesday, March 31. The Indiana trotter rallied strong through the wire to score the win in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Fruit Snacker began from post six and used early speed, but not as much as Benjamin Hanover and Tim Tetrick from post three with Indy Be Quick and Russell Foster also vying for the lead. In the first turn, Foster had trouble getting Indy Be Quick to take a seat to Benjamin Hanover and as soon as he did, Fruit Snacker continued to advance. However, he didn’t get to the top spot until after the quarter in :27.3.

The tempo continued to be brisk as Fruit Snacker led the way with several horses from the back of the pack beginning to move out so they could close in on the leader. That group was led by Indiana trotter Duly Resolved, driven by Corey Callahan. At the three-quarters, Fruit Snacker still had control of the lead with Duly Resolved lingering on the outside and Benjamin Hanover getting revved up for the final stages.

In the stretch, Benjamin Hanover moved to the outside of Fruit Snacker and the two trotters rallied together to the wire with Fruit Snacker getting the edge by a nose at the wire in 1:52.4 over Benjamin Hanover. Fellow Indiana sired trotter A Blue Million, driven by Montrell Teague moved in for third.

Fruit Snacker is owned by Mark Howard of Maryland and trained by Willard Reynolds. The four-year-old son of Dover Dan paid $4.20 for his win. Kenneth Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who earned his seventh win of 2026 out of 10 starts. Overall, he is now 18 for 37 with more than $188,000 on his card. His win Tuesday at Dover was a new lifetime mark.

Fruit Snacker began his career at Converse for trainer Nicole Wilfong, posting a win before heading to Harrah’s Hoosier Park and competing in Indiana Sires Stakes action. He moved to the Britney Dillon barn as a three-year-old and was later trained by Robert Taylor before landing in the Reynolds barn last December at Dover. He has now won eight races for his new connections and is on a two-race win streak at Dover. He was initially purchased out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $10,000 by Nicole and Kyle Wilfong from the Integrity Stables consignment and joined siblings First N Line (1:56.4, $51,000) and Skyway Fusion (1:56.1, $35,000) as winners.

Earlier in the night, Indiana trotter Muscledover and Tim Tetrick turned in a gate to wire effort to win the $25,000 claimer by four and one-quarter lengths in 1:53.4. The seven-year-old son of Dover Dan was a winner over Inferno DK and Corey Callahan and Warrior One driven by Tony Morgan. Sartin Racing owns Muscledover with Chuck Crissman Jr. handling the training duties. He was initially from the Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables breeding operation and sold for $20,000 at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale during the Covid 19 session. Jesse DeLong signed the ticket for the gelding, who can be traced back to third dam Missy’s Goal, a Grand Circuit contender and dam of multiple stakes winner Missys Goalfire.

Muscledover now has 24 career wins and more than $265,000 on his card with his career best time of 1:52.1 taken earlier this spring at Dover Downs. He is now six for 10 in 2026.

Aintnothingucando does at Oak Grove

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:21 GMT

The eighth race Monday, March 30 was full of Indiana sired pacers at Oak Grove. It was a battle down the stretch between several with Aintnothingucando and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. getting the photo at the end in the $25,000 Open 2 Pace.

Aintnothingucando left the gate alongside fellow Indiana pacer Miss Fancy Nancy and they both had the best shot at getting to the lead. Aintnothingucando was on the lead around the first turn and crossed by the quarter in :27.2 with everyone settling in behind her. Bonitas Best Bet and Marvin Luna, a stablemate to Aintnothingucando, was sitting third with Shamwow and Brandon Bates finding the inside in fourth after being parked to the quarter.

Aintnothingucando was able to back off the pace to the half in :56.4 which spurred several horses to the outside. As they began approaching on the outside, Aintnothingucando turned in a big third quarter in :26.3 to try to scoot away from the field to make it difficult to catch up to her.

Around the final turn, Bonitas Best Bet was leading the outer flow with Indiana’s Tarshish and Marcus Miller catching second over cover to the head of the lane. In the stretch, Aintnothingucando was still strong on the front end as Tarshish began closing in. Aintnothingucando was able to hold of all opponents for the win by a nose in 1:51.4, a final quarter in :28.2. Bonitas Best Bet finished second between horses with Tarshish closing in gamely on the outside.

Aintnothingucando paid $6.60 for the win. The four-year-old Odds on Equuleus mare is owned by Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. Odds on Nourrir bred the mare, who earned her fifth win in 10 starts for 2026 for trainer Ron Burke. Overall, she has 17 career wins and more than $200,000 in earnings. Her win Monday was just a tick off her career best, taken last year at The Red Mile in 1:51.3.

Later in the card, Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans exchanged his binoculars for a set of lines and competed in the $11,000 US Harness Driving Club. Kleinhans drove Holden Steady, trained by Matt Rodriguez in the event, taking the top spot at the quarter in :26.3 before being overtaken by JK’s Shining Star and Adarryl Gates Jr. Nible Ned and Joseph Herschberger became the third leader at the three quarters, parked on the outside of JK’s Shining Star.

In the stretch, JK’s Shining Star hit another gear and moved away from the field, winning by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:56.2. Holden Steady finished second over D A Wicked Shine and Dein Spriggs for third.

JK’s Shining Star paid $6.14 for the win. The eight-year-old daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by Therl Hensley and trained by Randy Crisler. Victory Hill Farm bred the mare, who is from the tough brood mare Bikini Star that includes eight winners in eight foals of racing age, including Rock Shines Again, the undefeated sophomore from the Tyler George barn last year. JK’s Shining Star has more than $300,000 in career earnings with a mark of 1:50.4.

On Line is on time at Cumberland Raceway

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:04:07 GMT

On Line is on time Sunday

On Line was right on time for a win Sunday, March 29 at Cumberland Raceway in Maine. The Indiana pacer, driven by Jason Bertolini, rallied home in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 2:02.2 in the $4,000 Track Master event.

The field was reduced to five starters and that is how they got away from the gate. Fellow Indiana sired Jet Wills took over the top spot from post one for Kevin Switzer Jr. and the rest of the field got in single file behind him. Fractions of :30.0, 1:02.0 and 1:32.1 were placed on the board before Maching Time and Nicholas Graffam moved to the outside in first over fashion. On Line followed him out around the final turn and was in a prime spot to advance on the far outside when the field turned for home.

In the stretch, Bertolini used a hand drive to encourage On Line to the wire, pacing home in :29.4 for the win over Maching Time. Terror Hall and Wallace Watson finished third.

On Line paid $15.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Shadyshark Hanover is owned and trained by Bertolini. Stanley Miller bred the gelding, who began his career at Harrah’s Hoosier Park for trainer Henry Graber Jr. He moved to the East Coast as a three-year-old and eventually made his way to Maine, where Bertolini has had him for the past year. On Line was making his first start of 2026 and made it a winning effort. Overall, he now has five career wins with nearly $50,000 on his card. He took his career best time of 1:54.4 last year at Rosecroft Raceway.

Earlier in the program, Indiana pacer Vel Larry turned in a gate to wire effort to score a win in claiming action. Guided by McGwire Sowers, the seven-year-old son of He’s Gorgeous was a comfortable winner by nearly three lengths in 1:56.2. Rau Ru and Kevin Switzer Jr. finished second over Mornin Captain and Walter Case Jr. for third.

Vel Larry paid $7.80 for the win. The Alvin Schwartz-bred gelding is out of the former Indiana Sires Stakes contender EJ’s Copperstone, who earned a mark of 1:52.2 and made nearly $350,000. Vel Larry has been with his current connections since the fall of his three-year-old season. To date, he has 15 wins from 148 starts and nearly $100,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:53.2 was taken as a five-year-old at The Meadowlands. Christopher Dubois trains Vel Larry, who is one of 10 foals from EJ’s Copperstone, all of which have raced. The family includes Sweet Rockin Gia, a winner in 1:51.4 with more than $160,000 and last year’s ISFC contender Vel Wat A longshot, who took a mark of 1:55.0.

