Harrah’s Philadelphia has even more reason to celebrate this holiday season, as its Christmas Eve 12 p.m. program shattered records, handling an impressive $1,587,638 in wagers – the largest betting total ever recorded at the southeast Pennsylvania racetrack.

Trainer Joe Bongiorno swept both of the fast-class pacing features on the card. Despite a track that was off due to cold and wet conditions, Bongiorno's horses made the trip from Yonkers to Philly a successful one, dominating the competition in both events.

In the $21,429 fast-class handicap feature, Rock Diamonds N, driven by George Napolitano Jr., delivered a dominant performance, powering out of post eight and quickly clearing to the lead. Once in command, the 11-year-old pacer maintained a firm hold on the race, cruising through the mile in 1:51.3 — the fastest winning time in nearly three years. 

Rock Diamonds N, a Rocknroll Hanover – Dancing Diamonds gelding, is owned by Ben Mondello and JB Racing. This victory pushed his lifetime earnings to nearly $1.04 million.

In the $20,000 sub-feature fast-class handicap pace, trainer Joe Bongiorno sent out Vici, who lived up to his name with a dominant 1:52.1 victory, setting a new lifetime best. After sitting a perfect pocket trip, driver Johnathan Ahle and Vici made their move nearing the head of the stretch, sprinting clear in the final strides to secure a two-length win. 

Vici is a Lazarus N - Triple V Hanover four-year-old gelding. This win gave JB Racing its second feature winner of the day, this time in partnership with Barbara Bongiorno Stable LLC. Vici now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $306,217.
 
Only three cards remain in 2024 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Regular racing will take place this Friday at 12:25 p.m. and Sunday at 12:40 p.m. as usual, while a special New Year’s Eve card is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a post time of 4 p.m.

(With files from Harrah’s Philadelphia)