Winner’s Bet dominant in $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic
Anderson, IN — Following a break in the Maple Leaf Trot, Winner’s Bet earned some redemption in the Charlie Hill Memorial at Eldorado Scioto Downs two weeks ago. He continued to avenge that loss on Friday (Sept. 20) with a dominant performance in the $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Little Rocket Man and Winner’s Bet take Grand Circuit action at Scioto Downs
Columbus, OH – Grand Circuit action took center stage at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) with the $260,000 Charlie Hill Memorial Trot and $250,000 Jim Ewart Memorial Pace.
Ranger, Cecere dominate Thursday at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — Driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Domenico Cecere teamed up to post a grand slam on Thursday (Sept. 9) at Plainridge Park.
Antonacci family purchases Kentucky farm
Lexington, KY — The Antonacci family of Lindy Farms is pleased to announce the purchase of a new Standardbred and Thoroughbred farm on Bryan Station Road in Lexington, Ky.
Branded By Lindy to stand in Ohio
Findlay, OH — Lindy Farms of Connecticut has announced that Branded By Lindy, 3,1:50.3 ($561,392) (Chapter Seven–The Lindy Label-Cantab Hall) will be syndicated and will stand in Ohio at Hickory Lane Farm beginning with the 2024 breeding season.
Raised By Lindy sets new track record at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — Although she was bred in Massachusetts, Raised By Lindy had never raced in the state due to Grand Circuit engagements throughout her career. However, on Thursday (Aug. 31), she made her homecoming one to remember as she completely handled her six competitors while winning the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Plainridge Park and broke the track record for 4-year-old trotting mares in the process.
Sonny’s Moni a perfect seven for seven at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — The 4-year-old Muscle Hill gelding Sonny’s Moni continued his undefeated season at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Aug. 29) after racking up his seventh consecutive win in the $18,500 upper-level conditioned trotting feature.
Antonacci goes 2 for 2 opening week
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Phil Antonacci came to Saratoga having won just one race from 19 starters on the year. In a span of 48 hours, he won two races at the Spa, having taken the nightcap on both the opening-day and third-day programs.
Oh Well wires, Winner’s Bet bolts in Stanley Dancer Memorial
East Rutherford, NJ – Oh Well, driven by Tim Tetrick, took immediate control over the field and made his foes chase him the entire mile to win the first of two $138,500 divisions of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on Saturday night (July 15) at The Meadowlands by two lengths.
Marquis Lafayette shines in career best effort at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — Overcast skies and a rain-laden track were the conditions to be dealt with on Monday (July 10) at Plainridge Park, but speedy miles were the call of the day for the many trotters that went postward. The fastest of the group was posted by Marquis Lafayette who notched a new lifetime mark while winning the featured $25,000 Open for the diagonal gaited.
Harness Racing Hall of Fame Weekend
The annual Harness Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York.
The Induction Ceremony begins at 7:15 p.m. Congratulations are in order for the newest class of Hall of Famers: Frank Antonacci, Per Eriksson and Lucien Fontaine, and Communicators Bob Roberts and Ken Warkentin.
Goshen. Harness Racing Hall of Fame ceremony for new inductees
The annual Harness Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame at 7:15 p.m.
The newest class of Hall of Famers are Frank Antonacci, Per Eriksson and Lucien Fontaine, and Communicators Bob Roberts and Ken Warkentin.
Elegantimage final to Raised By Lindy
Milton, ON — Raised By Lindy was not to be denied in Saturday night’s (Sept. 24) C$350,000 Elegantimage final for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park, giving her driver his third title in the event which is part of the track’s richest night of racing.
Hightstown, NJ — There is little mystery surrounding International Man, which makes working with the colt a pleasure for trainer Domenico Cecere.
International Man has won two of three races this year, including an elimination of the William Wellwood Memorial for 2-year-old trotters last weekend at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The Lindy Farms-owned homebred, from the first crop of stallion International Moni, will start Saturday’s (Aug. 27) C$665,000 Wellwood final from post six with Yannick Gingras in the sulky.
Cecere duo aim for Wellwood glory
Hightstown, NJ — There is little mystery surrounding International Man, which makes working with the colt a pleasure for trainer Domenico Cecere.
International Man has won two of three races this year, including an elimination of the William Wellwood Memorial for 2-year-old trotters last weekend at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The Lindy Farms-owned homebred, from the first crop of stallion International Moni, will start Saturday’s (Aug. 27) C$665,000 Wellwood final from post six with Yannick Gingras in the sulky.
Mass-bred trotting fillies impressive at Plainridge Park Friday
Plainville, MA – With the lazy, hazy days of summer firmly in place, fall is not too far off and that means the Massachusetts Sire Stakes will be here before long. At Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon (Aug. 5) a pair of Massachusetts-bred 3-year-old trotting fillies who are eligible to the lucrative state sponsored series, each scored impressive victories during the afternoon and both are quickly improving in advance of those stakes.
Fontaine selected by Veterans Committee to enter Hall of Fame; Antonacci and Eriksson on ballot
Goshen, NY — The Hall of Fame Screening Committee of the United States Harness Writers Association, after meeting with a select group of Harness Racing Museum Trustees, announces that Lucien Fontaine has been elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, through a Veterans designation, and that Frank Antonacci and Per Eriksson would be the Hall of Fame ballot candidates for this summer’s election.
Marquis Lafayette goes lifetime best at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — After a slow start, Marquis Lafayette finished fast — and first — in the $17,500 featured trot at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (June 30).
Tales From The Curmudgeon – Remembering my beau-frère Geoff Stein
by Murray Brown
My beau-frère (French for brother in law) Geoffrey Stein would have been 67 last Sunday. He passed before his 59th birthday on March 4, 2012. It was a grievous loss to everyone who was privileged to have known him. What made it so unsettling was that Geoff was the picture of health. Nobody that I’ve ever known lived such a health conscious life.
Lindy Farms voted Stan Bergstein-Proximity Award by USHWA
Harrisburg, PA – Lindy Farms of Connecticut, the legacy breeding and racing operation of the Antonacci family, which has seen subsequent generations grow and support the sport of harness racing, has been voted the Stan Bergstein/Proximity Award, the highest award the United States Harness Writers Association votes on solely.
Massachusetts champions crowned at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — Plainridge Park hosted the $800,000 Massachusetts Sire Stake finals on Monday afternoon (Oct. 25) with eight divisions vying for $100,000 each. A steady morning rain and sloppy track conditions greeted the day’s participants however that didn’t detract from the performances put in by the horses on the track and provided some lucrative payouts for the betting faithful.
Branded By Lindy best in Crown freshman trot elims
East Rutherford, NJ — Domenico Cecere trainee Branded By Lindy bolted clear of his competition to post the quickest victory of the three $25,000 eliminations for the Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot on Friday (Oct. 22) at The Meadowlands, stopping the clock in 1:53.
Lilbitalexis Shines In Trotting Filly Elims
With her star stablemate Venerable breaking stride in the final turn, Lilbitalexis stole the show in the first of two $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for two-year-old trotting fillies on Friday night (Oct. 22) at Meadowlands Racetrack.
Gingras dominates in Massachusetts Sire Stakes at Plainridge
Plainville, MA – The third leg of the $2.24 Million Massachusetts Sire Stakes for 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits were held at Plainridge Park on Monday (Oct. 18) and Hall of Fame driver Yannick Gingras stole the show. Gingras won three consecutive $60,000 divisions of the four on the program and did so by open lengths in all of them. Then later on the card, pacing filly Suzie Blue Chip set a new MASS record for her age, gait and gender in the last stake of the day.
Date Night still undefeated with Stallion Stakes score
Lexington, KY — The Bar Hopping-Nightsthatneverend filly Date Night chalked up another win on her unbeaten record when taking her seventh straight with a 1:52.1 win in the second of four divisions for the $314,000 International Moni International Stallion Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday (Oct. 9) at The Red Mile.
Branded By Lindy on top in International Stallion Stakes
Lexington, KY – Sent off as the odds-on choice, Branded By Lindy lunged by his competition, including Peter Haughton champ King Of The North, to post a 1:53.2 victory in taking the first of four divisions for the $302,000 Six Pack International Stallion Stake 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot on Friday (Oct. 8) at The Red Mile.
Date Night delivers in speedy Bluegrass win
Lexington, KY — A wicked tempo set by Missy Trix laid the groundwork for 1-2 favorite Date Night to lunge into the collapsing pace and power through to finish a 1:50.4 mile in the second of five divisions for the $390,000 Norman Woolworth Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Filly Trot on Saturday (Oct. 2) at The Red Mile.
Branded By Lindy best in Bluegrass
Lexington, KY – Kentucky Commonwealth champ Branded By Lindy made a graceful move into open stakes company on Friday (Oct. 1) at The Red Mile when taking the top early and cruising to a 1:52 win in the second of five divisions for the $356,000 Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot.
Mom’s Millionaire dies at 21
Lexington, KY — Mom’s Millionaire, who won just three of 18 starts and $56,815 over her two-year racing career that spanned 2002-03, but acclaimed immediate fame as a broodmare when her first foal was the world champion filly trotter Snow White, died at Lindy Farms of Connecticut on Aug. 12, 2021.
Iteration, Moni For Lindy score NYSS victories
Saratoga Springs, NY — Iteration continued her sensational sophomore season on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 17) at Saratoga Casino Hotel as the filly kicked off a big day for her connections.
Eurobond is top seller at Sunday’s Tattersalls Summer Mixed Sale
East Rutherford, NJ — Eurobond, who was a Kentucky Sire Stakes champion in 2018 and owns a career mark of 1:50.1, was the top seller at Sunday’s Tattersalls Summer Mixed Sale at The Meadowlands. The 6-year-old stallion sold for $205,000 to Pennsylvania’s Matt Morrison.
Cool Papa Bell, Justice, Branded By Lindy win Tioga NYSS
Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Sunday (July 18).
Splash Blue Chip and Moni For Lindy grab NYSS wins at Tioga
Nichols, NY – Tioga Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 11).
Ready For Moni captures Graduate Series for trotters
East Rutherford, NJ — Ready For Moni rallied in the stretch to win Saturday’s $250,000 Graduate Series final for 4-year-old trotters in 1:50.3 over a sloppy track at the Meadowlands. Hypnotic AM, the lone mare in the 10-horse field, finished second and It’s Academic was third.
Eurobond takes fourth straight Plainridge Open trot
Plainridge, MA — There has not been a more dominant horse at the 2021 Plainridge Park meet than Eurobond who on Saturday (July 10) scored another easy victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap trot to run his winning streak to four.
Eurobond does it again at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — In financial circles, a Eurobond is a fixed-income security put forth in a currency not native to the issuer’s home country. At Plainridge Park, the trotter Eurobond — simply put — is money.
Eurobond continues to roll at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — Coming off an 8-3/4 length victory in a seasonal best time of 1:53 last week, Eurobond returned to Plainridge Park and tallied another easy win in the $20,000 Open Trot feature on Friday afternoon (June 11).
Eurobond crushes the competition in Plainridge Open trot
Plainville, MA – Coming off a disappointing break-marred start one week ago, Eurobond bounced back in style to soundly defeat six opponents in the $20,000 Open Handicap trot at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon (May 28).
Eurobond cruises to Plainridge feature trot win
Plainville, MA – Eurobond made his last pari-mutuel start on Nov. 23, 2020 when he scored a 2-1/4 length victory at Plainridge Park. Now 165 days later it was “deja vu all over again” after the 6-year-old horse won the $17,500 Winners-Over Handicap trotting feature at The Ridge on Friday (May 7).
Eurobond takes $25,000 trot at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA – Eurobond took a while to grab the lead but when he did, it was for good and it paid off handsomely for his connections as he won the $25,000 Winners-Over trot at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Nov. 23).
Eurobond cruises to Plainridge feature win
Plainville, MA – Since shipping into Massachusetts, Eurobond has been performing at a high level and did again on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 25) when he won the $15,000 Winners-Over trot at Plainridge Park.
Wyatt J smashes stakes record again at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — Wyatt J shone brightly once again on Sunday (Oct. 4) at Plainridge Park, by way of a stakes record 1:51.3 mile in his $28,000 second-round preliminary Massachusetts Sire Stakes event for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Dancing Lew breaks MASS stake record at Plainridge
Incommunicado ($3.40) grabbed his second win of the year for owners Knuttson Trotting, Little E, Arthur Geiger and David Stolz. Ake Svanstedt trains the winner who was bred by the Moni Maker Stable.
Massachusetts Sire Stakes Kick Off
The $1.4 million (est.) Massachusetts Sire Stakes kick off on Sunday (Sept. 27) at Plainridge Park and the 2020 edition looks to be one of the most competitive sessions to date. With the flexibility of the Massachusetts resident mare program, many of the eligibles shipping in have already competed in other sire stake programs this year and are coming into these stakes in top form.
Melander wins three Kindergartens at Big M
Lindysmusclemania stayed perfect in three starts after taking a Kindergarten division for trotting colts and geldings. The Ake Svanstedt-trained son of Muscle Hill-Possessed By Lindy hit the wire in a lifetime-best 1:54.4, 3-1/2 lengths to the good with Andy Miller driving the 6-5 favorite.
With Hall of Famer Takter By His Side, Antonacci Turns to Training
By Bill Finley
When Philip Antonacci begins his training career later this year, he won’t be just any rookie. The 25-year-old who has worked for a number of top trainers has enlisted legendary Standardbred trainer Jimmy Takter to assist him in what Antonacci describes as a partnership between the two.
So Amazing, Moni For Lindy take MASS preps at Plainridge
Plainville, MA – The Friday afternoon (Sept. 4) card at Plainridge Park featured a pair of $15,000 races for 2-year-olds of both gaits who may be competing in the Massachusetts Sire Stakes later this month and if today’s results are any indication, that series will be very tough this year.
Antonacci on Ready For Moni: ‘to have a horse like this is fantastic’
Hightstown, NJ — Frank M. Antonacci is more than happy with Ready For Moni as the colt heads to Friday’s (Aug. 21) $330,000 Harry M. Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old trotters at Vernon Downs, and only a length separated Antonacci from being ecstatic.
Who’s Your Favorite Horse: with Chris Baker and Philip Antonacci
PHIL ANTONACCI, PREFERRED EQUINE
Favorite: My all-time favorite racehorse would have to be Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro). Her 3-year-old year, I was 14 years old spending the summer with my brother, who was training standardbreds, and I couldn’t get enough of racing, both breeds.
Celebrating the Antonacci family’s five Hambletonians as they look ahead to the sixth
by Murray Brown
Last Saturday morning, Frank “The Elder” Antonacci and I were practicing social distancing from our respective cars while watching the babies at Sunshine Meadows.
I was alone in mine, while Frankie was with his youngest son Philip.
Lindy The Great tops Tattersalls Winter Mixed Sale at $450,000
East Rutherford, NJ — Six-year-old trotter Lindy The Great, who won last year’s Caesars Trotting Classic and was second in the Allerage Farms Open Trot, brought the top price at Monday’s (Jan. 20) Tattersalls Winter Mixed Sale at The Meadowlands, selling for $450,000, while 4-year-old pacer Escapetothebeach was No. 2 on the list, purchased for $250,000.