Crooked Smile makes 2026 debut

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:01:46 GMT

Indiana veteran pacers battle to the wire

Two Indiana heavy hitters battled it out in qualifying action Saturday, March 28 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Crooked Smile and M-M-s Bud made their 2026 debuts to finish one-two in the 1:53.2 warmup for their return to racing.

Crooked Smile and Jordan Ross and M-M-s Bud and John DeLong began side by side at the start. M-M-s Bud decided on a spot along the inside as Crooked Smile moved onto the lead. The veteran pacer crossed over to the lead heading into the first turn over Thiago Hanover and Kyle Wilfong. Shooting in Place and Anthony Miller were third with M-M-s Bud in fourth through the first quarter in :28.4. There was no change to the half in :58.4 before the pace picked up.

Midway through the final turn, M-M-s Bud was brought to the outside by DeLong and shot past his opponents like a bullet. At the head of the lane, he was even with Crooked Smile and the two began the stretch drive. Both pacers kicked into gear and finished together with Crooked Smile getting the edge by a neck over M-M-s Bud. Crooked Smile came home in :26.0 while M-M-s Bud paced his final panel in :25.3. Shooting in Place, who came home in :25.4, finished third. Every horse in the race paced their final quarter in :26.0 or quicker.

Crooked Smile, now nine, is owned by Wilson Racing Stable and Turn For Home Racing. Ellis Bryant bred the Panther Hanover gelding, who is trained by Tim Wilson Jr. The one time conditioned claimer was acquired by Wilson as a three-year-old. He enters this season with 39 career wins from 174 starts with more than $615,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:48.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

M-M-s Bud, who hails from the Alvin Miller barn, enters his five-year-old season with 10 wins from 53 starts and earnings of more than $300,000. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Tellitlikeitis gelding is owned by Ted Comerford, Marvin Schwartz, and Miller.

Also a winner on the qualifying program was CS Flying Co-Pilot, driven by Anthony Miller. The five-year-old son of Pilot Discretion moved in the second half and took over in the stretch, trotting home in :27.1 for the win in 1:57.0. Kid Tyler and Trace Tetrick finished second over Maga Hill and Kyle Wilfong.

CS Flying Co-Pilot, a former Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender, is owned by Flying Eagle Stable and Darin Miller. Robert Wyman trains the gelding, who already has three starts this year. Overall, he is a 15-time winner and has earnings of more than $279,000. His career best time of 1:53.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Golden Notes hits a winning chord in debut

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:35:01 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Golden Notes got on the winning path Friday, March 27 in her very first start in the first round of the Mya Tri Series. The late closer is named in honor of a former Indiana champion trained by Walter Haynes Jr. that only lost one race as a two and three-year-old, completing her career in 2009 with a 21 win tally from 26 career starts and more than $278,000, a bankroll that was collected prior to escalated stakes money in the Hoosier State.

Golden Notes began her career like a pro for driver Kyle Wilfong. She prepped for her first start off two qualifiers, winning the most recent one. When the gate sprung open, Golden Notes trotted out from post three and settled in third behind Soooo Charmin and Logan Loney and Preciate Yall and Atlee Bender. Soooo Charmin led the way through the quarter in :27.4 and half in :58.0 before Ponda Perfect and LeWayne Miller moved to the outside, flushing Golden Notes out in first over fashion around the final turn.

At the top of the stretch, Golden Notes had reached the lead and trotted home in :28.0 for the open length win in 1:57.3, a new lifetime best. Preciate Yall finished three and three-quarter lengths back in second followed by Ponda Perfect in third.

Golden Notes was the favorite, paying $3.60 for the win. The sophomore daughter of Fiftydallarbill is owned by Homer Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. John Barnard, owner of Fiftydallarbill, is the breeder on the filly, who was unraced last year as a two-year-old. Connie Hochstetler signed the ticket for Golden Notes at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. The filly was purchased for $40,000 from the Chapel Ridge Farm consignment, serving as agent for Buckstone Farm in Paris, Ky., the farm that raised her. Jay Hochstetler is the trainer of the filly.

Golden Notes is the daughter of Golden Tab, a daughter of Mr Cantab who has one other winner, a full sister to Golden Notes named Fiftydallar Tab with a mark of 1:55.1 and more than $63,000 in earnings. The family has a two-year-old this year, also by Fiftydallarbill, named Gold Currency, and an unnamed filly, also by Fiftydallarbill, who is a yearling this year.

In the other division of the Mya Tri Series, K-lyn and LeWayne Miller made it a near gate to wire effort, taking over after the quarter in :28.2. The Helpisontheway sophomore filly held steady all the way to the wire for the win in 1:59.3, a final quarter trotted in :27.4. Whip It and Joey Putnam finished second over Meadowbrook Dora and Mike Peterson for third.

K-lyn paid $4.80 for the win. Also trained by Miller, she is owned by Derek Lehman and was bred by Mervin Lehman, Orla Bontrager, John Lengacher Jr., and Black Creek Farm. She brought $40,000 through the sales ring at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, selling late on the second day of the sale. She is a full sister to Indiana Sires Stakes champion Naturdays and ISFC contender Muscle Dan.

Photo of Golden Notes by Dean Gillette

Swan for the Win at Harrah's Hoosier Park

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:59:54 GMT

Indiana trotter wins seasonal debut

It was a wild night of weather Thursday, March 26 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and it was a wild finish in the conditioned claiming trot. Swan for the Win crossed the wire as the first big Hoosier winner on the night followed by a Sweet 16 win by the Purdue Boilermakers.

Starting from post nine, Driver LeWayne Miller floated out of the gate with Swan for the Win, but had no intentions of heading to the lead, opting to find a spot in mid pack as Chromys Rocket and John DeLong shot out to the lead. The chestnut trotter was on top by five at the quarter in :28.0 and backed the tempo down a notch to the half in :57.0 as the field was spread out behind him down the backstretch. Race favorite Lous Transportor and Marcus Miller were sitting in second heading into the final turn, and was still nine lengths off Chromys Rocket. Swan for the win was still more than 10 lengths off the leader heading into the final turn.

Midway through the turn, Lous Transportor went off stride as the remainder of the field began to vie for position. Swan for the Win was on the outside and was advancing slowly before the top of the stretch. In the stretch, Chronys Rocket switched over to the pace for a few strides and eventually went off stride, opening up the lead to whomever could get there. Swan for the Win was on point and rallied up to take over, pulling away to a four and one-quarter length advantage at the wire in 1:58.3, a final quarter trotted in :29.4. Momsshowgirl and Atlee Bender closed for second over Touch of Ability and Brad Ferguson for third.

Swan for the Win paid $11.40 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Swan for All is owned by First Hillside Stables of Ohio and trained by Jerry Schwartz. John Barnard is the breeder on the mare, who was making her first start of 2026. It was her second trip to the winner’s circle in her career with her win last year in 1:57.2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park remaining as her quickest. She topped the $25,000 mark in her seasonal debut.

Swan for the Win was part of the Chapel Ridge Farm consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, but was withdrawn before the event and did not sell. She is a recent acquisition by her current connections. She is out of the American Winner mare Winning Double, who has a mark of 1:52.3 with $136,000 on her card. She is also a half sister to the tough Call Me Dani, a winner in 1:52.4 with more than $320,000 on her card and still racing. Winning Double now has five foals, all fillies and all starters with four winners.

Also a winner on the shortened card was JK’s Time to Shine in the pacing version of the conditioned claimer. The three-year-old JK Endofanera filly moved out from post eight for Kevin Lambright and continued to pursue the top, achieving her goal after the quarter in :27.2. From there, she maintained control of the tempo and rallied home to her second straight win in 1:56.3, a half length ahead of Be Fearless and John DeLong. Absolutely Real and Trace Tetrick finished third.

A recent acquisition by Elite Five Racing at the beginning of 2026, JK’s Time to Shine paid $8.60 for the win. She is now two for four in 2026 and earned a new career best in her win Thursday. Harry Miller trains the filly, who is a product of Victory Hill Farm and the latest foal from Meetme At Harveys, who is a 100 percent producer of four racehorses, three of which are still racing.

