The 72nd anniversary season of live harness racing at Harrington Raceway was completed Wednesday (Oct. 24), with end-of-season awards highlighting the closing night program.
The drivers' race was deadlocked going into the night, as reigning champion Victor Kirby and Mike Cole were tied with 99 wins. When the dust settled, Cole had four wins on the card to Kirby's one, giving Cole his first driving title. Art Stafford Jr. finished third in the driver standings.
Joe Columbo was presented his first training title as the meet's leading conditioner with 40 wins, leading former Harrington training champs Joe Hundertpfund and Wayne Givens, who finished second and third.
The horse of the meet, as voted on by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, was Zippett Racing Stable's Murmur Hanover ($6.80), who in fitting fashion won the $17,500 Open Trot in 1:57.4. The venerable eight-year-old Majestic Son gelding had the most starts (19) and wins (8) of any horse at the meet, while banking more than $80,000 for trainer Jay Gannon.
In the sub-featured $11,000 Open Trot, Callam Racing's Spunky Jack ($14.80, Tony Morgan) was a 1:56.4 winner for trainer Steve LeBlanc. It was his 29th career win and put him in excess of $500,000 in career earnings.
Live racing on the Delaware circuit now shifts north to Dover Downs, which opens on Nov. 5.
(Harrington Raceway)