O So Easy splashes to victory at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA – A consistent rain and sloppy track were no deterrent for O So Easy who took an unconventional route to victory in the $20,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Nov. 18).
Winning the Plainridge feature was O So Easy
Plainville, MA — Drafting off the pace early in pursuit of a stiff fraction, O So Easy rallied past the half to capture the $20,000 Open Handicap Trot at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4).
Whiskey Lindy wins sixth to remain perfect at Plainridge
Plainville, MA – After a three-year layoff Whiskey Lindy made his first start back this August a winning one and has repeated that outcome every week since. He extended his streak to six on Friday (Nov. 1) after he won the $12,000 conditioned trotting feature at Plainridge Park.
Third leg of Massachusetts Sire Stakes held at Plainridge
Plainville, MA – The third leg of the $1.8 million Massachusetts Sire Stakes for 3-year-old competitors was conducted at Plainridge Park on Monday (Oct. 21) and all four divisional winners were charted gate-to-wire winners.
Lindy The Great is an upset winner in Caesars Trotting Classic
Anderson, IN — Although his resume may not have been as established as several of his opponents, Lindy The Great (Louis-Philippe Roy) took the lead out of the gate and rallied after being blocked in the stretch to capture the $230,000 Caesars Trotting Classic on Friday (Sept. 20) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:51.1, which equaled the track’s all-age trotting record.
Grand Slam For Lindy The Great
The winning streak is now four-in-a-row and counting for Lindy The Great, who front-stepped to a 1:51.4 score in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Handicap for trotters at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Whiskey Lindy still undefeated at Plainridge
Whiskey Lindy got a late start to the season as he didn’t make his first start of 2019 until August 16. But his limited number of starts have all been quality wins including his third straight at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon.
Lindy’s Crazy Hall wins fourth straight at Plainridge
Plainville, MA – It’s been 20-days since Lindy’s Crazy Hall scored a convincing gate to wire victory at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in a $30,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stake event. But the time off did nothing but make him sharper as he ran away with the $10,000 featured trot for 5-year-olds and under at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon (July 26).
Massachusetts owners start in Plainridge Spirit Trot
Plainville, MA — As post time for the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot at Plainridge Park on Sunday (July 28) draws near, the excitement of everyone involved in the race continues to grow. But for two Massachusetts owners who have horses entered and have seen the many ups and downs of the sport in New England, the race itself is proof there is a harness racing renaissance in the Commonwealth.
Mambo Lindy takes second straight Plainridge feature
Plainville, MA — Mambo Lindy braved a tough first over trip to win the $14,000 Winners-Over Handicap trot in workmanlike fashion at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon (July 19).
Sophomore colt trotters in Saturday Pocono All-Stars action
Wilkes-Barre, PA — Three divisions of 3-year-old trotting colts took to a sloppy track at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Saturday evening (July 6) to contest $30,000 sections of a Pennsylvania All-Stars contest.
Mambo Lindy finds old form at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — With having only four starts over the last 18 months coming into today’s race, Mambo Lindy looked like he did during his career best 2017 season after he won the $12,000 Winners-Over Handicap trot in convincing fashion.
Antonacci Gets a Flying Start with Preferred Equine
One of the many positives about Godolphin Flying Start-the two-year international Thoroughbred industry training program devised by Sheikh Mohammed-is that it offers a way into the business for talented young people without pre-existing family or industry connections.
Dramatra, Ready For Moni lead Massachusetts-bred stars
Plainridge, MA — Massachusetts Standardbred breeding and the accompanying $1.8 million (est.) Massachusetts Sire Stakes (MASS) are programs that have become very desirable to breeders from many racing jurisdictions across the U. S. and Canada.
International Moni Video
Here’s a great video of the history of International Moni and how he’ll continue to help shape the future of harness racing.
No Nay Never has second U.S. stakes winner in Onthewaytonevrland
While unbeaten Triple Crown winner Justify, the globe-trotting Grade 1 winner Mendelssohn, and other stakes competitors by the late Scat Daddy have entered stud this season, the well-traveled No Nay Never is already burnishing their sire’s legacy.
No Nay Never: A Transatlantic Success Story
By the time he made his second start at two, No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) had already established himself as a transatlantic success, breaking his maiden at Keeneland on the dirt, and winning the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot in his next outing.
International Moni’s book is full and closed
Hanover, PA – Hanover Shoe Farms announced Friday (Jan. 18) that first-year trotting stallion International Moni’s book is full and closed for the 2019 breeding season.
International Moni to join Hanover stallion roster in 2019
Hanover, PA — Hanover Shoe Farms and Moni Maker Stable (The Antonacci Family and David Reid) are excited to announce that the 2017 O’Brien Award-winning 3-year-old colt Trotter of the Year International Moni will join the Hanover stallion roster in 2019.
Only Passing Thru takes Plainridge trotting feature
Plainville, MA — Overcoming a slow start and trailing early, Only Passing Thru got it in gear past the half and scored a gutsy victory in a tight finish in the $16,000 Winners-Over Trot at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 1).
Massachusetts Sire Stakes champions crowned at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — The richest finals ever offered in the Massachusetts Sire Stakes (MASS) were contested at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 30), with eight divisions of horses competing for their share of the $800,000 up for grabs.
Ithinkthatsmine, I’m A Clown three-peat in Massachusetts Sire Stakes
Plainville, MA — Weather was a factor as the $163,000 second leg of the Massachusetts Sire Stakes (MASS) for 3-year-olds assembled at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 23). Rain that started after the early non-betting race continued to increase and the track became sloppy after the first race of the card. But conditions did not stop Ithinkthatsmine and I’m A Clown from remaining undefeated in the series this year, nor keep Gonna Hear Me Rohr, Kinda Lucky Lindy and Latent Print from scoring their first 2018 wins in the stake.
Taylor Swiftly, Simple Kaos stout in Massachusetts stakes
Plainville, MA — The third leg of the Massachusetts Sire Stakes for first-year state-breds resumed at Plainridge Park on Monday (Oct. 22) after a one week break and offered four divisions vying for $163,434 in total purse money.
Kentucky Sire Stakes champions crowned at Red Mile
Lexington, KY — The combination of the $2 million Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) Super day and the inaugural Fayette County Fair brought out a large crowd to Red Mile on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 16). While several music acts performed on two stages, including rising star and Lexington native Walker Montgomery, eight $250,000 KYSS finals highlighted the 10-race card that also included a pair of $50,000 consolation events.
KYSS sophomores race at The Red Mile
Lexington, KY — The postponed third and last $30,000 leg of the Kentucky Sires Stakes for 3-year-olds was raced on Monday (Sept. 10) at The Red Mile on a cool, overcast evening with the track rated “good”. There was no wagering on the races due to the postponement.
Mohawk Frosh Trot Elims Complete
The Saturday, Sept. 8 program at Woodbine Mohawk Park featured freshmen trotters in elimination action with the fillies contesting in two elims of the Peaceful Way and the colts in two elims for the William Wellwood. The card also featured two $83,342 divisions of the Simcoe Three-Year-Old Pace and a $150,996 division of the Simcoe Three-Year-Old Filly Pace.
Lindy Farms, Cecere triple up in Kentucky Sires Stakes
Lexington, KY — Five divisions of the $30,000 third and last leg of the Kentucky Sires Stakes for 2-year-old trotters took place on Thursday evening (Sept. 6) at The Red Mile on a pleasant but overcast evening.
Grand Circuit Continues At Mohawk
Grand Circuit week continued Friday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park with four events for trotters.
A trio of Champlain divisions for two-year-old colts and geldings and a single Simcoe division for three-year-old fillies were contested.