A severe storm blew into the Harrah’s Hoosier Park area and cut the program short after JK’s Time to Shine’s win in the fifth race. Racing returns Friday, March 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Buzzsaw Russ returns with qualifying win

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:15:22 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Taking a month off from racing after winning two straight Open Pace races was just what he needed. Buzzsaw Russ returned to the track Wednesday, March 25 to score an impressive win in qualifying action.

Guided by John DeLong, Buzzsaw Russ went straight to the lead out of the gate and was in control the entire mile. He established fractions of :28.4, :57.0, and 1:25.3 before DeLong asked the gelding for a little more speed. Buzzsaw Russ rallied home in :26.4 to win by five and one-quarter lengths, well under wraps in 1:52.2. Aye Aye Capt Russ and Kevin Lambright finished second with Eternal Blush and Kyle Wilfong finishing third.

Buzzsaw Russ is owned by Russ Beeman and Charles Weaver. The six-year-old son of Rockin Image has 18 career wins and more than $850,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:48.2 was taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Missy Essig has trained the gelding his entire career. He returns to racing with a perfect slate of two for two in 2026.

Earlier in the day, trotter Dial Nine One One and DeLong were also impressive winners. The three-year-old Helpisontheway filly got away in third before circling to the lead after the quarter in :30.3. From there, she opened up at every pole, striding out to a 10 and three-quarter length advantage in 1:56.4. Hollywood Special and LeWayne Miller finished second with Ima Mess and AJ Wright up for third.

Dial Nine One One is owned by Haucks Racing Stables, Wiesman Farms, and Ernest Gaskin Stables. The filly was bred by Christina Macri and Gordon Graham of California. Her qualifier marked a new career best Wednesday after winning two of three starts last year as a lightly raced two-year-old. Dial Nine One One was initially purchased for $15,000 from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the Black Creek Farm consignment. She is a half sister to Remarkable De Vie, a winner in 1:53.4 with nearly a half million on his card. The maternal line has numerous six figure winners, showing a strong depth of talent.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park is back in action Thursday, March 26. First post is 5:30 p.m.

Odds on Lil Rocker scores new lifetime mark

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:39:47 GMT

Indiana pacer now two for three in 2026

Odds on Lil Rocker and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. teamed up for a win Tuesday, March 24 at Oak Grove. The Indiana sophomore rallied to an open length victory in 1:53.3, his second win of 2026 in three starts.

Odds on Lil Rocker left the gate with some speed and was able to slip into the three hole as Perfect Stranger and Andy Shetler occupied the top spot in the first turn. Fox Valley Endzone and Wyatt Avenatti held their position from the rail behind Perfect Stranger. Before the quarter, Odds on Lil Rocker moved to the outside and appeared to consider a move forward but dropped back in at the quarter in :27.2.

Heading to the half in :55.4, the field was in single file behind Perfect Stranger. Odds on Lil Rocker decided it was time to move and slipped to the outside before the three-quarters in 1:24.4. Once he was out, it took some urging for him to hit another gear, but he never backed down. At the head of the lane, he finally shook loose of the field and paced home in :28.4 for the win by five and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.3, a new lifetime mark. Fox Valley Endzone finished second with Mystery Lady and Matt Krueger closing in for third.

Odds on Lil Rocker paid $2.30 for the win. It was his third start of 2026 and his second win with three wins overall. The son of Rockin Image is now over the $30,000 mark in earnings for trainer Melanie Wrenn. Odds on Racing owns the gelding, who was bred and raised by Bottom Line Racing and Leander Schwartz. He is out of a sister to Odds on Osiris, former Indiana champion with more than $800,000 in earnings for the Wrenn Stable.

Another Indiana pacer scored a win on the Tuesday card at Oak Grove as My House and Andy Shetler took over in the second half and rallied out to a seven and one-quarter length win at the wire in 1:52.3. Sherocks Sherolls A and Atlee Bender finished second over Bozak and Jamaal Denson for third.

My House paid $4.54 for the win. The nine-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Janie Hartley and trained by Andy Shetler. Duane Miller bred the veteran pacer, who now has 34 career wins. Overall, he has accumulated $341,000 in earnings and took his career best time of 1:48.3 as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has won under the 1:50 time barrier three times during his career.

Tell's Super Star shines at Miami Valley

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:27:41 GMT

Indiana gelding nearing $100,000

Tell’s Super Star turned in a big final quarter in his race Monday, March 23 at Miami Valley Raceway. The Indiana sired gelding earned his first win of the season, scoring a big payout for his backers.

Tell’s Super Star and Trevor Smith wanted no part of the early speed when the gate folded. Smith took a big hold of Tell’s Super Star and went to almost the back of the pack as a group of horses left seeking the top spot, including fellow Indiana sired Checkers Legacy, driven by Josiah Miller. Whatchagonnado and Chris Page were the heavy favorites and picked up the top spot before the quarter in :27.3, but were overtaken by Don’t Tell Rosa and Cameron McCown just after the quarter pole. Several horses were left on the outside including Rockinpoppin and David Miller and Checkers Legacy. Rockinpoppin cleared the top spot down the backstretch the second time, which moved Checkers Legacy up on the outside.

Heading into the final turn, Sinatra Hanover had moved out and picked up cover behind Checkers Legacy, and Tell’s Super Star also moved to the outside. When Checkers Legacy appeared stalled, Sinatra Hanover moved three wide in the final turn, and so did Tell’s Super Star.

At the head of the lane, Tell’s Super Star had tipped off Sinatra Hanover and was widest of all, hoping to catch the Rockinpoppin. The Indiana gelding hit another gear and rallied past all his rivals to score the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.4. Rockinpoppin finished second with Checkers Legacy rounding out the trifecta.

Tell’s Super Star paid $108.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Therl Hensley and trained by Gerald Miller. The gelding is a product of Victory Hill Farm’s standout broodmare Bikini Star, who is the mother of numerous standout racehorses, including last year’s Rock Shines Again, undefeated three-year-old who earned year-end honors in Indiana. Tell’s Super Star nearly equaled his career best time in the effort and moved him closer to the $100,000 mark in earnings. It was his seventh career win.

Earlier in the night, another Indiana pacer found his way to the winner’s circle in the starter allowance. Tabooma and Tyler Smith turned in a gate to wire effort to score the win in 1:53.3 over Peppermint Man and Parker Smith. Nassau Desire and Chris Page finished third.

Tabooma paid $12.00 for the win. The eight-year-old son of Always a Virgin is owned by S & S Racing Stable and trained by Daniel Stone. Walter Fister of Kentucky bred the gelding, who now has 18 career wins and more than $200,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a five-year-old at Miami Valley Raceway.

Photo of Tell's Super Star by Conrad Photography

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:57:21 GMT

Foaling Season underway

Nearly 100 foals have been registered thus far during the 2026 foaling season in Indiana. The Indiana Standardbred Breed Development has 97 names on their register as of St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday, March 17, all of which are Indiana sired and bred.

A foal that pops out on the first page of the listing for foals registered so far includes a Rockin Image colt from the mare Bikini Star. The colt was born January 27 and is the latest in a line of standouts from Bikini Star. She is a 100 percent producer from eight foals of racing age, and sends out a two-year-old colt named Tells Shootingstar, who is a two-year-old in 2026. Tells Shootingstar sold from the Victory Hill Farm consignment last fall in the inaugural Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale to Jack Freeman for $40,000. The Tellitlikeitis colt seeks to join older siblings Rock’s Shining Star (1:48.2, $335,000), JK’s Shining Star (1:50.4, $349,000) and Rock Shines Again (1:48.4, $329,000), last year’s undefeated Sires Stakes champion.

On the trotting side, Foxy Swan has a new foal on the ground. The filly, born January 30, is by Rebuff. Foxy Swan, a former champion in Indiana, has already produced Tarzan (1:53.2, $207,000) and Meadowbrook Mark (1:54.3, $117,000). The filly born this year is her first foal since 2023.

Ponda Help, the half sister to Ponda Title (1:55, $483,000), had her first foal January 28. She had a filly by Muscle Massive hoping to pass on her strong maternal line to her foals in the brood mare ranks.

For a full listing of foals registered with the Indiana Breed Development, go to their website at hrc.in.gov.

