Veteran Im Fasterthanu still fighting good fight

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Im Fasterthanyu, who celebrated her 10^th birthday this week, has lived up to her name in five of her last eight trips to the post while carrying the banner of Fabiola Quevedo with Edwin Quevedo the conditioner and Luke Plano at the controls.

Interestingly, two of the three setbacks for the daughter of Cammibest came in starts where Plano was unable to sit in the sulky behind the veteran mare. She registered her most recent score two weeks ago when being re-united with Luke for the first time since recording a four-race winning streak during the month of November.

Leaving from the tough No. 9 slot in that assignment, Im Fasterthanu  was hard used early to the pocket, tracked to the lane then had the right answer when the question was asked and prevailed by three-quarters of a length while lowering her mark to 1:54 4/5 in the process. She was third in last week’s assignment after being hard-used on the front end.

“I bought her this fall from Canada because I thought she would fit here,” Edwin related. “She’s every easy to train and most of the time she acts more like she’s 4 or 5 than a mare who is turning 10. She’s feeling very good right now.”

The trainer was asked about the success his mare has had when she joins forces with Plano. “He does seem to have the right touch with her. He told me when he drives her, she seems to give her best.”

Im Fasterthanu will suit up once again on Friday while doing her work from the cozy rail post in the 11^th and final event on the program. It will be interesting to see if she can start off 2015 with a bang.

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There are four wagers here each night that come with the reduced 16% takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5; the Jackpot 6; the 20-cent Pick 4 and the 10-cent Hi-Five on the nitecap.

Cenalta Power has top billing in feature

Cenetla Power, an Open winner at the meet for Ryan Grundy, gets some class relief and heads the field for Friday’s main event at Cal Expo.

First post for the 11-race card is 6:40 p.m. and the headliner is set as the seventh event on the evening. A reminder that racing is now being conducted under the Watch and Wager LLC banner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Cenalta Power is a 6-year-old Alberta-bred son of Brandon’s Cowboy who is owned, trained and driven by Grundy. He has two victories from five appearances since coming down from Canada, including an 11-1 upset in the November 15 Open.

The bay gelding sat a tracking trip in that contest, ignited when the question was asked and was up by a half-length. He added a conditioned victory two starts later on December 13, lowering his lifetime mark to 1:52 4/5 with that nose decision.

Cenalta Power has returned to the Open ranks for his last two outings, checking in fifth and fourth behind the streaking St Lads Lotto in those appearances. He figures to appreciate getting away from that rival and looms large in his cast as he leaves from the No. 5 slot.

Taking him on are Stable Eyes, Country Jewel, Cowboy Cold, Rusty Skipp, Bubs Desire, Always Wanna, Alligator Falls, Allamerican Solo and Phantom Dan. The first two mentioned pacers are entered under filly-mare Open II conditions and were assigned the inside slots.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s card, a $10,000 California Sire Stakes headed by King Of The Crop and an Open Pace that brings out the aforementioned St Lads Lotto are the featured attractions.

Big New Year's Eve Card At The Raceway

London, December 30, 2014 -- The Raceway at Western Fair District will wrap up what has been a successful month with its annual New Year’s Eve racing program on Wednesday night - the final program of the 2014 season in London.

The 12-race program will once again feature the Auld Lang Syne Trot and Pace which are open to horses that last competed in a $5,000 claimer, with the oldest entrants receiving preference.

The night will also feature a ‘Heart of Harness Racing’ calendar giveaway with program purchase (while supplies last) as well as prize giveaways, a Raceway t-shirt toss and special editions of the Fun Wheel and Deal or No Deal.

On the wagering side, the early pick-4 will offer a $7,500 guaranteed pool while the late one has been bumped up to $10,000. It is also the last night for the Horseplayer Interactive (HPI) promotion where customers who wager $50 on The Raceway are entered for a chance to win one of 15 draws of a $150 deposit in their account.

“We start a little bit later on New Year’s Eve,” said Racing Manager Greg Blanchard of the 8:00 p.m. start time. “We look to end the card just a little bit before midnight and give customers a chance to ring in the New Year with us afterwards. There will be something for everyone and this has become one of the most anticipated nights on our racing calendar.”

Alfie Carroll and Vic Puddy will look to end off the season on a high note as they will capture their first driver and trainer title respectively at The Raceway. Carroll had three more wins on Tuesday night to put further distance between him and Trevor Henry in the driver’s race while Puddy added two more wins to his meet-leading total. Both will be in action on Wednesday night.

Customers have been showing their support at the windows for the month of December with the London oval on pace to easily surpass its single-month wagering record. The handle has topped $500,000 on four different occasions, including a $700,000 night on December 23^rd, and fans can expect large pools once again on the New Year’s Eve.

For more information and to download free race programs for Wednesday night’s card, visit www.westernfairdistrict.com.

SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR FORMER SBOANJ DIRECTOR BILL BUTLER

MANALAPAN, NJ – December 29, 2014 – Wilmer T. “Bill” Butler, a longtime horseman and former Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey director, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at his home on the family farm in the Franklin Township community of Asbury, NJ.

Butler was 88. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Devlin Funeral Home, 695 Corliss Avenue, Phillipsburg, NJ.  Visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to time of services in the funeral home. Burial will be in Bloomsbury Cemetery in Greenwich Township.

“He had been in failing health of late but still his ebullient self,” said his daughter Bonnie Butler, mayor of Franklin Township.

Bill Butler served in the Navy during World War II, competed on the rodeo circuit and managed his father’s auto agency on Staten Island before he entered the standardbred industry through another Staten Island native, Hall of Famer Anthony Abbatiello. 

“I knew Bill Butler since I was 16 years old,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento.  “He was the nicest, funniest and hardest working guy.  He was a horseman through and through.  He surely will be missed.  My heart goes out to his family.”

Butler began driving and training horses in 1962.  Butler’s Mountainview Farm was purchased by his father in 1946 as a weekend retreat. 

Among the top horses campaigned by Butler were Straight A by Dale Frost and Butler’s Burner by Oil Burner.

“Dad served on the SBOA Board for about eight years, beginning in the late 1960's and then later in the late 1970's into the 1990's - about 25 years total,” said Bonnie Butler.  “He originally got involved to insure that the horseman had a strong voice and was one of the key people involved in the implementation of the Health Insurance/Pension program.”

He is survived by two sons Kenneth Scarr and former driver-trainer, Robert Scarr; daughter, former driver-trainer, Dr. Bonnie Butler; grandchildren, Stream and his wife, Jackie and Sonia; and a great-granddaughter, Mia. His beloved wife of more than 50 years, the former Patricia Duff, passed away June 20, 2005.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Standardbred Retirement Foundation by visiting www.adoptahorse.org or Franklin Township Fire Co, PO Box 43, Broadway, NJ 08808.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES TUESDAY FOR ROBERT SHARKEY

Submitted by Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – December 29, 2014 – Sad news to report that longtime horseman Robert John Sharkey passed away on Friday, December 26, 2014 at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City, FL. 

Born on March 15, 1954 in Bayonne, NJ, he was 60.

Graveside services with military honors will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 Southwest 102^nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL.

Arrangements are by the Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home, 126 East New York Avenue, De Land, FL.  www.allensummerhillfuneralhome.com

Sharkey, which was the only name most people knew him by, was in the horse transportation and other horse-related occupations, working for trainers in New Jersey and New York for many years.

“He was always there to help,” said trainer Mark Ford.  “This is a tremendous loss to the Meadowlands and Yonkers horse community.”

In 2007, Sharkey was honored with the Stanley Dancer Media Award from the New Jersey Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.  The Dancer Award salutes an individual for their efforts on behalf of harness racing and their cooperation with the media.

At the time of the presentation, NJ-USHWA President Moira Fanning said: “He is dedicated, responsible and absolutely reliable.  Whenever someone needs a horse to train a legislator or media person for an exhibition race or any other media event, Bob Sharkey can be counted on to come through.  Sharkey is an absolute jewel, whose patience with newbies and inexperienced media people has made more converts to the sport of harness racing than can be counted.”

Dapper Dude Turns Tables on Wake Up Peter in Meadowlands Free-For-All

Sent off as the 4-1 third choice, Dapper Dude was asked for speed right off the gate by John Campbell and quickly made the early lead.  Campbell relinquished that lead through an opening quarter of 27-seconds to Beach Memories, but quickly re-took the advantage when the field straightened away on the backstretch.  Dapper Dude reached the half-mile in 54.2.  Meanwhile Wake Up Peter committed first over for Brett Miller and closed the gap on the leader going past three quarters in 1:22.3.  Dapper Dude accelerated in the stretch, but Wake Up Peter would not give in and kept coming after the leader.  Doctor Butch, who was tracking the cover of Wake Up Peter also began to close in on the top two.  But, Dapper Dude was able to keep his rivals at bay, turning the tables on Wake Up Peter to score in 1:49.1, just one-fifth off his lifetime mark.

Dapper Dude is trained by Jeffrey Smith for Robert McIntosh Stables Inc and Al McIntosh Holdings Inc.

Warrawee Needy got back to his winning ways, leading for much of the mile in the seventh race $20,000 B-1 Pace.  Sent off as the lukewarm 5/2 favorite, Warrawee Needy showed good speed off the gate and continued moving forward until he wrestled the lead away from Michael's Power going past the opening quarter in 26.2.  Warrawee Needy settled down nicely for Mark MacDonald tonight, getting to the half-mile in 54.4 before picking up the pace around the far turn, hitting three-quarters in a strong 1:22.1.  He was chased all the way to the wire by pocket-sitting Michael's Power, but was able to fend off that old rival to score in 1:49.1.  Rockin Wizard went a big trip first over to be third.

Warrawee Needy is trained by Mark Ford who co-owns the winner with David Shea and Carl Jamieson.

The other B-1 division was won by Capozzo in a mild 8-1 upset. Making a strong move first over into some tepid fractions, Capozzo made the lead at the head of the stretch and held off a rally from Sweet Rock to score in 1:50.2.  The win marked the third on the night for driver Corey Callahan.  He steered Capozzo for trainer Mark Capone and owners Thomas Finelli and Salvator Capone.

Brett Miller won three races on the card while John Campbell and Tim Tetrick both earned driving doubles on the Saturday program.

Handle for the Saturday program was $3,065,235.

Tonight The Meadowlands said good-bye to 2014 with a promotion for it's customers where they could win a share of $2,014.  The big winner was Lisa Origono who won $500.  The promotion will return next Friday, January 2nd, where contestants will compete for a share of $2,015 as The Meadowlands rings in the new year.

Racing resumes on Friday, January 2nd with first post time at 7:15 P.M.  There will be a pair of carryovers into that program.  The fifth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 will sport a carryover of $2,056 into the Friday program while the 13^th race Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover is up to $21,319.

Stable Eyes rewarding the faithful

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Even if Stables Eyes goes the rest of the meet without winning a race, she won’t owe her backers a thing.

In her last two appearances, the Tim Clevenger owned, trained and driven mare has reported to the winner’s circle at 13-1 and most recently at 35-1, and she’ll try to pull off the hat trick in Sunday’s feature.

The 6-year-old Million Dollar Cam mare did the majority of the heavy lifting herself two weeks ago when she captured the Distaff Open II, then worked out a perfect trip with Clevenger in last week’s tour and rallied up the rail for that $72 surprise against one mare and five boys.

There is something for every type of handicapper in Sunday’s headliner. Class players are likely to line up behind Rusty Shipp, who has had the thankless task of squaring off against the streaking St Lads Lotto at the top level in his two appearances since shipping in from Pennsylvania for Ray Burt.

In addition to Stable Eyes, those who like the sharp horse on the upswing angle will be embracing Bit Player, who has worked his way up from the lowest claiming level and will be gunning for his fourth straight tally for trainer Patricia Minnella and pilot Luke Plano.

                                         ******

Fans are reminded that are four wagers offered here each night that come with a reduced 16% takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5; the 10-cent Jackpot 6; the 20-cent Pick 4; and the 10-cent Hi-Five on the nightcap.

By the way, last Sunday when there were mandatory payouts, the Jackpot 6 returned $2,106 for 10 cents. A 10-cent parlay on the same six horses would have been worth $87. Talk about value.

Contentious cast set for Sunday main event

Sunday’s feature brings out an interesting field of pacers, with class-dropping Rusty Skipp; the streaking Bit Player and the sharp mare Stable Eyes among the major players.