McCarthy doubles in KYSS colt pacing events
Palone and Takter star in KYSS freshman trots
Trainer Domenico Cecere takes three PA Stallion Series races at Philadelphia
Lindy trotters carry the day at Big M
Cecere students sweep Plainridge features
Hat Trick Habit rolls into Goodtimes
Lindy’s Big Bang and Special Miss score in Dexter Cup and Lady Suffolk
Freehold, NJ — Lindy’s Big Bang and driver David Miller inherited the lead just prior to the three-quarter-mile point from an off stride On The Ropes and remained in front from there to win Saturday’s (May 5) $133,800 Dexter Cup for 3-year-old trotters by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56.1 at Freehold Raceway.
NYRA Race Replay – May 3, 2018
On May 3 at beautiful Belmont Park, MAE NEVER NO (two-year-old filly by NO NAY NEVER out of SWEET SHIRLEY MAE) won first time out with veteran actor and jockey GARY STEVENS.
(Choose May 3, Race 1 Replay on the drop down)
First-time-out 2YO winner for Wesley Ward
MAE NEVER NO became the first winner for her freshman sire (by Scat Daddy), outfinishing her more fancied stable companion Abyssinian (Cairo Prince) to graduate by a 1 1/4 lengths at first asking Thursday at Belmont Park.
First-time-out 2YO winner for Wesley Ward
Mae Never No scored at Belmont on Thursday looking Royal Ascot material
Cecere looks for big year with ‘Team Lindy’
Hightstown, NJ — Domenico Cecere might be a new name in the program, but he is a familiar face when it comes to Lindy Farms and its racehorses. Cecere, a 36-year-old native of Italy, is beginning his 11th year as a member of “Team Lindy” while starting his first full season succeeding Frank M. Antonacci as the organization’s trainer.
HRU 2018 Twos in Training with Lindy Farms
Twenty-five years after the birth of legendary trotter Moni Maker, the connections of her most successful son, O’Brien Award winner International Moni, look to the four-year-old for more on-track success and a potential game-changing breeding career.
Moni Maker’s Legacy Lives On
Twenty-five years after the birth of legendary trotter Moni Maker, the connections of her most successful son, O’Brien Award winner International Moni, look to the four-year-old for more on-track success and a potential game-changing breeding career.
Mambo Lindy’s homecoming a success at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — After competing against Hannelore Hanover, Crazy Wow and Marion Marauder in the Breeders Crown last month, Mambo Lindy returned home to Plainridge Park for his first start in 19 days and won the $14,000 Open Handicap Trot in commanding style on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 16).
Elimination winners hope to continue success in Crown final
Trenton, NJ — After watching their 3-year-old male trotters win two of the three $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations last weekend, trainers Frank M. Antonacci and Domenico Cecere will look to continue their success in Saturday’s (Oct. 28) $527,500 final at Hoosier Park.
Family Business
Even though a-bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush, Guy “Sonny” Antonacci convinced six of his cousins to take a chance to parlay their success from racing homing pigeons, to Standardbreds. “They won a bunch of money on homing pigeons and that’s how I think they bought their first horses. I remember they used to race them and they used to gamble a lot on the homing pigeons. We owned them. We raced them. We trained them. We did the whole thing,” said Sonny’s son, Frank “The Elder.”
Four supplement to $6 million Breeders Crown events at Hoosier Park
Cranbury, NJ — The connections of four of the top horses in their divisions — Funknwaffles, Homicide Hunter, International Moni and Sintra — have supplemented to their Breeders Crown events at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Oct. 28.
Peace A Pie, dam of Pizza Dolce and Big Stick Lindy, dies at age 25
Columbus, OH — On Friday (Oct. 13) Peace A Pie, a daughter of Valley Victory and the Speedy Crown mare Armbro Éclair, died from the complications of old age at Lindy Farms.
Met’s Hall romps in International Stallion Stakes
Lexington, KY — Met’s Hall trotted into a hot pace to take the top, maintained and expanded his lead while advancing to a 1:52.4 open-length performance in the fourth of five divisions of the $300,000 Trixton International Stallion Stakes, sponsored by Deo Volente Farms, on Thursday (Oct. 5) at The Red Mile.
Big Man Ev sets track and stake record in MASS at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA— The second leg of the Massachusetts Sire Stakes was contested at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Oct. 2) with two more record setting performances going in the books.
Big Man Ev (Chapter Seven-Possessed By Lindy) made his first series start this year in the $29,500 3-year-old colt and gelding trot and it turned out to be a very memorable one.
Shake It Off Lindy wires field in Old Oaken Bucket
Delaware, OH — Shake It Off Lindy led from start to finish to win Thursday’s (Sept. 21) $105,125 Old Oaken Bucket for 3-year-old male trotters in a lifetime-best 1:54 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Andy M was second and Moonshiner Hanover was third.
‘Mambo’ ready for first big dance
Freehold, NJ — It is unusual for a horse to have his first major stakes win come in the Maple Leaf Trot, but 6-year-old Mambo Lindy will try to do it Saturday. If he does, he will join impressive company.
International Moni takes Simcoe Stakes
Campbellville, ON — The regally-bred International Moni showed his grit to win Saturday’s (Sept. 2) C$165,838 Simcoe Stakes for sophomore trotters at Mohawk Racetrack. A field of 12 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings competed in the annual Grand Circuit event.
Ariana G cruises in Mohawk Grand Circuit action
Campbellville, ON — Grand Circuit week continued Friday (Sept. 1) at Mohawk Racetrack with the Simcoe Stakes for sophomore trotting fillies and the Champlain Stakes for 2-year-old trotters. The Simcoe Stakes featured a field of 11 competing for C$166,872, while two C$93,880 divisions were required for the Champlain.
Hat Trick Habit and Lily Stride lead KYSS trotters
Lexington KY — The Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) for freshman trotting colts and fillies was spread over six races, with three divisions of both fillies and colts, on Saturday night (Aug. 26) at The Red Mile.
The first colt division (race four) was loaded with talent and included all three returning winners, though Haveitalltogether was eventually withdrawn due to sickness.
Mambo Lindy dominates again at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — The old saying “there are horses for courses” couldn’t be proven more right than by Mambo Lindy who scored yet another decisive victory in the $15,000 Open Handicap trot at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 24).
Right horse, right time
Freehold, NJ — It was two years ago during a dinner in Lexington when trainer Frank Antonacci and driver Scott Zeron first discussed the idea of Zeron wearing the Antonacci family’s Lindy Farms colors sometime in the future. Antonacci and Zeron both thought it would be a fun idea with the right horse at the right time.
Post positions drawn for $1.2 million Hambletonian
East Rutherford, NJ — International Moni and Devious Man on Tuesday were made morning-line favorites for their respective eliminations in Saturday’s $1.2 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Antonacci hopeful Mambo Lindy hopes to make the Spirit of Massachusetts cut
Plainville, MA — As the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot draws near only nine of the 38 eligible horses will go postward based on the highest combined money earnings from 2016 and 2017 from those who declare. One horse that is looking to make the field is Plainridge Park regular Mambo Lindy, whose connections look forward to the opportunity.
Mambo Lindy wins fifth straight at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA—To say that Lindy Farms had a big day at Plainridge Park on Monday (July 10) would be an understatement as trainer Frank Antonacci sent four of his students to the winner’s circle and driver Greg Merton registered a grand slam sitting behind them, led by local trotting star Mambo Lindy who scored his fifth straight win at the Ridge this year in the $17,000 Open Handicap Trot.
CITING GROWTH, HARNESS INDUSTRY BIDS TO PROTECT RACE HORSE FUND
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 27, 2017….Key players in the state’s horse racing industry want to keep their hands on state fund that they say ignited a “very swift renaissance” and positioned the state’s harness racing industry as a competitive player in the Northeast.
