Arlene and Jules Siegel, Pennsylvanians who are perennially near the top of the U.S. standings as both owners and breeders, had an excellent year with their racetrack stock in 2009, thus earning selection as the Norman Woolworth Owners of the Year

in voting among active members of the United States Harness Writers Association.

Leading the Siegels’ racing brigade was Broadway Schooner, a three-year-old trotting filly who figures in the thick for her division’s honours. A winner in 2009 of $878,467, Broadway Schooner won arguably the two most important races in her section this year, the $783,042 Hambletonian Oaks and the $600,000 Breeders Crown.

But Broadway Schooner was by no means the only racetrack star for the Siegels, who use Jim Campbell as their trainer. Three other performers took down more than $300,000: Western Moonlight ($329,089), winner of the Sweetheart Pace; New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Dial Or Nodial ($373,052); and Pennsylvania Sire Stakes star Fashion Feline ($321,332).

Many of the triumphs of their horses were especially sweet to the Siegels, as they had also bred the youngsters. Broadway Schooner was their first homebred to win a Breeders Crown; Pilgrims Taj followed soon after. Dial Or Nodial and Fashion Feline were also bred at their Fashion Farms north of Philadelphia, which this year will stand Broadway Hall, Real Artist, Village Jolt, and newcomer Western Cyclone.

Arlene and Jules Siegel will be honoured at the annual awards dinner of the harness writers, to be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Yonkers Raceway, just north of New York City. To obtain tickets, or further information, please contact Dave Little at 212-210-1691.

(USHWA)