First post for the Sunday Watch and Wager LLC card is 4:40 p.m. and there will be 10 races on the program. The feature is set as the eighth contest on the evening.

Rusty Skipp is getting some serious class relief in this spot after chasing home St Lads Lotto at the Open level in his two starts since coming in from Pocono Downs. Ray Burt conditions the son of Dragon Again for Roslyn Delgaudio and Williams Hernandez will handle the lines.

Rusty Skipp comes into this assignment just shy of the $200,000 earnings plateau with a 1:51 4/5 mark that was established last season at Dover Downs. He has six victories from 36 starts this year and will appreciate the easier company after knocking heads with the best on the grounds in his first two outings here.

Bit Player is seeking for his fourth straight trip to the winner’s circle while once again climbing the class ladder for Emilio Cisneros and trainer Patricia Minella. His last three scores have come with Luke Plano at the helm while taking the measure of $3,000 and $4,000 claimers, with a 1:53 flat lifetime-best tour two weeks ago.

Stable Eyes is looking for a hat trick after having posted upsets at 13-1 and 35-1 in her last two trips to the post for owner/driver/trainer Tim Clevenger. The 6-year-old Millon Dollar Cam mare was a 1:53 2/5 victress earlier this year at Hoosier Park.

Rounding out the field are Love Live Laugh with Tim Maier; County Jewel, who will have the services of Dave Sigel; Laissez Moi Passer; Mattox’s Spencer with James Guagliardo; and No Gin, who gives the Burt barn two looks at the outcome with James Kennedy in the bike. 

CRAWFORD FARMS NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF MEADOWLANDS PACE

New York-based breeding farm makes three-year commitment to signature event beginning in 2015

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (December 23, 2014) – Crawford Farms, a leading New York-based breeding operation, and Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment have agreed to a three-year sponsorship deal that will make Crawford Farms the title sponsor of the Meadowlands Pace through 2017. Crawford Farms served as a major sponsor of “The Pace” in 2014.

“We have made a long term commitment, which the industry needs, to the Meadowlands and the Meadowlands Pace and we are ecstatic that this race is held at a venue like no other in the sport,” said Michelle Crawford of Crawford Farms.  “It is a dream come true to be able to sponsor one of the biggest events in harness racing and to be able to bring people to a state of the art entertainment facility with top restaurants and clubs.”

The Meadowlands Pace has been held annually since 1977, when Escort won the inaugural edition. He’s Watching won the 2014 Pace in a record time of 1:46.4.

“We are grateful to Crawford Farms for stepping up to the plate and partnering with us to help promote the Meadowlands Pace for the next three years,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, CEO/GM of Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment. “The Crawfords continue to make a major investment in harness racing that is paramount to the long-term success of the entire industry.”

Crawford added: “We strongly believe that regardless of your level of participation in this amazing sport, everyone on every level from owners to trainers to drivers need to step up and contribute their time and money to the sport that pays them back so it stays alive with passion and is able to thrive for years to come.”

Live racing resumes at the Meadowlands Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.PlayMeadowlands.com.

ABOUT CRAWFORD FARMS

Crawford Farms is a family-owned and operated farm since 1966. The farm is located on more than 100 acres in Durhamville, NY. In the recent years Albert & Michelle Crawford have greatly improved and expanded the Crawford Farms facility to include approximately 55 broodmares, more than two dozen racing horses, state of the art breeding/foaling facilities, plush pastures, a retirement paddock, and a half mile trotting track. Visit Crawford Farms online at www.crawfordfarms.com

Ake, Ake, Ake! Svanstedt Goes Three for Three at The Meadowlands

Ake Svandstedt sent three horses to the post Friday night at The Meadowlands.  His trio won all three of their starts.

First, the second race, a trot carrying a non-winners of 2 condition went to Annapolis.  Allowed to sit a pocket trip through fractions of 28, 56.4 and 1:26, Tim Tetrick guided his three year old filly up the pylons in the stretch where she sprinted past pace-setter Maximus Deo, who would fade to third, to score a decisive victory in 1:55 at odds of 6-1.  Oneida rallied for the runner-up spot.  It was the first of two victories on the card for driver Tim Tetrick.  Annapolis is owned by Green Acquisition Corporation.

On the heels of Annapolis was Dreams Of Thunder, sent to the post at 4-1 with Matt Kakaley in the third race C-2 Trot for Svanstedt.  Just like Annapolis before him, he turned a perfect pocket trip into an easy victory in 1:55.1.  The win also sparked a daily double for owners Green Acquisition Corporation.

Svanstedt had to wait until the 11th race for his third start of the night, but Blixtra was worth the wait.  Leaving hard from post 10 with Tim Tetrick, Blixtra made the lead through fractions of 27.2, 56 and 1:24.1 with Empress Deo in hot pursuit right behind her in the pocket.  Turning for home, the even money favorite and the second choice, Empress Deo kicked away from the field and hooked up in a stretch duel where Empress Deo just could not get her nose in front of a game Blixtra as the favorite hung on in a lifetime best 1:51.3. Blixtra is owned by Courant A B and gave Tim Tetrick his third winner of the night.

The dice came up 10 early and often at The Meadowlands on Friday evening. In fact, four of the first six winners donned the number 10 saddle pad and five overall.  One of which came in the sixth race, $16,000 B-2 Trot with Lindy's Tru Grit who graduated from his C-1 victory in style with a repeat win at the B-2 level at 8-1. The race was hotly-contested with a speed duel through opening fractions of 26.4 and 55.2 with Here Comes Numbers and Cocotier battling on the lead.  Modest Prince was launched three-wide on the far turn, with War Cry Hall just off his helmet.  But, it was Lindy's Tru Grit, stacked up fourth over through three-quarters of 1:24.1 who accelerated dramatically in the stretch and mowed down the field, drawing clear to win in a lifetime mark of 1:52.2.  The winner was driven by Andy Miller for his wife Julie Miller and owned by Lindy Racing Stable and Robert Rudolph.

The other $16,000 B-2 Trot belonged to a drop and pop winner, named Il Mago.  Asserting himself early in the mile, Il Mago established fractions of 28, 57 and 1:26.1 before powering away in the stretch to win impressively in 1:54.1. The class drop paid dividends for the 2-1 favorite and driver Scott Zeron.  Il Mago is trained by Mark Harder who co-owns the five year old son of Kadabra along with Chris Alexander Stables Inc.

Dave Miller also had a big night, winning five races on the Friday card, including four of the last seven races.

The fifth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 was hit for $12,101.  That pool will start fresh on Saturday.

The 13th race Jackpot Super Hi-5 will carry over into the Saturday program.  That carryover now stands at $17,867.

The 13-race Friday program sported a handle of $2,737,008.  Racing resumes on Saturday with first post time at 7:15 P.M.

TRIXTON TO BE HONORED AS 2014 NJ STANDARDBRED OF THE YEAR

MANALAPAN, NJ – December 23, 2014 – Hambletonian winner Trixton will receive the 2014 Secretary of Agriculture’s Trophy as New Jersey Standardbred of the Year as selected by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Trixton and Deo Volente Farms, the 2014 New Jersey Breeder of the Year and the trotter’s new home, will be among the honorees at the 58th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Luncheon at 1 p.m. on January 25, 2015 at Charley’s Other Brother in Eastampton Township, NJ.

Trixton will begin his career as a stallion in 2015, standing at Deo Volente Farms in Franklin Township, NJ for a fee of $12,000.

“We think Mike Gulotta [CEO of Deo Volente Farms] has demonstrated great foresight to stand Trixton in New Jersey,” said Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association President Tom Luchento.  “We hope breeders will share his faith in the future of the New Jersey program and breed their mares to Trixton.”

Trixton was one of three stellar three-year-old trotting colts in the stable of Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter in 2014, heading into the prestigious Hambletonian on August 2 at the Meadowlands.  While his stablemates, Father Patrick and Nuncio, seemed like the stronger contenders, it was Trixton who prevailed, with Takter  picking up his first Hambletonian as a driver and third as a trainer [Malabar Man in 1997 and Muscle Massive in 2010].  Nuncio was second and Father Patrick made an uncharacteristic break in stride, finishing out of contention.

Trixton’s sire, Muscle Hill, is a son of Muscles Yankee; all three generations are Hambletonian winners and stallions who have stood in New Jersey. 

Trixton’s 2014 victories also included the Good Times, Simpson, Reynolds, Simcoe and the New Jersey Sire Stakes Championship.  He was also honored as New Jersey Sire Stakes Horse of the Year.

A $360,000 Lexington Selected Sale purchase, the trotter raced for the partnership of Bengt Agerup’s Brixton Medical AB of Orsundsbro, Sweden and Christina Takter of East Windsor, NJ.  He was bred by Steve H. Stewart of Paris, KY; Martti Ala-Seppala of Hollola, Finland and John Bootsman of Ekero, Sweden.

In two seasons of racing, Trixton earned $947,057, taking a mark of 1:50.3 and posting 12 wins, two seconds and two thirds in 19 career starts.

For tickets to the awards luncheon, which are $35 each, contact Kim Tkacs at 609-292-8830. 

Qualifiers at Monticello Raceway cancelled this week

Due to impending heavy rains on Wednesday December 24, qualifiers will be postponed until the following week

Wake Up Peter Triumphs in Free For All Handicap

Remmen Trainee in Career Form

            Wake Up Peter entered tonight’s $30,000 A-2/A-1/Free For All Handicap with two wins in his last four starts.  He left the racetrack tonight three for his last five.  Leaving for forward position off the wings of the gate, the 5/2 second choice Wake Up Peter found a comfortable spot, fourth along the pylons, where Brett Miller showed patience through an opening quarter of 27-seconds flat.  When Sante Fe Beachboy, who was pacing just ahead of Wake Up Peter pulled first over, Wake Up Peter quickly grabbed his cover and drafted off Yannick Gingras’ helmet through a 54.2 half mile and a three quarter clocking of 1:21.2.  Brett Miller pulled on the right line and Wake Up Peter responded and drew clear to a two length win, stopping the timer in 1:48.4.  Dapper Dude was second and Handsome Henry K rallied to be third.

            In a post-race interview Brett Miller referred to Wake Up Peter’s determination as the difference maker.  “He is a very good horse, but more than that he always gives 100-percent, everytime, he gives 100-percent.”

            The victory marked the 14^th time the son of Rocknroll Hanover has made it to the winner’s circle this season with earnings of $248,710 for the year.  Wake Up Peter is trained by Larry Remmen for owner Bradley Grant.

            In the $20,000 B-1 Pace, Doctor Butch returned dividends as the even-money favorite to score in 1:50.1.

            Having found trouble in each of his last four starts in the top-class at The Meadowlands, Doctor Butch moved first over for Tim Tetrick and with nothing but racetrack in front of him, the son of Art Major responded to the clear sailing, pacing strong through the stretch while holding off both Rockin Wizard and Sweet Rock to win on the class drop.  Despite the first over move into strong fractions of 26.2, 54.2 and 1:23, Doctor Butch was able to sustain his rally for Linda Toscano who earned her first training win of the meet and owner Kenneth Jacobs.

            Gold Rocks made it two in a row, scoring a powerful win in the $20,000 B-2/B-1 Handicap for three year olds.  Electing to stay along the pylons while Winds Of Change established a quick tempo of 27.3, 55.1 and 1:22.4, Gold Rocks waited until the stretch to make his move.  When Tim Tetrick found room, he guided Gold Rocks outside of his rivals where he stormed past them all to win in 1:50.4 for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr and owners Stephen Herrick and Bruce Soulsby.

            K-Lees Shakenbake rallied from far back again to win the $16,000 B-2 Pace in race four.  Despite getting away last from the widest post, the son of Raycer Thad tracked a stalled outer flow while the fractions were hot and heavy up front.  Warrawee Needy was wheeling off a 26.1, 53.3 and 1:20.3 clip and he fought all the way to the wire.  But, he could not hold off the oncoming K-Lees Shakenbake who was a last to first winner for the second consecutive week, tripping the timer in 1:49.3, establishing a new lifetime mark with driver Scott Zeron.  The winner is trained by David M. Smith and owned by Randall Bendis and Thomas Pollack.

            There will be a pair of carryovers into the Friday card at The Meadowlands.  The 13^th race Jackpot Super Hi-5 features a carryover of $14,924, while the 5^th race Jackpot Super Hi-5 Carryover stands at $2,258.

            Racing resumes on Friday, December 26^th with first post time at 7:15 P.M.  The Meadowlands would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season.

Coffee Addict Rallies to Capture Meadowlands Feature

            On a brisk December night at The Meadowlands, a $22,500 B-1/A-2 Filly and Mare Handicap Pace headlined a robust overnight card with full and competitive fields.

            Sent off as the 2-1 favorite, Coffee Addict, the runner-up at this level the previous week, was allowed to settle off the pace for Corey Callahan.  A keyed up Crazy On You made the lead to the quarter in 27.2 before yielding to the brush of Momma Rock, who would take the field into the stretch, through fractions of 54.4 and 1:23.2.  With Montenegro applying persistent pressure to the leader, Coffee Addict was able to track the first over Montenegro while sitting in perfect stalking position second over. Callahan flipped his mare out and she rolled through the stretch, holding off the rallying UF Dragon’s Queen to score in 1:51.3.  The winner is owned by James Clarke Sr. and Andrew Altobelli and trained by Bruce Saunders.

With the winter late closer series’ just a few weeks away at The Meadowlands, those prepping for the January events took to the track Friday night.  One trotter in particular emerged as a potential horse to beat in one of those events, The Super Bowl.

            In the first race, a non-winners of two trotting event, Opulent Yankee was sent off as a 1/9 favorite and did not disappoint.  Leaving from post five with Andy Miller in the sulky, Opulent Yankee was allowed to settle just off the speed through a 29-second opening quarter.  From there, Miller guided his trotter to the outside, where Opulent Yankee accelerated and moved to the lead and would never look back.  The son of Muscles Yankee wheeled through fractions of 57 and 1:26.4 under no urging whatsoever.  That continued in the stretch, as Miller didn’t have to move a muscle with Opulent Yankee dominating through the stretch to win in 1:55.3.  It was the second lifetime win for the $4,000 Harrisburg yearling.  His other win came at The Red Mile in a sparkling 1:51.4.  Opulent Yankee is owned by Jeff Gural’s Little E L.L.C. and trained by Julie Miller.

            Mistery Woman got back to her winning ways, scoring a decisive victory in the $20,000 B-2/B-1 Handicap Trot.  Sent off as the 6/5 favorite, Mistery Woman sat off the pace through fractions of 28- and 56-seconds flat, before following the move of Up Front Billy, securing the lead on the way to three quarters in 1:24.2 and leveling off in the stretch to score in 1:53.3 with Corey Callahann in the bike.  Earlier in the season, Mistery Woman defeated 2013 Horse of the Year, Bee A Magician as well as the 2014 Aged Mare Trotter of the Year, Classic Martine in the Allerage Trot for Fillies and Mares at The Red Mile.  Tonight, she held off the late rally of the talented Master of Law to earn the victory.  Mistery Woman is owned by Millstream Stable L.L.C and Aldebaran Park Inc. and trained by Jonas Czernyson.

In the third race, a $20,000 B-2/B-1 Handicap Trot for three year olds, Mister Anson pulled the upset of the night, scoring at 31-1.  It Really Matters, led through an opening quarter of 27.4 before yielding to 3/5 favorite Odds On Amethystm, who trotted on the lead for the next three eighths of a mile, before breaking stride midway through the far turn, allowing It Really Matters to inherit the lead.  But, Mister Anson was just behind the new leader through three quarters of 1:24.2 where he pounced on the leader, drawing clear to win rather easily, despite paying $64 to win.  The victory made it back to back wins for Mister Anson for Darrell Tibbetts and trainer David Duspiva.  Mark MacDonald guided the son of Conway Hall to that second consecutive win.

The thirteenth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 went unclaimed again, sparking a carryover of $11,900.53 into the thirteenth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 on Saturday night.

Total handle for the Friday program was $2,701,379 yielding an increase of nearly five percent compared to the $2,593,468 wagered on this same Friday in 2013. 

Racing resumes on Saturday, with first post time at 7:15 P.M.

Ryan Grundy brings familiar name with him

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

One of the new faces here from Alberta is Ryan Grundy, who has certainly made his presence known through Cenalta Power, a pacer who has won two of his three starts here including a lifetime-best 1:52 4/5 score last weekend.

If the name Grundy sounds familiar, it’s because 33-year-old is the great nephew of Jim Grundy, a mainstay on this circuit for decades and one of the best driver/trainers to every ply their trade in California.

“I grew up around the horses,” Ryan related. “I was probably about 6 years old when I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

It was Jim Grundy’s brother, Art, who was a mentor to Ryan. “My grandfather is the one who taught me everything. He was very good at bringing young horses to the races and did all his own shoeing, which I also do.”

Grundy struck out on his own in his early 20’s, starting out on the fair circuit in Manitoba while spending the last 10 years racing over the five-eighths and mile tracks in Alberta.

He has come down with his wife Ashley, and they have 10 horses here, with Cenalta Power being the star of the barn.

“I’ve had him since he was a yearling and we’re real pleased with what he’s done so far on this track,” Ryan noted.

Grundy, who will be here until very close to the end of the meeting, was asked if he has a preference when it comes to driving different-sized tracks. “I prefer a mile track like this one,” he replied. “On the half-mile, you can’t win very often if you’re not up front, and the post position is such a huge factor. A mile track is much fairer.”

Mandatory payouts, Open Pace highlight program

A $6,000 Open Pace featuring St Lads Lotto headlines the Sunday night card at Cal Expo, with mandatory payouts in all wagers, including the 10-cent Jackpot 6.

A 13-card is on tap with first post set at 4:40 p.m. Beginning next week on December 26, racing will be conducted here three nights a week, with the trotters and pacers in action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

St Lad Lotto is a 4-year-old Ontario-bred son of Stonebridge Eagle who carries the banner of Ferne and Jack Frydman, is conditioned by Mark Winnacott and will have Steve Wiseman at the controls while doing his work from the outside slot in the field of seven.

A 1:52 winner last season at Mohawk, the dark-hued performer had to settle for minor awards in his first two starts at this meet, but has had his picture taken four times in a row since, the last two at the Open level.

The most recent decision came last week as the 9-5 favorite. St Lads Lotto left into a tracking position in that event, made a strong brush to command past the half, then continued powerfully through the lane to prevail by four lengths in a 1:52 3/5 clocking over the “good” track.

A Real Miracle completed the exacta that night in a solid effort from the demanding Nol 10 post. The 4-year-old Real Desire homebred races for Junior Wilkinson, Billie Schwartz and Ivan Axelrod, with Wilkinson doing the training and Luke Plano once again handling the lines.

******

Happy Holidays! A reminder that beginning December 26, the Watch and Wager LLC meet expands to three nights a week, with the trotters and pacers in action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

EDDIE LOHMEYER IS A CLASS ACT

When Eddie Lohmeyer was a youngster he always knew he wanted a career in harness racing. At the age 12 he worked with his uncle, Al Manzi—Catello’s father-- who at that time trained horses at the fabled  Good Time Park in Goshen NY and every chance he had, Lohmeyer would go to a training or racing facility to work with the horses.

And it was understandable since he was a member of a large harness racing family which  not only included his dad and brother, but three uncles and five cousins, including yours truly.

Upon graduating Monticello High School in 1961 Lohmeyer never even gave a thought about college opting instead to train and drive harness horses,.

Right from the reel Eddie showed that he had talent and as a  youngster  he developed into an outstanding driver and showed he could handle a race horse with the best of the seasoned veterans.

Though barely out of his teens Lohmeyer was off to an burgeoning career as a harness driver but all  was interrupted when  in the mid-1960’s Uncle Sam said: “Here I Am”. And given the choice after being drafted, Lohmeyer opted to join the proud Marines and served in Vietnam.

Upon retuning to the States after his tour of duty, Lohmeyer picked up where he left off.  He won driving titles at Green Mountain Park, Freehold Raceway, Atlantic City Raceway, Liberty Bell Park and Monticello Raceway and his stable grew larger and more powerful.

But Lohmeyer was smarter than most in that he also possessed a great business acumen. And his talent for training, driving and buying and selling race horses, has paid major dividends.

His first great horse was his dad’s homebred colt, Eddy Jeff, named for him and his brother Jeffrey. Eddy Jeff was the leading money winning two year old pacer in the nation in 1971 when the colt earned in excess of $110,000.

Hooking up with such patrons as Stonegate Farms, Bob Tucker; John Stoddard; Peter Heffering;  John  Van Kirk; and even former Secretary of the Treasury, Bill Simon, Lohmeyer, a kid from the country  developed into a class act, a persona that has followed him throughout his career..

By 1980 Lohmeyer had driven over 2000 winners mostly in an era where the opportunity to race horses was limited to just eight or nine months a year.

Over the years he has developed some of the biggest names in racing. Horses like Pacific Rocket; Pacific Fella, Landslide, Nuclear Siren, Mickie Rodney Skipper Dexter, Dunroven, Pacific Dynasty, Joanna’s Time and others too numerous to mention have vaulted Lohmeyer to the top of the game and he is one of the most respected horsemen competing today.

Now, in his sixth decade in the standardbred industry, in recent years Eddie turns the lines over to some of  the sports top catch-drivers, which also included his cousin, Cat Manzi, that is, before the Catman retired from driving.

Lohmeyer will admit that one of his all time favorite horses was Eddy Jeff, obviously because the colt was a family pet and the first star of his illustrious career. But when asked flat out, he will tell you that from the countless horses he has developed or has been involved with in  the nearly 55 years he’s been in the game,  Pacific Fella is his all-time favorite even  choosing him over his  $2.33 million earner, Pacific Rocket.

“Pacific Fella was gritty and a great race horse. In fact he set the Hoosier Park track record of 1:48:2 in 1998  and it wasn’t until 2010 that the record was lowered,” he boasts.  “Still his (Pacific Fella) race time is the third fastest ever there.

Lohmeyer’s career could fill a book or even be good fodder for a movie, and to single out a few of his wonderful experiences is no easy task. But of all the champions he has come across in his lifetime none is finer than his lovely and accomplished wife, Dr. Patty Hogan, the extraordinary veterinarian of Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex fame.

In an industry where owners often change trainers to this day, after nearly 45 years, Lohmeyer still trains horses for Bob Tucker’s  Stonegate Farm.  In fact last year Tucker’s  2 year old pacing filly sensation, Ideal Nuggets, trained by Lohmeyer, took  a record of 1:50.2 ,earned nearly $190,000, and figures to be among the best sophomore pacing fillies during the 2015 campaign.

“I guess I’ve been blessed in all aspects of my life,” he admits . “I’ve  had some great horses over the years and no way am I ready to hang up my colors. Who knows, that Hambletonian or Little Brown Jug winner may come from my barn one of these days.”

Jackpot up for grabs this weekend at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

There is a $20,134 carryover in the Jackpot 6 going into Saturday’s card, with a mandatory payout set for Sunday, so there is a great chance to turn a small bet into a large payday this weekend.

The Jackpot 6 is a 10-cent wager with a reduced 16% takeout that is contested on races 3 through 8 on the program. The wager finds 70% of the net pool paying out nightly to the tickets with most winners when there are multiple tickets, with the remaining 30% designated for the carryover.

A single winning ticket takes home the entire pool and the carryover. There is a mandatory payout on Sunday, so if the Jackpot 6 should carry over on Saturday, a large payoff is very possible.

A new Jackpot 6 will start when racing resumes Friday, December 26, as the Watch and Wager LLC meet expands to three nights a week.

“Cal Expo is the first harness track in America to offer a Jackpot Pick 6,” Cal Expo General Manger Chris Schick explained. "The wager was targeted toward the lottery type player, and our regulars have also liked being able to take a shot with say 120 combination tickets for $12 as well.”

In addition to the Jackpot 6, there are three other wagers offered here nightly that come with that reduced 16% takeout. They are the 50-cent Pick 5; the 20-cent Pick 4; and the 10-cent Hi-Five on the nitecap.

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Happy Holidays! A reminder that beginning December 26, the Watch and Wager LLC meet expands to three nights a week, with the trotters and pacers in action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

**********

Its Not Over, El Azteca head Open Trot

Its Not Over and El Azteca, who have dominated things at the head of the class here at this meeting, go at it once again in Saturday night’s featured $6,000 Open Trot.

A 14-race card is set with first post at 5:45 p.m.. Racing is now being conducted on Saturday and Sunday evenings, with Friday racing being added to the mix beginning December 26.

El Azteca accounted for the first top dances for the trotting set at this session, but it has been Its Not Over who has prevailed in the last three Open Trots with El Azteca his most immediate victim.

Its Not Over is a 4-year-old son of Panama Hanover out of the Andover Hall mare Hanover Hall It who races for Richard Dryden and Debra Budahn, is conditioned by Bob Johnson and will once again have Chip Lackey in the sulky while leaving from the demanding No.10 post.

After a needed outing on October 25, Its Not Over has rattled off three straight victories at the top rung, putting his class and versatility on display in the process. He played the role of stalker in his November 1 tally, made every pole a winning one on November 23 and then did his work in first-over fashion over a sloppy track at most recent asking.

El Azteca is another Panama Hanover offspring who is owned, trained and was bred by Marco Rios with James Kennedy handling the lines. He comes into this assignment with $124,000 in his account and a 1:54 3/5 mark that was set this year at Hoosier Park.

He captured the October 18 and 25 Opens, but has had to settle for the second money behind Its Not Over in the last three top clashes for the division. El Azteca lost his best chance in the slop last time when he made an early miscue and for this go-around he is drawn inside his main rival in the No. 9 slot. 

NOMINATION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR YONKERS’ 2015 SERIES, SHEPPARD PACE

 BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, December 18, 2014—Nomination forms are now available for Yonkers Raceway’s 2015 series, plus the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace.

In closing date/chronological order, they are Petticoat/Sagamore Hill (Feb. 1), YR/SOA of New York Bonus Trotting Series (Feb. 15), Blue Chip Matchmaker/George Morton Levy Memorial (March 1),  Sheppard Pace (April 1, sustaining payment May 1) and Jackpot Next Door Claiming Series (Apr. 15).

Copies of each form accompanies this release.    

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015petticoat-sagamorehillnomination.pdf

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015bluechipmatchmakernomination.pdf

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015georgemortonlevynomination.pdf

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015lawrencesheppardnomination.pdf

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015%20YR-SOA%20Bonus%20Trot%20Series%20Nomination.pdf

http://empirecitycasino.com/uploadedFiles/2015jackpotnextdoorseriesnomination.pdf

            The Raceway's 2015 live schedule (along with the return of evening simulcasting) is set to begin Friday, Jan. 9, pending approval of the New York State Gaming Commission. Afternoon simulcasting continues through Monday, then resumes Friday, Dec. 26, after the conclusion of NYRA’s holiday respite. 

SBOANJ HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT DUE BY DECEMBER 31

--Submitted by Carol Hodes for SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ -- December 17, 2014 – The deadline is approaching for open enrollment for the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey health insurance program for qualified drivers, trainers and grooms who are not currently insured. 

Eligible participants must be enrolled by December 31, 20143 to qualify for 2015 coverage. 

Application forms and other information are available on sboanj.com under the Health Insurance link.

Meadowlands To Add 2nd Jackpot Super Hi-5 Wager

Wager to be offered in both 5^th and 13^th race each night

Beginning Friday, The Meadowlands will be adding a second Jackpot Super H-5 Wager to the wagering format.  The wager will be added to the fifth race wagering menu.  The fifth race each night will feature a 12-horse field and will be contested at 1 1/8^th miles.  The 13^th race will continue to offer a Jackpot Super Hi-5, but will feature a 10-horse field and the race will be contested at the standard one mile distance.

The two pools will be kept completely separate from one another.  Any carryover from the fifth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 will carry over to the fifth race on the next racing program.  Any carryover from the 13^th race Jackpot Super Hi-5 will carry over to the 13^th race on the next racing program.

“The bettors have responded well to the implementation of this wager,” said Director of Racing Operations, Darin Zoccali.  “We believe providing a second opportunity for our customers to bet into this low takeout wager is great for the betting public and it will also give us an opportunity to see how the wager performs in slightly different environments.”

“The 12-horse field makes it much more likely that there could be one winner, as the jackpot was hit three times in the first eight nights, returning $40,502, $15,608 and $15,527.  We believe the 10-horse field will make hitting the jackpot more difficult, which will result in building up a larger carryover pool which adds to the excitement of the racing card.  By offering two separate wagers, with different size fields, we can accommodate the player that is looking to hit the jackpot every night and the player who is looking to bet into the massive carryover pool.”

Both Jackpot Super Hi-5 wagers will feature the reduced eight-percent (8%) takeout and will be offered with a $.20 cent minimum.

MEADOWLANDS RACING & ENTERTAINMENT DONATES TO TOYS FOR TOTS

Hundreds of toys and gifts delivered Monday, December 15

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (December 16, 2014) – This holiday season will be a little brighter for hundreds of area children thanks to a massive donation to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program by Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. Hundreds of toys were collected during the past three weeks by the employees and customers at the Meadowlands. The Meadowlands has participated in the Toys for Tots program for more than a decade.

“I am so proud of all of our employees and guests that made donations this year,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, GM/CEO of Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment. “You can’t help but smile when you think about all of the children who will have a special holiday season that otherwise might not have received any gifts.”

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment hosts live harness racing Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:15 p.m. General admission and parking is free.

Meadowlands, Tioga, Vernon Implement “Zero Tolerance” Kicking Policy

Drivers may be disqualified from participation due to any infractions

 East Rutherford, NJ (December 16^th) - Effective immediately, The Meadowlands, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs will be enforcing a “zero-tolerance” policy when it comes to drivers violating rules associated with the “kicking or nudging” of a horse.

This past Saturday, Meadowlands C.E.O and General Manager, Jason Settlemoir along with Presiding Judge John Tomasello met with the drivers and informed them of this policy.

            

Any driver that is cited for an infraction pertaining to “kicking or nudging a horse,” will be suspended for seven (7) days by the judges at The Meadowlands.  In addition, the management at The Meadowlands, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs will reserve the right to disqualify that driver from participation at all three racetracks.

The rule exists in the New Jersey Racing Commission Rule Book and can be found in 13:71-20.15:

“The brutal use of a whip or blunt spur, kicking a horse with a foot, striking a horse with the whip under the seat of the sulky or indiscriminate use of a whip may be considered a violation.”

Furthermore, if a driver is cited for a “kicking or nudging” violation at any racetrack other than three properties operated by Jeff Gural, the management at The Meadowlands, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs will reserve the right to disqualify that driver from participation at all three racetracks.

