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)