Vivid Photo, one of harness racing’s greatest underdogs and winner of the 2005 Hambletonian, continued breaking records and thrilling fans in the years since his crowning

victory. Now 10, he’ll be honoured with a special retirement ceremony as part of the festivities on Saturday, June 23 for the 2012 Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Trot at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

“The Beal Memorial is always a special night, and having Vivid Photo as a guest will just make it even more special,” said Sam Beegle, president of the PHHA. “We’re very pleased that Roger Hammer and Todd Schadel chose to make his retirement official at this track and on this night.”

Beegle, whose own Gabby Glide memorably challenged Vivid Photo in the 2007 Patriot Trot at Colonial Downs, said the retirement party will be bittersweet. “We all go back a long time, the people and the horses. Roger and I were really trying to kick each other’s butt in that race and Gabby Glide got within one and three-quarter lengths of beating Vivid Photo. It certainly closes a chapter in our personal history, but it’s time, and we’re planning a really nice sendoff.”

After breaking his most recent record at the 2010 Wayne County Fair, Vivid Photo settled into a somewhat more leisurely pace in Hammer and Schadel’s stable. The horse continued turning in winning performances, though racing on a less frequent basis.

(PHHA)