The Standardbred Canada website and Trot Insider continue the annual holiday tradition of reviewing harness racing's top 50 news stories of the year
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After posting stories 50 through 26 in terms of web traffic and page views on Sunday, Dec. 25, today's article looks back at the top 25 stories in harness racing for 2011.
Detour Hanover made headlines in November when John & Tom Cancelliere ponied up $825,000 for the yearling full brother to Donato Hanover at Harrisburg. The winning bid made Detour Hanover the highest priced yearling in standardbred history.
After winning her Elegantimage final, there was talk of Crys Dream facing the boys in the Hambletonian. Two weeks later, the filly tested positive for a Class 2 drug and her promising season went into a tailspin.
For the first time, all 12 Breeders Crown finals were held on one glorious night at Woodbine Racetrack. The day was filled with drama as a number of key participants were unable to make the trip due to a snowstorm on the Eastern U.S seaboard. On the track, San Pail won arguably the race of the year in a thrilling Breeders Crown Open Trot final that likely clinched year-end Horse of the Year honours in both the Canadan and the U.S.
Standardbred Canada's 2011 Canadian Yearling Sale concluded on Sunday, Sept. 11 after selling 302 yearlings for a total of $4.415 million. The average of $14,621 was bolstered by sale topper Occult Master. Millar Farms of Newmarket, Ont. purchased the regally-bred son of Camluck - Mystic Mistress for $180,000.
A mishap one night at Mohawk Racetrack in late May involving top teamsters Jody Jamieson and Mark MacDonald topped the traffic list. MacDonald was taken to hospital, suffering a broken nose, broken jaw and losing multiple teeth. Miraculously, MacDonald returned to the bike just four weeks later.
25. Up The Credit Takes Cup 28
24. Big Jim Injured, Possibly Retired
23. Roll With Joe Captures Meadowlands Pace
22. Jamieson Crowned 2011 World Driving Champion
21. Lexington Selected Day 1 Sale Results
20. John Campbell Injured In Accident
19. 'Bunny' