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.