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 02:23:50 GMT

Two in a row for Indiana mare

Premier Mayflower and Dan Noble set sail Saturday, March 21 for another win in 2026, pairing the victory with a win at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in her previous outing. The win kicked off the Saturday card at Northfield Park during an all-female lineup for the program.

Premier Mayflower began from post two and used just enough speed to get in front of Kit Kak and Justin Irvine. However, it was Gotstopaymeinpapa and Aaron Merriman who made the biggest splash at the start. The duo crossed over quickly and was in the lead spot before the field reached the first turn, continuing a quick tempo past the quarter in :28.0. Premier Mayflower was right on her back with a big gap back to the remainder of the field.

The pack did tighten up heading to the half with Vel Who Said and John Ciocca Jr. stuck on the outside. The duo came up to sit on the outside of Premier Mayflower through the half in :57.2 and to the three-quarters in 1:26.2 before fading. This gave Premier Mayflower the perfect opportunity to move to the outside in the final turn.

Once the field was in the stretch, Premier Mayflower went right on by Gotstopaymeinpapa and sailed under the wire in 1:55.1, a new lifetime mark. Gotstopaymeinpapa finished a length back in second with several lengths back to Sweet Lake and Anthony MacDonald in third.

Premier Mayflower paid $3.60 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Capt Midnight is owned by Buckeye Stables and trained by Mike Wilson. Dennis Bontrager bred the mare, who is a former contender on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for trainer Justin White.

Premier Mayflower now has seven wins and more than $30,000 in earnings. She was initially a $4,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale as the second foal from the Dragon Again mare Bella Girl Hanover, who is from the tough family out of Bikini Hanover that includes Boca Hanover (1:51.1, $526,000) and Brissonte Hanover, the dam of Blush Hanover (1:51.3, $446,000).

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:28:58 GMT

Sheisatomboy strong in Rosie Harness Memorial

The Rosie Harness Memorial is named in honor of a former trainer-owner in Indiana who left the racing world too soon due to a car accident. It’s only fitting that a filly with a lot of potential won the race Friday, March 20 in the race named after Harness. Sheisatomboy and Jeff Dever soared home for the win in the event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Sheisatomboy began from post four and was accompanied by Rita’s Girl and Kyle Wilfong out of the gate headed to the lead. Rita’s Girl had the edge on Sheisatomboy going into the first turn, giving Sheisatomboy the spot right at the back of Rita’s Girl through the first quarter in :27.3. The Indiana filly had a big hold on Dever heading to the half in :31.1 before the tempo picked up around the final turn. Dever kept Sheisatomboy in behind Rita’s Girl until the top of the stretch and when she came out of the hole, her ears were pinned and she was all business.

Sheisatomboy moved out to the lead and had a good jump on the field. Mystical Night and Clint Coy were charging hard from the back of the pack but they could not reach Sheisatomboy in time, who earned the win in 1:55.2, a new lifetime mark. Mystical Night was second over Kobe’s Nani and Brandon Bates, who won the battle for third in a tight photo with Rita’s Girl.

Sheisatomboy was a surprise winner, paying $26.00 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old was making her first start of 2026 after limited starts last year on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. She is a home bred filly owned by Al, Brackton, and Ryan Miller with Dever Racing Stable also owning a portion of the filly. It was her third career win as she kicks off her 2026 racing season for the Millers, who purchased her mother Kendyl, a six figure earner, in 2020 to add to their breeding operation.

The Millers have been longtime participants in racing in the state of Indiana. Hailing from Middlebury, Ryan and his son, Brackton, now own and operate an apparel and gift company called Prime Promotions. They provide numerous shirts, pens, and other items for racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis each year. The Miller family has had several previous Indiana champions, most recently the trotter Naturdays, who made more than $350,000 as an Indiana Sires Stakes winner.

Earlier in the night, Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick were gate to wire winners in the Donnie Conrad Memorial trot. The Dover Dan three-year-old trotted home in :28.1 for the win in 1:57.0, finishing a length and a quarter ahead of One Mike Out and Clint Coy. Help or Hinder and Doug Rideout finished third.

Trained by Rick Macomber, Kousin Karl paid $10.20 for the win. He is owned by M & M Racing, Macomber Racing, and Doug Overhiser. Lyle Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who earned his first career win in his second career start Friday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:54:14 GMT

JK’s Time to Shine seizes the moment

JK’s Time to Shine took advantage of his turn in the spotlight. The Indiana pacer was strong at the start and strong at the finish to score the win in 1:56.3 with driver Trace Tetrick in the bike Thursday, March 19 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

JK’s Time to Shine began from post six and as soon as the gate opened, she took off for the lead. She was joined by Secret Seduction and Jordan Ross on the outside with Valley Star and Brandon Bates joining them on the inside. The trio of horses went into the first turn together with Secret Seduction three wide before JK’s Time to Shine finally got by Valley Star in the top spot. Secret Seduction continued on and took over after the quarter in :27.4.

As the field neared the half, the earplugs were popped on JK’s Time to Shine and she went out and around Secret Seduction to lead the way through the half in :57.2. The outer flow was on the move in the final turn led by Boca Chica and Marcus Miller.

In the stretch, JK’s Time to Shine held strong on the front. Horses were preparing to attack from all sides and the late closers were kicking in as well. In the final stages, it was Always a Desire and Kyle Wilfong who posed the biggest threat to JK’s Time to Shine but she was able to defend her position for the win, just a neck ahead of Always a Desire. Secret Seduction finished third.

JK’s Time to Shine paid $21.60, a rare sighting to see a horse driven by Indiana’s all-time leading driver pay double digits. The sophomore daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by Elite Five Racing and trained by Harry Miller. Victory Hill Farm bred and raised the mare, who earned her first career win in the effort. She was a $9,000 purchase from the final Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and is a sister to Tells Victory. The maternal line can be traced back to millionaire Ticket to Rock as well as Miss Scarlett, who earned a half million before becoming a brood mare.

Another double digit winner on the Thursday, March 19 racing program was Surf Scoter, driven by LeWayne Miller. The four-year-old son of Don’t Let’Em sat along the inside early before being flushed out first over. He dug in gamely in the stretch and finally wore down Sweetie Hill and Brandon Bates for the win by a nose in 1:57.1. Dontcallmeangel and Joel Smith finished third.

Surf Scoter paid $15.00 for the win. Owned by Eash Racing Stable, the gelding competed on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year and was the winner of the three-year-old Elite at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Surf Scoter earned his first win of 2026 in his race Thursday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:05:25 GMT

A Blue Million turns win into green at Dover

A Blue Million turned in a strong performance and provided his backers with a lot of green Tuesday, March 17 at Dover Downs. Guided by Montrell Teague, the Indiana trotter scored an upset in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap.

Starting from post one gave A Blue Million an opportunity to save ground out of the gate. He had a little speed but it wasn’t as much as Duly Resolved and Corey Callahan and Fruit Snacker and driver Tony Morgan. Duly Resolved claimed the top spot with Fruit Snacker finally crossing over to the lead after the quarter in :27.4. Last Glow and Jack Parker Jr. were hung on the outside and Parker went to work on Last Glow to get him to the top and final take over at the half in :55.3. This left Benjamin Hanover and Tim Tetrick then hung on the outside down the backstretch the second time.

A lot was going on as Duly Resolved was not advancing as quickly as the trailing horses wanted. Benjamin Hanover flipped three wide, which gave A Blue Million the opportunity to move up the inside after being shuffled back to sixth. In the final turn, Last Glow was still leading the way with Fruit Snacker setting on his outside before he went off stride. Morgan had to chase him forward before he could get clear of horses and get him to the outside. All this time, A Blue Million was right in position for the attack behind Last Glow.

As soon as the open stretch arrived, A Blue Million moved up the inside and was able to trot home in :28.4 for the win by one length over Last Glow. Duly Resolved finished third in the 1:54.1 mile.

A Blue Million paid $34.00 for the win. The five-year-old son of Swan in a Million is still owned in Indiana by Stephen Stoll and Nathan Yoder. The home bred was bred and raised by Roman Stoll. Tim Crissman trains the gelding, who has five wins in eight starts for 2026. Overall, he has won 20 races with earnings of more than $220,000. He took his career mark of 1:53.1 in his previous win at Dover.