“We have a responsibility to our horses and to the public that we are putting forth the most integrity-driven and safest product possible,” said Meadowlands Chairman Jeff Gural.  

“Regardless of the debate that has been ongoing related to this issue, as far as we are concerned, perception is reality and it looks terrible, therefore we will not tolerate it.  I hope our having to take action on this issue will not be required to demonstrate how serious we are about this subject.”

            

This policy will be in effect when The Meadowlands resumes racing on Friday, December 19^th.

RCI Creates Scientific Advisory Board, Invites RMTC to Consider Merger

 TUCSON, Az. - The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) has voted to create a permanent scientific advisory board to develop recommendations upon which anti-doping programs are conducted, modeled in part after the process conducted in human sport by the Partnership for Clean Competition.

“The RCI Board believes the advisory process on racing medication and anti-doping policy can be strengthened and redundancies eliminated,” RCI Chairman John T. Ward, Jr. said. “As regulators, we have the exclusive responsibility to make and enforce the rules and given current challenges we believe it is time to restructure the advisory process to make it stronger.”

The action was prompted by numerous factors: functional concerns about the current scientific advisory process, transparency, non-participation of key experts, and the withdrawal of the United States Trotting Association from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC).

Regulators from twenty-one major racing jurisdictions directed RCI President Ed Martin to send a formal letter to the RMTC, proposing a partial or complete merger of the organization into a reconstituted RCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee. (Letter follows).

“Given the economic challenges faced by the racing industry, we believe any effort to eliminate redundancies and simplify processes is the right way to go,” Martin said.

Should the RMTC accept an invitation to merge, it would not be the first time that RCI has worked to effectuate a racing industry merger. In 2005, the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association merged with RCI. “Today, our collective effort is stronger, more professional, and effective than when we had two groups,” Martin wrote.

“The current policy formation process has seven steps. We think that can be cut to five,” Martin said. (See chart below)

Membership on the Scientific Advisory Board is by appointment of the RCI Chairperson. Information as to its membership will be posted on the RCI website when fully constituted.

###

December 15, 2014

Board of Directors

Racing Medication and Testing Consortium

C/o Alex Waldrop, RMTC Chairman

Thoroughbred Racing Association

2525 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 510

Lexington, KY 40504

Dear RMTC Board Member:

            On behalf of the regulators of professional horse racing in North America, we write to express our appreciation for the work of the RMTC during the past decade as well as to formally invite you to enter into merger discussions with RCI in an effort to streamline and strengthen the process of racing medication policy formation.

            It is the exclusive and express responsibility of the racing regulator to formulate and implement policy. For over eighty years, racing regulators have chosen to organize themselves in an association currently known as the RCI.

            The RMTC has made important contributions over the years and the complimentary work of our two organizations has resulted in important reforms being implemented. The RMTC was formed to assist regulators and advance uniformity in regulation.

            While racing’s official regulators, organized as RCI, have always welcomed input and recommendations from racing industry participants and organizations, we reserve the right to determine how that input is assessed and what the process should be to determine recommended policy.

            As such, on December 12, 2014, the RCI Board voted unanimously to create a scientific advisory process inclusive of the best and most accomplished scientists and researchers in horse racing’s testing program, most of who are already employed directly or indirectly by RCI Members.

            The recommendations from this group will be considered in conjunction with those of the RCI Equine Welfare and Regulatory Veterinarians Committees in determining how best to combat those who cheat while balancing humane and justified treatment regimens to ensure the health and safety of racing equines. They will also be considered in consultation with the RCI Regulatory Attorney’s Committee, composed of those responsible for prosecuting regulatory infractions and drafting the legal language of regulations.

            In recent years the credibility of the current RMTC process has been questioned. In some quarters, confidence has eroded, even among some of the RMTC’s strongest historical supporters. This was compounded by the departure of the USTA and some science advisors deemed essential by key regulatory jurisdictions and others. Additionally, late modifications to recent recommended policy submissions after the commencement of regulatory rule promulgations has also raised concerns.

We take this action to meet the needs of our members. While we understand that this may require the RMTC to reassess its role, please know that we encourage and value the direct and continued input and involvement of various stakeholder entities.

            In 2005, the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulatory Association and RCI merged into one group. Today, our collective effort is stronger, more professional, and effective than when we had two groups. We believe we would collectively benefit from an effort to streamline and strengthen the process of racing medication policy formation.

            We extend an invitation to merge some or all of the RMTC functions into the RCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee and, in so doing, create a new public-private partnership that will better serve the sport. If you have interest, we invite a committee of non-regulatory RMTC Directors from the funding organizations to meet with us to explore this concept at your earliest convenience.

                                                                        Sincerely,

Edward J. Martin, RCI President

on behalf of the RCI Board members noted below who voted to send this letter without objection

John Ward - Kentucky

Robert Williams - New York

Mark Lamberth - Arkansas

Dr. Jennifer Durenberger - MA

Frank Zanzuccki - New Jersey

Jill Blackman - Florida

W. Duncan Patterson - Delaware

Steven Lehman - Ontario

Vince Mares - New Mexico (Ex-Officio)

Larry Eliason - South Dakota

Eddie Menton, Mobile County

Rick Baedeker - California

J. Michael Hopkins - Maryland

Charles Gardiner - Louisiana

Dr. Corinne Sweeney - Pennsylvania

Daniel Hartman - Colorado

Constantin Rieger - Oklahoma

Tom Sage - Nebraska

Jeff Colliton - Washington

Erin Owens - Arizona (Ex-Officio)

Tom DiPasquale - Minnesota (Ex-Officio)

Current Process - 7 Steps

RMTC Scientific Advisory

Committee

ê

RMTC Executive Committee

ê

RMTC Board of Directors

ê

RCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee.

(Input from Regulatory Veterinarians, Regulatory Attorneys, Equine Welfare Committees)

ê

RCI Model Rules Committee

(Public Comment Input)

ê

RCI Board of Directors/Membership

ê

Commissions

New Process - 5 Steps

RCI Scientific Advisory Group

ê

RCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee (reconstituted).^[1]

(Input from Regulatory Veterinarians, Regulatory Attorneys, Equine Welfare Committees)

ê

RCI Model Rules Committee

(Public Comment Input)

ê

RCI Board of Directors/Membership

ê

Commissions

---

^[1]Contemplates merger to create new public-private partnership.