Frank Antonacci, president of a racing stable in Connecticut, said the Massachusetts harness racing industry is an “overwhelming success story.” For proof that the Race Horse Development Fund is a boon for horse racing, Antonacci said legislators should look to Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.
Plainridge Open To Mambo Lindy; Six More For Merton
It’s the same old story, but one his connections won’t soon tire of. Mambo Lindy spotted the field seven lengths before roaring back to notch another victory at Plainridge Park as he won Thursday’s $17,000 Open Handicap.
Mambo Lindy (Greg Merton) got away last in the field of seven as Mistress Valentine (Mark Eaton) rolled down the road in :27 and :55.2 with her followers strung out behind. At that station, Tag Up And Go (Chris Long) pulled first-over and Mambo Lindy followed in step.
A one-two, father-son finish in Goodtimes final
Scott Zeron — wearing Lindy Farms colors — out-dueled his father, Rick, to win the Goodtimes with Moni Maker’s son, International Moni.
story by Chris Lomon | quotes by Sandra Snyder
The Color of Moni
Last Saturday, driver Scott Zeron wore Lindy Farms colors rather than his own while driving International Moni to victory in his Goodtimes elimination. Lindy’s Frank M. Antonacci said he hopes it’s just the beginning of drivers wearing owner colors in marquee events.
by Dave Briggs
Freud Filly Dons Cap and Gown at Belmont
+MENTALITY (f, 2, Freud–Lemon Drop’s Love, by Lemon Drop Kid), a $40,000 purchase at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga NY-Bred Yearling Sale, was let go at 6-1 for this debut despite her trainer’s high success rate with juvenile firsters.
Armbro Flight, Goodtimes Fields Set
The fields are set for the finals of the Armbro Flight Stakes and Goodtimes Trot, which will be part of Pepsi North America Cup Night next Saturday, June 17.
Mohawk Racetrack hosted eliminations for the pair of trotting stakes events on Friday night (June 9), with the top five finishers in each race advancing to the finals.
Hambo hopefuls excite Antonacci
Freehold, NJ — Frank Antonacci is excited about hitting the Hambletonian trail with two horses this weekend, but he figures he won’t be alone in feeling enthused.
“There are a lot of good horses out there,” said Antonacci, the trainer of International Moni and Shake It Off Lindy in Friday’s eliminations of the Goodtimes Stakes for 3-year-old male trotters at Ontario’s Mohawk Racetrack. “Everybody only talked about (returning Dan Patch Award winner) Walner, but there are a lot of nice horses. This is a nice field.
Merton wins seven at Plainridge Park
Plainville, MA — Track announcer Lenny Calderone summed it up nicely when he said “Greg Merton is piping-hot!” after he won the ninth race, which was his seventh victory on the card. Those wins coupled with one second in 10 starts gave Merton a lofty one-day UDR of .755.
Leave horse race fund for the horses
IT’S BUDGET SEASON at the Massachusetts State House and once again this year there have been some efforts to raid the Race Horse Development Fund to help address the state’s revenue shortfall. Proponents of this step argue that horse racing is a fading industry in Massachusetts and that gaming revenue placed in the fund could be better spent elsewhere.
Mambo Lindy makes a splash in Plainridge Park top trot
Plainville, MA—It was a dark and stormy day, but despite the wind, rain and sloppy going, Mambo Lindy delivered like the postman and won the $13,000 Open trotting feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (May 25).
Mambo Lindy waltzes to Plainridge Park feature win
Plainville, MA — Things looked bleak as 1-5 favorite Mambo Lindy got away last and was 10 lengths from the leader, but that deficit turned out to be child’s play as he easily went from worst to first in the $12,000 trotting feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (May 11).
An American In Gold Coast: Intern Reflects On Differences In Training Methods
When friends ask University of Pennsylvania student Philip Antonacci what he did over winter break from school, he’ll have a more interesting answer than most. Antonacci spent his break on Australia’s Gold Coast, following up on a summer internship with trainer Gai Waterhouse last year. Antonacci, 23, spent his two-month summer vacation studying Waterhouse’s training methods and learned how she selects yearlings during the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Iron wins Tuesday night $25,000 trot at Yonkers
Yonkers, NY — Odds-on favorite Iron (Andy Miller, $3.70) barely lasted Tuesday night (Jan. 10), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $25,000 featured trot.
Whataworkout to stand at Morrisville
Morrisville, NY — The Muscle Hill son Whataworkout has been retired to stand stud at Morrisville College Equine Institute in conjunction with his owner, Lindy Farms.
Harness Horseman’s Association of New England announce annual awards
Plainville, MA — The Plainridge Park winner’s circle, usually the scene of horses and their owners, drivers, and trainers celebrating a race win was the scene of a different type of win on the last day of racing, Friday (Dec. 2), as the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England (HHANE) presented their 2016 annual awards.
More breeders buy into Always B Miki; retirement ceremony Friday at Meadowlands
Hopewell, NJ — The ownership group for world champion Always B Miki continues to grow as several major breeders have joined the stallion’s ownership group. Always B Miki’s breeding career will begin next year at Diamond Creek Farm in Pennsylvania.
Delightful Dragon, Mambo Lindy capture Big M features
East Rutherford, NJ — Delightful Dragon ($6.20) and Mambo Lindy ($10.40) proved tops in Friday evening’s (Nov. 11) featured events at the Meadowlands, while Jim Marohn Jr. led all drivers with a hat trick on the 11-race card.
Imagine Dragon leads McCarthy hat trick at Meadowlands
East Rutherford, NJ — After a traffic-troubled Breeders Crown elimination two weeks ago, Lindy Farms’ Imagine Dragon ($8.00) used a sustained middle move to take charge amid a fast pace before edging away to a 1:50.4 victory in Friday (Nov. 4) evening’s $17,500 top-level distaff pace at The Meadowlands.
Shake It Off Lindy upsets in Bluegrass
Lexington, KY — Shake It Off Lindy surged first over around the final turn to pass pacesetter Southwind Cobra, upsetting in one of the six Bluegrass splits for 2-year-old trotting colts on Thursday (Sept. 29) in a lifetime best of 1:55 at Red Mile.
Lindy Farms of Connecticut is not only one of harness racing’s great farms, it is a forward-thinking, third-generation operation built by the Antonacci family with equal parts passion, practicality and pride.
Story by Dave Briggs | Photos by Dave Landry
Part 3
Lindy Farms of Connecticut is not only one of harness racing’s great farms, it is a forward-thinking, third-generation operation built by the Antonacci family with equal parts passion, practicality and pride.
Story by Dave Briggs | Photos by Dave Landry
Part 2
Lindy Farms of Connecticut is not only one of harness racing’s great farms, it is a forward-thinking, third-generation operation built by the Antonacci family with equal parts passion, practicality and pride.
Story by Dave Briggs | Photos by Dave Landry
Part 1
Grandma’s Moni is back on track heading into Peaceful Way
Freehold, NJ — To paraphrase the poet Robert Burns, the best laid plans of mice and horse trainers often go awry.
Frank Antonacci had mapped out a schedule for 2-year-old female trotter Grandma’s Moni, but the filly got sick after winning her debut in a sharp 1:55.2 at the Meadowlands Racetrack and the trainer was forced to abandon his early-season plans. She missed two races, but Grandma’s Moni is back on track for Thursday’s (Sept. 8) eliminations for the Peaceful Way Stakes at Mohawk.
Robin J wins the $110,200 NYSS at Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY—A heavy early rain dampened the track, but not the enthusiasm shown by the eight 2-year-old pacing fillies competing for one of the largest single purses ever offered at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 20) night. And when the all the moves were made, Robin J (Roll With Joe-Mommy Robin Q) saved her best one for last and captured the victory in the New York Sire Stake event.
