In the true spirit of the holiday, the horsemen’s associations of New York, unified as the Empire State Harness Horsemen’s Alliance, have pledged $23,500 to victims of the

disastrous December 5 fire that killed two grooms and over 40 standardbreds at Lebanon Raceway in Ohio.

A spokesman said cheques were being sent covering the pledges, and added that another $6,000 was donated by private individuals.

Participating in the Christmas gift were the Harness Horse Association of Central New York, in Vernon; the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association in Saratoga Springs; the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, headquartered in Yonkers; the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association in Monticello; and the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, covering Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs.

An earlier $7,000 contribution was made to the fund by Tioga and Vernon Downs and their Southern Tier horsemen and track operator Jeff Gural.

(Harness Tracks of America)