After starting the Christmas season by donating $5,000 to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame last week, the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) contested its Christmas race on Saturday (Dec. 24), Christmas Eve.

In the spirit of the season, Campbellini, with Dante Scattolini at the reins, took up the part of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and fired their way to the head of the pack as the race began. After clearing King Cast (Jim King Solomon) at the quarter pole, there was no looking back and the fleet-footed gelding lead the pack of horses the entire mile, winning by a length and a quarter. Masster Blue (Anthony Verruso) made a first-over move up the back side, but no one could get close to the leader. Allindotime (Joe Lee) surged up for the place spot in the lane by nosing out Masster Blue.

Campbellini, an eight-year-old Cantab Hall gelding, is owned by Scattolini and trained by Bryson Dunning. The gelding was sent off as the betting favourite, so the majority of backers should have had some money to spend on gifts. He returned $4.40 for the win.

The AHDC will be racing next Saturday (Dec. 31), New Year's Eve, so come help ring in the New Year and see some exciting action!

(AHDC)