Another Successful Fall Harvest Festival
Yonkers Raceway Saturday night played host the second annual Fall Harvest Festival, showcasing the thriving relationship between horse racing and agriculture all across New York State
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Eight $50,000 events--two and three-year-olds of both sexes and gaits who were eligible for last week's New York Night of Champions--saw the glory go to:
- two-year-old trotting fillies--Dreamy Dawn (by Dream Vacation); owner trainer Ed Lohmeyer/driver Jeff Gregory; (first life win); 1:59.4/$2.90;
- two-year-old trotting fillies--Southwind Jazmin (by Art Major); owner Rick Phillips/trainer Mark Harder/driver Jason Bartlett; 1:56.1/$6;
- two-year-old pacing colts and geldings--Test Of Will (by Art Major); owner Michael Polansky/traiiner Margaret Spagnola/driver Gregory; (life-best) 1:55.2/$12.80;
- two-year-old trotting colts and geldings--Sing Out (by Malabar Man); co-owners (trainer) George Teague Jr. and Ted Gewertz/driver Manzi; (first life win) 2:00.2/$12.40 (part of entry);
- three-year-old pacing fillies--Crown Lady (by Pro Bono Best); owner William Delarm/trainer Angus MacDonald/driver Manzi; 1:56.1?$5.50;
- three-year-old trotting fillies--Platinumatic (by Credit Winner); owner Purple Haze Stables/trainer Jessica Okusko/driver Gregory; 1:59.3/$4;
- three-year-old trotting colts and geldings--Winning Fireworks (by Credit Winner); co-owners Adam Victor & Son Stb & Lindy Farms of Conn./trainer Harder/driver Eric Goodell; 1:59/$3 (part of entry);
- three-year-old pacing colts and geldings--Forty Carrots (by Riverboat King); co-owners Richard Clair & Lance Gordon/trainer Kathleen Allen/driver Bartlett; 1:55/1$6.40
Saturday night's $42,500 Open Handicap Pace was a fourth consecutive win for Giddy Up Lucky (Goodell, $6.90) in 1:52.3.
The Fall Harvest Festival saw the track apron awash with guests, who enjoyed a plethora of activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, blacksmith demonstrations, face painting, music, New York wine, chasse and other goodies. There were drawings for 20 $50 betting vouchers, compliments of Blue Chip Farms, sets of drivers' colours as well as a lighted mug giveaway.
Saturday night also featured the renewal of the Legislators Challenge, three non-wagering events featuring a dozen New York State elected officials.
Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Westchester), who won his division in 2009, proved he was no one-hit wonder. He--with help from Jordan Stratton--guided Handfulofjuno to an off-the-pace victory in 2:10.2.
Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) was a passing-lane winner in the second event, getting Superbe Rulah and Manzi to the wire in 2:11. The final division was a pocket win for Assenmblyman Nelson Castro (D-Bronx), who teamed with Bartlett and RH Bittersweet in 2:09.2.
(Yonkers Raceway)