Dayson, ‘Taco’ take Townsend-Ackermans at Big M
East Rutherford, NJ — The Friday (Aug. 5) night-before-Hambletonian card at the Meadowlands featured 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters in two divisions of the Townsend Ackerman.
Track record falls in NYSS at Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NY — The track record for 2-year-old trotting colts fell on Tuesday night (Aug. 2) at Saratoga Casino Hotel as freshman trotters invaded the Spa for a card full of New York Sire Stakes competition.
Another track record set at Plainridge
Plainville, MA — For the second consecutive Monday a top class event at Plainridge Park Casino resulted in a track record, the difference being that this week it was on the trot rather than the pace.
Stars Out In Full Force At Mohawk
There was no shortage of talent Saturday evening at Mohawk Racetrack as the Campbellville hosted a pair of OSS Gold Series divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies in addition to the finals of the Town Pro and Summertime Series and a salty group of six in the Preferred Pace.
Breakfast with the Babies
East Rutherford, NJ — Breakfast with the Babies at the Meadowlands took place under overcast skies with a slight tailwind in the homestretch and the temperature in the low 70’s.
Cantab Hall sires three fastest PA All-Stars winners
Wilkes-Barre, PA—Sire Cantab Hall emerged as the star of the show during five $30,000 divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars event for 2-year-old trotting colts Tuesday (July 5) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, as he was the father of the three fastest winners.
Making major strides in Massachusetts
An increase in the standardbred share of the Race Horse Development Fund from 25 to 55 per cent and a 28 per cent increase in live handle at Plainridge Park are just two indications the harness racing industry is on the rise in Massachusetts.
by Dave Briggs
Impressive Efforts In Town Pro
Lindys Nightmare and Collective Wisdom captured first round divisions of the Town Pro Series on Friday night (June 24) at Mohawk Racetrack.
The Town Pro Series has been used as a launching pad by lightly raced three-year-old pacing fillies over the years, and after Friday’s first leg it appears the 2016 edition will continue that tradition.
From the Lady Trainer for June 7
Something that is very dear to me is the fostering of young, peoples’ interest in the racing world. It is so thrilling to train a Group 1 winner, but to see one of my ‘students’ succeed at the highest level, no not just a Group 1, a time-honoured English Classic, has provided me with one of the greatest thrills of my career. In April of this year…
The Queen of Trotting vs. the Queen Bee
Bee A Magician’s part-owner David McDuffee was standing trackside at Sunshine Meadows training center in Florida a few weeks ago, a stopwatch in his hands, when the subject turned to money and Moni Maker just as a couple of Moni Maker’s sons were on the track training.
Grant purchases trio, including sale-topper, at Tattersalls Mixed Sale
East Rutherford, NJ — Lindy’s Tru Grit was the sale-topper at Monday’s (Jan. 18) Tattersalls January Select Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands Racetrack, one of three horses purchased by owner Brad Grant for trainer Ben Wallace as the two friends look to move forward following the Classy Lane Training Centre fire that claimed the lives of 43 horses earlier this month.
Milligan’s School quickest in Bluegrass
Lexington, KY—Night two of the Grand Circuit meeting at The Red Mile was highlighted by four divisions of the $289,000 Bluegrass Stakes for 2-year-old colt trotters, which were contested on Thursday (October 1).
Milligan’s School sat a pocket trip after failing to clear the lead into the first turn, and…
Delicious trots a new world record in Sweden
She did it again! The 6-year-old mare Delicious, driven by Ôrjan Kihlström, won the Sundsvall Open Trot over the 1-5/16th mile distance at Bergsaker in Northern Sweden in a new world record of 1:52.3f (mile rate).
A fortnight ago, Delicious trotted a new world record of 1:50.2f over the mile and now she posted another new world record performance.
Strong Start to F-T NYB Sale
The Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Preferred Yearlings Sale, following just days after an impressive renewal of the company’s Select sale, got off to a strong start at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Saturday night. A total of 88 yearlings grossed $7,126,500 during the session, compared to 92 yearlings selling for $6,934,000 during…
Cantab Hall mare Delicious trots to world record in Sweden
The 6-year old mare, Delicious, driven by Ôrjan Kihlström trotted a new world record in Sweden Friday night, as she won at Bollnäs in 1:50.2f.
The time is a new world record for older mares at five-eighths-mile tracks. The former record of 1:51f was held by Victory Is Coming winning at Scioto Downs last year.
Churita seeks to continue her chain of conquests
Anderson, IN — When she is scoring down or on her way to the gate, Churita’s adoring fans line up on the fence at Hoosier Park nudging one another with their elbows and talking softly amongst themselves about how fabulous she looks. It’s as if the Anderson oval is her very own personal runway and all in attendance are only there to witness her.
“You really can just see it in her eyes,” said her owner Jack Porter. “It is also in the way she carries herself and holds her head.”
Wild Honey is in control in 1:52.2 Oaks triumph
East Rutherford, NJ — Wild Honey came up big in the Hambletonian Oaks.
Driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Jimmy Takter teamed up to win the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for the second consecutive year as Wild Honey captured the race for 3-year-old female trotters by 1-3/4 lengths over Rules Of The Road in 1:52.2 on Saturday (Aug. 8) at Meadowlands Racetrack.
Lock Down Lindy seeks winner’s circle in wide open Hambletonian Oaks
Freehold, NJ — Tony Alagna says Lock Down Lindy’s performance in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination last weekend was “a chance to show everybody she’s the filly I thought she was last year.” The trainer hopes she shows off again in Saturday’s $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks final for 3-year-old female trotters at Meadowlands Racetrack.
Six divisions of freshman trotters in action in PA Sire Stakes
Chester, PA — There were six divisions of PA Stallion Series races for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters contested at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (July 22), each going for a purse of $20,000.
The first division went to the front-stepping Moneycounts De Vie (Tim Tetrick). The son of Andover Hall–Nordicdish…
Churita lowers her own track record in stakes action at Hoosier Park
Anderson, IN — For the second consecutive week, the track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino was re-established as Churita lowered her own mark once again in Indiana Sires Stakes action on Wednesday (July 22).
With a 1:53.4 final time, Churita and Trace Tetrick captured the co-featured event of the evening, the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies, in a lifetime best effort to remain undefeated in 2015.
YR news: bigger purses for 2YOs, moving finish line
Churita establishes track record in stakes action at Hoosier Park
Anderson, IN — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino played host to a stakes filled card on Wednesday (July 15) with three divisions of 3-year-old trotting fillies and three divisions of 2-year-old trotting colts battling it out in Indiana Sires Stakes elimination action.
It was the second of the elimination rounds for the 2-year-old competitors and the third round for the sophomores. After the dust settled on the evening’s 14-race card, the track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies was re-established.
Split The House, Imagine Dragon win Mohawk series finals
Campbellville, ON—Split The House and Imagine Dragon won their respective series finals Saturday night (July 11) at Mohawk Racetrack.
Split The House put on another impressive display to win the $50,400 Summertime final in 1:50.2.
Babies & ‘Bee’ Qualify At Meadowlands
The Meadowlands Pace elimination morning edition of Breakfast with the Babies was conducted under skies as blue as Taylor Swift’s eyes with fluffy clouds, flags were limp and temperatures in the 70’s.
Filly trotters kicked it off with Southwind Hope, a $52,000 Muscle Hill Lexington sale purchase winning out of…
Antonacci Sweeps Town Pro Leg
Three-year-old pacing fillies clashed Friday night at Mohawk Racetrack in round one of the Town Pro Series and a direct connection to the series namesake took the first of two splits.