A Blue Million started off on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit under the direction of Leander Schwartz. After racing in Ohio last year, he moved into the Crissman barn and has won seven races since the transfer. His win in the Open at Dover was his third in that class already this year.

Earlier in the night, Indiana trotter Apple Fritter and Russell Foster were winners in the $12,500 claiming trot. The duo posted a gate to wire effort, fending off a late charge by Jack N Abs and Tim Tetrick to win by a head at the wire in 1:57.4. Swans Cash Prise and Vince Copeland made it two Indiana sired trotters in the top three.

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:23:58 GMT

Veteran pacer Clever Character scores first win of 2026

Clever Character is not slowing down. The now nine-year-old Indiana pacer earned his first win of 2026 Monday, March 16 in the $6,000 starter allowance to get into the victory column for the year.

Guided by Luke Hanners, Clever Character laid off the early charge to the lead as Mister Spot A and Brett Miller left from the center of the pack tracked closely by Indiana sired Nassau Desire and Chris Page from the outside. Once Mister Spot A had cleared to the front, Nassau Desire took over at the quarter in :28.4. But the field was not settled along the inside as Sip and a Bite and Sam Widger were outside and rolling up at the half in :58.0. This prompted Clever Character to pick up the cover and follow in second over through the middle stages of the race.

Around the final turn, Clever Character flipped three wide to get closer to the leader. In the stretch he was in a full battle with Mister Spot A and the two horses matched each other’s energy all the way to the wire with Clever Character getting the edge by a half length in 1:57.1. Mister Spot A was a clear second followed by Nassau Desire who held his ground for third.

Clever Character paid $6.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis veteran is owned and trained by Jessica Markle of Ohio, who has owned him for the past year and a half. Freedom Hill Farms bred the gelding, who earned his 34th career win and pushed his earnings a little more over the half-million-dollar mark. His career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He started out under the direction of Trainer Tim Smith and was an Indiana Sires Stakes winner as a two and three-year-old, winning the $270,000 Super Final at three for trainer Ron Burke, who acquired him during his three-year-old season. Clever Character is one of seven racehorses out of nine from his dam, Ruby Delight. All seven have marks with John Jay and Dali Delight both having six figures on their card. Clever Character is the richest and the quickest from the family.

Later on the Monday card, Intrepid Ivy scored a near gate to wire win in the $12,500 conditioned pace. Driven by Marc St Louis Jr., the 10-year-old son of Always a Virgin fought hard in the lane to fend off challengers, hanging on to the win by a nec over Big Booty Rudy and Luke Hanners in 1:55.1. Keepin It Lit and David Miller finished third.

Intrepid Ivy paid $4.40 for the win. He is owned by Stephen Bateson and trained by Stacey Currie. Paul Webb and the late Bill Huggins bred the gelding, who earned his third win of the year. Overall, he has 27 wins and more than $389,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Scioto Downs. Intrepid Ivy also comes from a strong maternal family with 10 winners from 13 horses of racing age. The family includes It’s a Miracle (1:51, $477,000) and Always a Miracle (1:51.4, $122,000) and is from the uber talented Illinois bred second dam Fox Valley Godiva, who is the dam of Indiana Sires Stakes champion Valley Electric, winner in 1:51.0 and nearly $800,000 in the early 2000s.

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:37:55 GMT

Regal Escape, with driver Luke Hanners, scored his second win of 2026

Regal Escape and Luke Hanners turned a perfect trip into a victory Sunday, March 15 at Miami Valley Raceway. The Indiana pacer rallied home as the winner in the $22,500 upper conditioned pace in a time of 1:52.2 with summer like conditions and wind.

Starting from post two, Regal Escape left the gate just enough to get the first lead before being taken over by Wicked Character and Chris Page at the quarter in :26.4. The tempo slowed down to the half in :56.1 before picking back up heading to the three-quarters with Trip Hammer and Trace Tetrick leading the way first over.

In the final turn, the field was tightening up and Regal Escape was itching to get out from behind Wicked Character. That opportunity arrived in the stretch, and he began to move forward. However, Wicked Character was not going to give in easily. The two horses battled all the way to the wire with Regal Escape getting the edge at the wire by a nose. Trip Hammer finished third.

Regal Escape paid $6.40 for the win. The 10-year-old son of Real Desire is trained by Daniel Stone for owners S & S Racing Stable. Dr. Keith Hollendonner bred the gelding, who has been a warrior every year he’s been on the track. To date, he has 35 wins and more than $300,000, earning it bit by bit along the way. He has raced mainly in Ohio in the past three years but has made a journey to the East Coast also. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Scioto Downs. He already has two wins this season. Regal Escape is the final foal from the Artiscape mare Beach Escape and is a full brother to Cantescapemydesire, a winner in 1:51 with more than $240,000 on his card.

Earlier in the card, Lets Go Jude and Trevor Smith moved up first over and battled their way to the wire to score the win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.0. Guns Blazin and Cameron McCown finished second over On Dayboo and Brett Miller for third.

Lets Go Jude paid $7.80 for the win. The six-year-old son of JK Endofanera is owned by Carlo Racing and trained by AJ Carlo. Lavon Miller is the breeder on Lets Go Jude, who hasn’t finished worse than second all season in seven starts. He has three wins and 16 overall with $142,000 in earnings. His career b est time of 1:52 was taken last year as a five-year-old at Dayton Raceway.

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:35:49 GMT

Ponda Jet made his 2026 debut in a big way during qualifiers

Ponda Jet made his 2026 debut Saturday, March 14 in qualifying action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The trotting track record holder in Indiana, with a time of 1:50.0 set in 2024, was on auto pilot the entire mile, which turned out to be a training mile with a starting gate rather than a qualifier.

Ponda Jet and Kyle Wilfong began from post six and when the gates wings were folding, Ponda Jet zoomed out. That was the last time the field got a glimpse of him as they headed into the first turn. Ponda Jet leisurely passed the first quarter in :29.1 and extended his lead to 10 at the half in :58.2 for a perfect rated first half. Nighthawk Zette and LeWayne Miller led the rest of the field down the backstretch and into the final turn.

When Ponda Jet was at the head of the lane, he was on top by 12 which quickly turned into 15 lengths. Wilfong let him out a notch and he effortlessly turned in a final quarter of :27.3 to win in 1:54.4 by 18 and one-quarter lengths. Nighthawk Zette, the three-year-old who was also making his 2026 debut and had traveled in second the entire mile, finished second a half length ahead of Cara Donna T and Marcus Miller.

Ponda Jet comes into his six-year-old season with 34 career wins and more than $779,000 in earnings. Jay Hochstetler has trained him his entire career and he was purchased out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by Jay’s mother, Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. Jay has definitely inherited his skills as a trainer, especially with trotters, from his father, Homer, and his grandfather, the late Doug Ackerman, who had numerous Grand Circuit and year-end champions during his stellar career.

Ponda Jet was purchased for $40,000 with Homer signing the ticket. The Dover Dan gelding is the second foal from the mare Pondas Lucky Lady, who was a sister to several black type racehorses with six figures on their card. The third dam is the mother of the great ABC Easter, who was a top contender in the Indiana Sires Stakes during her racing career and earned nearly $350,000. Ponda Jet has a younger sister, Ponda Fashion, who took a mark of 1:53.3 last season and made $119,000 for the Hochstetler barn.

Matching Ponda Jet’s effort on the card was another trotter from the Hochstetler barn as General Grant and Wilfong turned in a similar mile in their qualifier, winning gate to wire by 11 and three-quarter lengths in 1:54.4, a final quarter in :28.1. Elan Hanover and Atlee Bender finished second over Bluebird Yoshi and Jordan Ross for third.

A four-year-old son of Fiftydallarbill, General Grant is owned by Serenity Racing Stables of Ohio. He was bred and raised by Leon Lehman. A recent acquisition by his connections, the gelding has two wins already this year in Ohio with seven wins overall. He was just a tick off his career best win of 1:54.3 taken earlier this year at Miami Valley.

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:46:03 GMT

Tellmeaboutit closing in on one million

Tellmeaboutit earned his first win of 2026 Friday, March 13 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The now 10-year-old standout Indiana pacer rallied home in 1:54.0 for the win with Trace Tetrick at the controls in the $7,000 conditioned pace.

Tellmeaboutit began from post three and showed the most speed, reaching the top spot before the first turn arrived. ER Rookie also left the gate seeking a spot near the top, but when there were no holes, he moved onto the lead, taking over after the quarter in :26.4. Joker Rockwell and John DeLong were on the move on the outside from the back of the pack when ER Rookie went by the half in :56.4. Tellmeaboutit was right on his heels heading into the final turn as Joker Rockwell continued to move up on the outside.

When the field hit the stretch, ER Rookie was holding strong on the inside. Tellmeaboutit moved to the inside and began to inch up on the leader. Joker Rockwell held his ground on the outside. As the wire neared, Tellmeaboutit separated himself from the field to score the win in 1:54.0. ER Rookie was second followed by Joker Rockwell.

Tellmeaboutit paid $3.40 as the favorite of the field. The son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Twila Harts and Alvin Miller. He has been part of the Miller barn since his first season of racing as a two-year-old. To date, he has 38 career wins and is closing in on $1 million in earnings, now less than $10,000 away from hitting that mark. His career best time of 1:47.4 was taken at the age of six at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has paced under the 1:50 time barrier six of his eight years on the track. He was purchased by Harts and Miller for $25,000 out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the In Law Stables consignment.

Earlier in the night, Late Nite Hawk and Jordan Ross turned in a near gate to wire effort, taking over the top spot after the quarter in the conditioned pace. After grabbing modest middle quarters, he turned up the tempo in the stretch and rallied home to a four and one-quarter length win in 1:56.2, a final quarter in :28.3. Latin Lover and Marcus Miller finished second over Dashing Danny and Atlee Bender.

Late Nite Hawk paid $3.80 for the win. The seven-year-old son of Dover Dan is owned by Brett Wilfong and Goose Island Stable. Wilfong trains the veteran trotter, who was bred by Merle Yoder. It was his first win of 2026 and his 21st overall. His earnings are now over the $300,000 mark with his career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:32:25 GMT

Asifbycue right on time in upset win

A high wind warning for Harrah’s Hoosier Park didn’t stop the action on the track Thursday, March 12 with Asifbycue and John DeLong pulling in a surprising upset in the second race of the night. The duo rallied home for the win in the $10,000 conditioned claiming event in a time of 1:57.2

Asifbycue began from post eight and left seeking the lead with Ponda Swan and Kyle Wilfong to their outside accompanying them to the lead. Heading into the first turn, Asifbycue slid over to the top spot with Ponda Swan continuing on the outside and taking over at the quarter in :27.4. From there, the field faced a strong head wind down the backside and the tempo slowed down. Dazzling Moni and LeWayne Miller were on the move from the back of the pack and joined Ponda Swan on.t the lead midway through the race in :58.0. Asifbycue had a huge hold on DeLong heading into the final turn.

Ponda Swan was able to maintain her position on the lead coming into the stretch. As Dazzling Moni began to tire, it gave Asifbycue the perfect opportunity to slip to the outside and rally past Ponda Swan. She was on top of the field by several lengths and had her ears pinned back and was all business. She looked to be a clear winner. That’s when Sweetie Hill and Brandon Bates, another long shot in the field, began to rally on the outside from the back of the pack. Both mares were in full stride when they hit the wire with Asifbycue getting the edge by a head over Sweetie Hill. Mr Blutos Express and Trace Tetrick finished third.

Asifbycue was the second longest shot on the board, paying $63.60 for the win. It’s the first time in a very long time a horse driven by John DeLong has paid that much at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Sweetie Hill paid $33.20 for place, returning a $21,566.50 payout for the Exacta. There were no winning tickets in the Superfecta.

Asifbycue is owned by Trent Stohler Stable, Ben and Tim Graber, and John Grubich. Stohler trains the four-year-old Swan for All mare, who was bred by Bob and Lynda Stewart in Kentucky. It was her first win of the year after winning five races last year as a three-year-old. She now has six career wins and nearly $50,000 on her card. Her career best time was taken last year in 1:57.1, just a tick quicker than her win Thursday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She raced at The Meadows prior to coming back to Indiana for her connections, who acquired her last summer.

Asifbycue is the daughter of True Valentine, who took a mark of 1:55.1 and made more than $172,000 during her racing career. She has a full brother named Nextoyou, who is a two-year-old in 2026.

Later in the card, Goo Goo Won and Travis Seekman scored a win in the evening’s featured $22,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. The seven-year-old daughter of Fred and Ginger sat patiently in the two hole behind Angel Hill and Trace Tetrick before finding her best stride in the stretch and rallying home in :27.3 for the win in 1:50.4, three-quarters of a length ahead of Yankee B Something and John DeLong. Angel Hill finished third.

Goo Goo Won paid $16.80 for the win. She is a homebred owned by Judy Taylor and was bred by Judy and Howard Taylor. Ron Burke handles the training duties of Goo Goo Won, who has two wins in three starts for 2026. Overall, she has 25 career wins and more than $410,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a six-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:22:27 GMT

The $2 Million Indiana “Man”

It was a shorts wearing kind of night at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Friday, March 6 with temperatures over the 70 degree mark. Also heating up the night was the latest performance by Little Rocket Man and David Miller, winning the featured $22,000 Open Pace, putting the Indiana superstar over the $2 million mark for his career.

Little Rocket Man wasn’t playing it safe and as soon as the gate opened, he was on the move to the lead from post seven. Parked through the first turn by Ardens Ace N and LeWayne Miller, Little Rocket Man crossed over to the lead at the quarter in :26.1 before Noblesville and Marcus Miller pursued the top spot, becoming the third leader at the half in :54.2.

The back of the pack began to move up and out, forcing Ardens Ace N to the outside and in a chain reaction, Little Rocket Man was also moving out in the final turn. At the head of the lane, Little Rocket Man took over with Ardens Ace N right at his heels. Little Rocket Man was strong throughout the stretch and crossed under the wire a winner by a neck over Ardens Ace N. Im Skinnydipin N and Trace Tetrick finished third in the 1:50.1 mile that brought Little Rocket Man home in a final quarter of :26.3.

Little Rocket Man was the heavy favorite of the field, paying $2.80. He was greeted by the Ken Rucker Stable with a lightweight blanket saying “Little Rocket Man $2 Million.” A large group of well wishers joined Little Rocket Man on the track for a photo, and the 10-year-old son of Rockin Image was still on the go as a quick photo was snapped before heading back to the barn as the sport’s newest double millionaire.

Owned by Russ Beeman and Jack Freeman, Little Rocket Man is now four for seven in 2026 and has 83 career wins from 148 career starts. His career best time of 1:47.2 was taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has paced in 1:49.0 or faster in each of his seven previous years of racing. Unraced at two, Little Rocket Man has also earned six figures or more every year except his four-year-old season. His best year on the track was his eight-year-old season when he won more than $572,000. He had the most wins during his seven-year-old season when he was 17 of 27 on the year and nearly matched his career best time, earning a win at Scioto Downs in 1:47.3.

Little Rocket Man is the first foal from the former Indiana Sires Stakes champion GT Miss Royal, who earned more than $230,000 with a mark of 1:52.3. She has had six foals of racing age with five winners and has a two-year-old this year named JK Another Victory, a son of JK Endofanera. She also has a yearling filly by Rockin Image, a full sister to Little Rocket Man, named Royal Blessings.

Little Rocket Man was sold out of the Victory Hill Farm consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale under the name Just Like Pete, purchased for $18,000 with Jack Freeman signing the ticket. He is not only a proven Indiana contender, he has taken his talents outside of the state with many stakes victories throughout the years in Ohio, Kentucky, Canada, and even Minnesota. He is now on a three-race win streak, adding his first win of the year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park to two consecutive wins in the Open at Miami Valley. David Miller has been in the bike for all three wins this season for trainer Ken Rucker, who has conditioned Little Rocket Man for the past four years.