Imagine Dragon and driver Rick Zeron made a big third-quarter move to the front and…
Fast winners but no favorites in PA Stallion Series Sunday at Pocono
Wilkes Barre, PA—The chalk took it on the chin Sunday night at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, as non-favorites won all five divisions of a $100,000 Stallion Series third preliminary leg for sophomore trotting colts.
Driver Matt Kakaley and trainer Frank Antonacci teamed to take two of the five divisions, the first one and the last one held, and in the Stallion opener their horse posted the fastest time of the Sunday stakes, with Mesmerized scoring in 1:53.4. The son of Cantab Hall went wire-to-wire in winning by seven lengths and taking a new mark for owners K R Breeding, Robert Rudolph, Gary Hoffman (these three were also the breeders) and Barry Guariglia.
Iron has ‘got a big runway ahead of him’
Freehold, NJ — Frank Antonacci hopes he can get pumped about Iron, particularly if the 3-year-old trotter sees a favorable change in his fortunes.
Iron was a stakes winner in 2014, but also suffered from some bad luck with post position draws and missed a month of…
Bee A Magician takes down the Boys, wins Cutler; Artspeak wins in 1:49
East Rutherford, NJ — While there is a long history of brilliant mares defeating the older horses at the Free For All trotting level in harness racing, it had never happened in the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial. That all changed on a rainy Saturday night at The Meadowlands.
Shaqline beats the buzzer in Tioga NYSS
Nichols, NY — After edging clear of her eight rivals in a :27.4 third quarter, Brixton Medical’s Shaqline ($5.30) narrowly held off a valiant stand-side charge from Barn Doll to take her $41,300 New York Sire Stakes event at Tioga Downs on Friday (May 15) evening.
Racing Roundup: Lindy’s Tru Grit wins Thursday feature at Harrah’s
Chester, PA—Lindy Racing and Bob Rudolph’s Lindy’s Tru Grit was victorious in the feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon (April 30). It was a winner’s over $25,000 lifetime trot going for a purse of $25,000.
The 5-year-old son of Cantab Hall settled down in the pocket behind…
Racing Roundup: Lord Of Misrule takes Tom Tharps Memorial final at Miami Valley
Lebanon, OH—Lord Of Misrule picked a great time to pick up his first victory of the season by capturing the $20,000 championship final of the Tom Tharps Memorial Series for conditioned pacers at Miami Valley Raceway.
Looking Back at Speedy Crown (PDF)
This past Thursday, Jan. 29, marked the 47th anniversary of the foaling of Speedy Crown, a stallion that dominated trotting in his era and whose influence is felt in bloodlines around the world.
Lindy’s Tru Grit wins Open Trot at The Meadowlands
East Rutherford, NJ — The complexion of the featured $30,000 Open Trot on Friday night (Feb. 20) at The Meadowlands changed dramatically with the scratch of morning line favorite Melady’s Monet. That left the role of the favorite in the hands of the entry, Lindy’s Tru Grit and Master Of Law, sent off at 4-5.
Antonacci Family Looks Overseas To Breed The Next Great Trotter (PDF)
The science of Standardbred breeding selection can be as complex or simple as one chooses to make it. For some, selecting a sire for a certain broodmare is a matter of picking the popular sire or one with appealing stats. Other breeders dive into the pedigrees…
Coco Lindy ekes out photo win at Pompano
Pompano Beach, FL — Coco Lindy earned a narrow photo finish decision on Wednesday (Jan. 14) as Pompano Park presented a highly competitive Open Handicap Trot along with the opening round of the Sea Eagle Late Closer for claiming pacers, which was contested in two divisions.
Lindy’s Tru Grit a triple Meadowlands winner
East Rutherford, NJ—Lindy’s Tru Grit, who just one month ago was struggling to stay trotting at the C-1 level, scored his third consecutive victory since the addition of trotting hobbles Friday night (Jan. 9) at The Meadowlands, defeating some of the best trotters on the grounds, winning the Free For All Handicap in a lifetime-best 1:52.1.
Marcello Ducci, 84, dies
Columbus, OH — Marcello Ducci, 84, international bloodstock agent, died Jan. 5, 2015, in his home city of Florence, Italy.
Invader Coco Lindy takes Pompano Open
Pompano Beach, FL — Invader Coco Lindy, making his initial start of the season at Pompano Park and only his second lifetime appearance in 75 starts, took top honors in Pompano Park’s $13,500 Open Handicap Trot on Tuesday night (Dec. 30), stopping the timer in 1:54 for Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey.
Crazed son wins Criterium Continental at Vincennes
Tumble Dust, a 4-year-old trotter sired by Crazed who was conceived in the United States, but born in Denmark, won the prestigious Criterium Continental at Vincennes on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 21).
Valley Victory, Governor’s Cup elims held at Woodbine
Toronto, ON—The Fall Four Stakes eliminations were completed Saturday night (Oct. 18) at Woodbine Racetrack. Two $25,000 eliminations were contested for the Governor’s Cup for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings and the Valley Victory for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. The top five finishers from both eliminations advanced to next Saturday’s finals.
Bergman: Master Of Law is no one-race wonder
Order and stability are the cornerstones of civilization. In racing, we like to think what happened last week will happen again this week. Sebastian K arrived on the racing scene in North America with a reputation and within weeks it soared to incredible heights.
It’s all in the family for Antonacci duo
Freehold, NJ — Trainer Frank Antonacci liked what he saw when he purchased Sonic for $155,000 at last fall’s yearling sale in Lexington. So much so that he was willing to spend another $155,000 on family member Whataworkout a month later in Harrisburg.
Master Of Law masters the Centaur Trotting Classic
Anderson, IN — Master Of Law pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season as he was able to wear down the overwhelmingly favored Sebastian K late in the stretch to win the $238,500 Centaur Trotting Classic at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday (Sept. 20). Driven by trainer Jimmy Takter, Master Of Law was able to close off cover to win at 21-1 in 1:54.2 over a track rated good.
Whataworkout upsets in colt Kindergarten
Lexington, KY — A trio of divisions for round four of the Kindergarten Classic Series were held at The Red Mile on Thursday (Sept. 18), with 24 freshman colts entered on the late stages of the weekday card. First-time starter Whataworkout defeated 1-5 favorite Airman Batten in a 1:56.4, gate-to-wire effort.
Youngsters Star In American Nationals
The prestigious American National Stakes returned to Balmoral Park on Wednesday night with a pair of trotting events for two-year-olds sharing top billing on the nine-race program.
Antonacci is looking forward to racing Aunt Caroline in Golden Girls
Louisville, KY — When you look at the program and see Frank Antonacci’s name as the conditioner, it jumps off the page that Aunt Caroline is a pacer. Long associated with trotters, the Lindy Racing Stable was not steering away from its specialty when it purchased this mare as a yearling at Harrisburg three years ago. It was actually bringing a member of the extended family home.
Future Positive for No Nay Never
On the last day of Keeneland’s 2013 Spring Race Meeting, two-year old No Nay Never won at first asking, over four-and-a-half furlongs on the track’s all-weather surface. On March 1, 2014, he is entered to run seven furlongs on the dirt in the Swale Stakes – Gr.3 at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale, Florida. Javier Castellano will be up.
Appomattox top selling trotter at $240,000
East Rutherford, NJ — Emeritus Maximus, who was purchased for $248,000, was the sales topper Monday at the Meadowlands January Select Mixed Sale presented by Tattersalls.
Lindy’s Tru Grit looks for Chicago repeat
Melrose Park, IL — Lindy’s Tru Grit will be seeking his second consecutive victory on a Chicago oval when he steps behind the gate in Friday’s $110,000 Galt Stake for sophomore trotting colts.