The evening kicked off with another Rockin Image veteran making his way to the winner’s circle as Rogers Image and Brandon Bates were winners in a gate to wire effort in 1:55.1. The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Walter Haynes Jr., fended off a late charge by Picksixking and Atlee Bender to win by a neck. Chesapeake Sunrise and Travis Seekman finished third.

Rogers Image is owned by Sara Haynes and Jeff Fought. It was his first win of 2026 and his 19th overall. He increased his career bankroll to more than $345,000 for his connections with his career best time of 1:50 taken at the age of three.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:26:45 GMT

ISA Board of Directors hold March meeting

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) held its third meeting of 2026 Monday, March 2 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield. President John DeLong called the meeting to order before going through the agenda that included committee reports, approval of minutes, and an update from the recent legislative session that concluded last week.

One of the first committees reported was the breeders, owners, sales category. Jamie Macomber explained the recent change made by the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development, tweaking the verbiage to Indiana Sired only and dropping Indiana Sired and Bred (ISB). This affects listings for the sales catalogs. Breed Development will now only list foals as Indiana Sired beginning for horses born in 2025. The board agreed to follow suit with the state altered rule and will allow all Indiana Sired foals beginning in 2027 to compete in the Elite Series, as long as they meet all eligibility requirements for starts on the ISFC. Jessica Barnes recently reiterated that breeders of horses born outside of Indiana will not be eligible for breeders’ awards. Only horses born in the state of Indiana will be eligible for breeders’ awards.

Doug Rideout reported on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) and brought a proposal to the board for approval to hire James Witherite of Michigan to provide videography for all ISFC stops this summer. Witherite has also noted he will combine race days for viewing when two fairs are running simultaneously and will also offer commercial time between races. The board approved the proposal and also established guidelines for commercial time, which was set at $500 per season for a 30-second commercial or $250 for the season for a still spot. Anyone interested in advertising on the livestream for the ISFC should contact Tony Renz at the ISA.

Renz also asked for approval to purchase yard signs again for the ISFC, an endeavor that is in partnership with Breed Development. The yard signs have provided local advertisement for the racing programs at each of the stops on the ISFC.

Carrie Hollman provided samples of toboggans and caps that will be provided this season. Toboggans will be passed out soon in the paddock at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Hollman also reported the ISA currently has more than 400 members as memberships are coming in strong right now because the new year began March 1.

Rhys Helt gave an update on the potential of placing membership opportunities online. He is checking into the service, Stripe, which is cheaper than both Venmo or PayPal. A small fee would be required by members applying and renewing online. He will continue to investigate the opportunity for ISA.

Executive Director Renz received approval for sponsorship of the FFA Booth at the National FFA Convention in the fall. The booth will once again be in partnership with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Harness Horse Youth Foundation, and the U S Trotting Association. Booth space has increased, so they plan to downsize on the size of the booth to offset the cost increase.

Renz also noted the ISA Golf Outing is set for Monday, June 1 beginning at 1 p.m. at Grandview Golf Course in Anderson. Lunch begins at 12 p.m. and the cost per golfer has gone up to $30 per person. The board approved the cost up to 60 golfers for the event, which they co-sponsor with Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Because the ISA Golf Outing is set for the first Monday of June, the ISA meeting has been moved to the following Monday, June 8. In addition, the ISA Meetings for July and August have also been moved to the second Monday of the month due to ISFC racing. July’s meeting is set for July 13 while August’s meeting is set for August 10.

President DeLong suggested the possibility of purchasing Meta glasses, which could be worn by various participants to secure video for various social media and video outlets. Renz plans to research the item and come back to the board in April for exact costs and options.

Adam Kallick and Matt Norris provided a look at the recent legislative session, which was completed last week. President DeLong noted his appreciation for the recognition horse racing got during the session as well as the new people they connected with at the statehouse. He noted racing is mentioned in all the right spots moving forward.

Kallick added in the big picture racing is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. The group hopes to assemble another legislative day in 2026 at one of the area farms to give those in the statehouse an inside look into racing and its impact on the state. Norris concluded with explaining next year is a budget year and will be more robust with gaming discussion as a result.

Renz thanked Kallick, Norris, and Mike McDaniel for their hard work for the ISA during the legislative session, noting the long hours each of them spent representing racing and keeping the ISA informed.

President DeLong gave a report on the purse account at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, showing the account is better in comparison to 2025. He also noted some purse increases in targeted races and says other conditions could see an increase as well. He also received a report from Gabe Prewitt with details on the cancellation of racing Friday, February 27 due to a malfunction of equipment in the audio visual department with sending out the signal. The track is working on repairs and replacement of equipment before racing resumes Thursday, March 5. DeLong also explained per the contract with Hoosier Park, each horse who was scheduled to race, and did not scratch, received $300 following the cancellation after Race 6 last Friday. The remainder of the purse money goes back into the account.

Jay Hochstetler noted the new Website is nearly ready to go. Renz added John Adamsky is adjusting a few options for the mobile option of the website and hopes to have everything ready to go in the next few weeks.

The meeting concluded with showing the recent video done by Hoosier Park for the presentation to the Hambletonian Society to get the Hambletonian for a three-year-commitment beginning in 2027. The Society is set to meet in Florida in March.

President DeLong adjourned the meeting. The next meeting for the ISA Board of Directors is set for Monday, April 6 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:24:56 GMT

ISA Membership begins in March

The arrival of March means its time to renew one’s membership with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA). Memberships run from March 1, 2026 through the end of February 2027.

Membership packets were mailed out by the ISA Office several weeks ago for the convenience of all individuals needing to renew their membership. Many perks go along with an annual membership, which is available for a cost of $50. Perks include Sulky Insurance at both Harrahs Hoosier Park and the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, subscription to the Indiana Standardbred Magazine, which is due in homes later this week for the March issue, the annual stallion directory for Indiana, representation at both the Indiana legislature and with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, voting privileges for by-law changes and election of ISA Directors, On-site track representation at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, eligibility to the ISA Elite Series, Dental and optical programs, and text messaging services.

To become a member of the ISA, send in the application to the ISA Office by mail at 311 American Legion Place, Greenfield, IN 46140. Applications are available online on the ISA Website at indianaharness.com, or applications may be obtained by the ISA Horsemen’s Representative at Harrah’s Hoosier Park from either Rick or Casandra Uppal.

For more information on ISA Membership, contact the ISA Office at (800) 565-5725.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:33 GMT

Kaks the Boss takes on leadership role in qualifiers

Kaks the Boss made her 2026 debut during the final qualifying program of February Saturday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Atlee Bender guided the four-year-old former Indiana Sires Stakes contender to an impressive win in 1:55.1, turning in a final panel in :26.0.

Kaks the Boss was in no hurry at the start as Whole Lotta Luck and Brad Ferguson moved out to lead the field through the quarter in :28.2 and half in :58.2. Kaks the Boss followed along in sixth and bided her time before tipping to the outside to advance.

As the field moved into the stretch, Kaks the Boss was on the outside and advancing. She paced home in a flash, picking up the win by one length at the wire over Whole Lotta Luck. Sugar and Spite and Kyle Wilfong held their ground inside for third.

Kaks the Boss, a daughter of JK Endofanera, is owned by Pollack Racing and Jeff Cullipher. The partnership purchased her out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $50,000 from the Victory Hill Farm consignment under the name JK’s Girl. She is the second foal from a mare who has deep roots in stakes action. The third dam is the granddam of Coach Stefanos and the fourth dam is the mother of the great Well Said, Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt/Gelding of the year in 2009 and successful sire after earning more than $2.5 million on the track.

Kaks the Boss took her career best time of 1:52.2 and has earnings of more than $146,000 to begin her four-year-old campaign. She has a half-sister, Girl Boss Rocks, who is a three-year-old in 2026.

Later on in the qualifying program, old timer Peter Dalt was back on the track with a gate to wire effort. Driven by Kyle Wilfong, the 10-year-old son of Rockin Image scored his qualifier in 1:56.1, three-quarters of a length ahead of Covert and Kevin Lambright. Rockin Dawg and Jacob Schwartz finished third.

Peter Dalt is owned by Tosha Huffman and trained by Payton Ode. He has been with Ode since last summer. Overall, he has 19 wins and more than $230,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a five-year-old at Pompano Park. He is the first foal from the Village Jolt mare Love You Always, who earned a mark of 1:52.1 and more than $168,000 during her career. She has also produced PBR Street Gang (1:51.3, $158,000) and has been a solid brood mare for Blue Bird Meadows. She has a two-year-old filly named Bluebird Forever by Capt Midnight who will be on the track this year as well as a yearling colt by Loubet named Bluebird You Bet. All of her foals of racing age have raced.

Go Viral a pacing sensation in Claiming Series Final

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:20:27 GMT

Go Viral a pacing sensation in Claiming Series Final

Go Viral became a pari-mutuel payout sensation Friday, February 27 in the $15,000 Claiming Series Final at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Driver Jordan Ross encouraged the claiming pacer home with a hand drive to score the win by a comfortable margin after finishing third in the preliminary round the week before.

Go Viral began from post two and lumbered out of the gate as Americanfirewater and Marcus Miller moved out for the lead from the center of the track. After Go Viral let Montana Chief A and John DeLong slide into the fourth spot, he was setting fifth as the field passed by the quarter in :28.1. Heading to the half, the tempo slowed prompting Coalford Bythesea and Kyle Wilfong to pull to the outside first from the back of the pack. As the rapid gaited pacer moved up on the outside, Go Viral moved out with Montana Chief A also moving to the outside, giving Go Viral cover into the final turn.

At the head of the lane, Montana Chief A took over and was in full gear as Go Viral began to inch up on the outside. In the final strides, Go Viral went right on by for the win by one and three-quarter lengths. Salty Robyn N and Trace Tetrick got the nod for second in the four-horse photo. Montana Chief N finished third in the 1:55.0 mile.

Go Viral paid $13.80 for the win. The six-year-old Always a Virgin gelding is a new acquisition by Beck Racing LLC and trainer Mike Wilson, who claimed him out of his last start. Wilson, a longtime member of the horseman’s colony at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, is from a harness racing family based in Kentucky. His brothers were also former trainers in Indiana and Ohio. Wilson has been training since 1982 and has been in Indiana since the inception of pari-mutuel racing in the mid 1990s. He currently has four racing in both Indiana and Ohio. Go Viral is a new addition to his barn. Billie Schwartz and James Wilkinson bred the gelding, who earned his first win of 2026 and his ninth overall. The gelding raced in California beginning as a three-year-old and has been at Harrah’s Hoosier Park the past two years. He has $64,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.1 taken last year in Indiana.

In the next race, Buzzsaw Russ and John DeLong were back in the winner’s circle in the evening’s featured $22,000 Open Pace. The Rockin Image six-year-old moved near the back of the petite field at the start as General Dolan and Trace Tetrick claimed the top spot early, posting the first quarter in :27.4. Buzzsaw Russ was out and moving before the half and endured a first over journey into the stretch.

Buzzsaw Russ was strong heading to the wire, winning under wraps by two and one-quarter lengths in 1:51.0, a final quarter in :26.2. Ardens Ace N and LeWayne Miller finished second by a neck over Noblesville and Marcus Miller.

Buzzsaw Russ paid $2.40 as the heavy favorite. He is owned by Russ Beeman and Charles Weaver and trained by Melissa Essig. Devon Knepp and Devon Beechy bred and raised the gelding, who is now two for two in 2026.

Overall, Buzzsaw Russ has 18 wins and more than $857,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:48.2 was taken at three and he has paced under 1:49.0 the past two seasons, including a 1:47.4 clocking last year.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park cancelled the remainder of their program after Race 6 due to technical issues with the signal. Racing is back in action Thursday, March 5 beginning at 5:30 p.m. for the seventh program of 2026.

ISA Board of Directors hold first 2026 meeting

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:45:12 GMT

ISA Board of Directors hold first 2026 meeting

January 5, 2026 by Tammy Knox

The Indiana Standardbred Board of Directors reconvened for their first meeting of 2026 Monday, January 5 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield, Indiana. First on the agenda was to swear in those directors reelected as well as two new directors Jason Miller and Daryl Miller. Roger Young, ISA’s Counsel, provided the appropriate steps to officially secure the new board.

Matt Norris and Adam Kallick kicked off the business portion of the meeting with updates from the Statehouse. Norris noted the new session began Monday, January 5 and will run through February 27 for the non-budget year. Norris talked about several bills that could affect Indiana horse racing and Kallick gave some background on the processes, with the main focus on the concept of a casino license in Allen County.

Norris also gave an update on i-Gaming, which would allow gaming online. Kallick noted the legislators plan to submit a joint resolution this session talking about horse racing and its impact on the state, which will give racing another avenue of recognition for both the Senate and House. No date has been assigned to the resolution.

Officers were elected for the 2026 calendar year with John DeLong retaining the Presidents position. He will be joined by First Vice President Robert Taylor, Second Vice President Doug Rideout, and Rhys Helt as Treasurer, all reoccurring roles. Zach Miller was voted in as secretary of the board to replace outgoing director Emily Dever.

Committees were also updated for the year with Jamie Macomber moving into the chair position for breeding and sales. Daryl Miller also joined the committee. Jason Miller was added to the County Fair committee as well as the Commission Relations. Carrie Hollman moved into a position on the Grants committee and became the new chair of the Membership and Promotions, a committee that Daryl Miller was also added to. Hollman was also added to the Publications committee. Casandra and Rick Uppal were voted in as 2026 Horsemen’s Representatives along with April Neafus as the Transportation Driver.

Macomber gave an update on an upcoming sales gathering with a Breeders/Consignors meeting set for Friday, January 30 beginning at 3 p.m. at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on the lower level. Also, Premier Acres will offer an Open House event to introduce new stallions and offer a look at their facilities Saturday, January 31. Macomber also noted surveys were sent to consignors with emails on file and those results will be shared at the Breeders/Consignors meeting.

Time was spent discussing new ways to attract buyers in the state with discussion led by Ernie Gaskin before the focus was turned to pari-mutuel racing, which begins early this year in a little over a month. DeLong updated the board on some changes with Breed Development, including an added Aged Series and more money allocated to two-year-old races. President DeLong noted the first pari-mutuel committee meeting is set for Wednesday, January 7 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Zach Miller said eight applications had been received for college assistance. DeLong noted the first Commission Relations meeting would be held Wednesday, January 7. Doug Rideout reported on the recent County Fair meeting with most dates set. Racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will be expanded to four days the third week of June. State Fair racing dates were also established with Grand Circuit set for August 12, Governors Cup Championships set for August 19, and Elite racing August 31.

Executive Director Tony Renz asked for several approvals for the first quarter of the year, including an outing for ISA members at the Indianapolis Indians ballgame Sunday, April 26 with a 1:30 p.m. start. The board also approved the renewal of the Night Drive Partnership with Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Trading Cards for regional participants were also renewed with the Harness Horse Youth Foundation with Renz noting they are utilized during Speed Barn Tours and National FFA Convention activities. The Grattan Helmet initiative in 2025 had 23 orders and the board voted to renew the program with deep discounts to members in 2026.

Jay Hochstetler provided an update on the new Website design by John Adamsky. Kallick also added Adamsky’s work on a half-page ad that runs every other Friday in the Legislative Insight. The board also applauded Adamsky’s work with social media outlets and other initiatives last season.

The board voted to begin Chaplain Claudeen Webb’s employment a month early due to the early start date for racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Webb will begin February 1. Renz also noted all directors are invited to the Community Center ribbon cutting at Horseshoe Indianapolis at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 6. The facility will provide office and gathering space for horsemen and women as well as a chapel for church activities.

The ISA is currently seeking donations for their annual raffle and door prizes for the Indiana Standardbred Banquet coming up Saturday, January 24. Any donations may be made or arranged by contacting the ISA Office.

The ISA Board will hold their second meeting of 2026 Monday, February 2 at the ISA Office in Greenfield.