Lindy’s Tru Grit upsets in American-National 3-year-old colt trot
Crete, IL — Lindy’s Tru Grit scored a minor upset in the $235,000 American-National 3-year-old colt trot on Saturday (Nov. 9) at Balmoral Park at odds of 11-1, stopping the timer in a new lifetime mark of 1:53.3 for driver Tim Tetrick.
New top horse in sight
Frank Antonacci Sr. is the boss of Lindy Farms – the American squad who have had guys like Jorn Morten Kvikstad and Trond Smedshammer as coaches.
KYSS Champ Moves On To Canadian Trotting Classic
Hambletonian champion Royalty For Life has drawn post five in the first (Race 2) of two eliminations of the Canadian Trotting Classic (CTC) on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack, taking on six rivals that include Goodtimes winner Flanagan Memory and New Jersey Sires Stakes champ (and Hambletonian runner-up) Smilin Eli.
Master Of Law is on a roll heading into Canadian Trotting Classic
Trenton, NJ —Master Of Law is a 3-year-old gelding trotter with tremendous physical attributes and a ton of talent. He just needed a little attitude adjustment.
KYSS Champions Crowned
The best of racing in the Bluegrass State was on display Sunday night at The Mile as the historic track hosted the $2 million Kentucky Super Night with eight $250,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) finals for two and three-year-olds highlighting the program.
Lindys Tru Grit takes Simcoe division
Campbellville, ON — Lindys Tru Grit, with Tim Tetrick at the controls, edged past favored High Bridge in late stretch, then held E L Rocket safe to win the first C$121,737 division of the Simcoe Stakes for 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (Aug. 31) at Mohawk Racetrack.
KYSS sophomore winners shine at The Red Mile
Lexington, KY — Round one of the Kentucky Sires Stakes for 3-year-olds got underway Thursday night (Aug. 15) at The Red Mile.
Mohawk Preferred To Coco Lindy
The water got a little bit deeper in the Preferred Trot Monday at Mohawk Racetrack thanks to the addition of Coco Lindy to the class, and the U.S. shipper no mercy to his Canadian foes.
Facebook Gallery: Moni Maker Colt
Moni Maker colt by Donato Hanover with Moni Maker’s surrogate!
The Lindy Reserve
Vincitore della finale del Peter Haughton Memorial 2010 in 1.55.3, precedendo tra gli altri il futuro vincitore dell’Hambletonian Broad Bahn, dopo essere stato terzo (in 1.56.1) in un’eliminatoria. A The Meadowlands aveva vinto in precedenza (in 1.56) anche una “leg” della Kindergarten Series.
Crazed colt captures Swedish stake
Crazed scored his most important victory in Europe on Sunday, when the top 2 year olds raced in the two divisions of the Svampen at the Orebro track. It¹s the second year of the new 2-year-old stake, which has a purse of 300,000 SEK ($45,000 US) for each division.
Hanover gets Crazed in 2013
Briarcliff Manor, NY — World champion Crazed will move to Hanover Shoe Farms in 2013, it was announced today. He stood in New York at Blue Chip Farms since he entered stud in 2009, with full books his first two seasons and well over 100 mares bred in each of the past two.
McKinnon looks for more magic with ‘Lindy’
Toronto, ON — When Magic Lindy first entered the Johnathan McKinnon stable, the young conditioner wasn’t sure what would be expected of the trotting miss. Magic Lindy, a sophomore daughter of Kadabra, was purchased for a mere $4,500 by McKinnon along with close friend and driver, James MacDonald, at the Summer Sizzler Mixed Sale hosted by Standardbred Canada in late August.
Another Amaretto, Lindys Jersey Boy share Keystone Stakes mark
Washington, PA— Not only did Another Amaretto and Lindys Jersey Boy each win a division of Tuesday’s (Sept. 25) $93,200 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows, but they also scored in the identical time of 1:54.1.
Krivelin and Antonacci are Billings winners at the Meadowlands
Monticello, NY — Harness racing’s best traveling roadshow, the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship, moved on to the mile oval at the Meadowlands on Thursday (July 19) with two trots carded; one a non-wagering affair and the other the third race on the betting card.
Historic Stakes produce two track records at Tioga
Nichols, NY — The Historic Stakes rolled into Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon (June 17) and produced two track records.
Domenico Cecere creates a career in the US
Despite winter standardbred training winding down in South Florida, there remain interesting human and equine stories that illustrate what’s good about the harness racing industry, people and horses, dreams of future stakes wins and career development. A case in point is Lindy Racing Stable, capably trained by Frank Antonacci, Domenico Cecere and John Duer.
Bergman: Antonacci family looking for its next Moni Maker
The list of eligibles to this year’s $1.5 million Hambletonian was released last week.
Frank Antonacci, Armbro Vanquish to be honored by USHWA
Harrisburg, PA — Two names associated with “excellence in trotting families,” horseman Frank Antonacci and the broodmare Armbro Vanquish, have recently been voted year-end awards in a polling of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Antonacci was honored with the Lew Barasch Breakthrough Award, while Armbro Vanquish was named Trotting Broodmare of the Year.
Boston College Magazine: Fast Track
On a brisk Friday morning in May at Lindy Farms, a 600-acre breeding and training facility for racehorses in Enfield, Connecticut, head trainer Frank Antonacci oversees the daily regimen of 48 horses, from feeding (at 5:30 a.m.) to workouts on two stone-dust tracks (a 5/8-mile oval and half-mile straightaway) to the precautionary monitoring of temperatures and pulse rates to time-out in grassy paddocks.
The Harness Edge Podcast
Frank Antonacci is featured in today’s edition of The Edge In America and talks to Geoff Dubrowsky.
He’s Spooky returns after stem-cell injections
More stories are surfacing about stem-cell injections being used to treat injuries in horses. One horse who has recovered from an injury thanks to a stem-cell injection is He’s Spooky, a winner of an International Stallion Stakes at The Red Mile as a 2 year old in 2009.
Bourbon Slush Stable/HHYF Family Day at Lindy Farms attracts 120
Somers, CT — Lindy Farms, in conjunction with the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, sponsored a Family Day for members of the Bourbon Slush Stable on Sunday, June 19.
Due Diligence: Partnerships and preparation can make for fun ownership experience (PDF)
Living in the Dallas, Texas, area poses some challenges to a lifelong fan like me who wanted to become a Standardbred owner. Just mentioning “harness racing” to someone who is not from the Northeast or Midwest brings blank stares. One Texan asked if I was referring to “those chariot races.”
Grandstand View: Taking Small Foosteps (PDF)
Let me start off by saying that last November’s issue of Hoof Beats has been one of my favorites. I am writing in response to the article called “Face Lift.”
Charlie Davis Interview (PDF)
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie Davis of Seattle, Washington, had a different indoctrination into betting harness racing than most. Where most everyone reading got their start through friends and family, Charlie did not. In fact, he never even watched a harness race before last summer and had never even bet a horse race of any kind before 2008. How did he turn into a harness fan, bettor and horse owner in only seven or eight months?
YouTube Video: Bourbon Slush
Here is a video of John Campbell training Bourbon Slush on March 29th 2011. Bourbon Slush made a brief break in the last turn but John thought he was a very nice trotter with a good attitude and gets over the ground very easily.
USTA announces President’s Award recipients
Columbus, OH — U.S. Trotting Association President Phil Langley has announced the following USTA President’s Awards for 2011, to be given for outstanding contributions to the sport of harness racing. They will be presented to: Frank Antonacci, 27, part of the third generation…
Champion Trotter Survives Tragedy In Somers
Magnificent beasts, falling snow, white board fences. Currier & Ives could not have imagined a more wondrous New England winter tableau. Yet in the early hours Thursday, the unyielding weight of nature would crash on Lindy Farms and when she was finished, this January day would stand as an especially tragic one for harness racing. View The YouTube Video (WTHN News8)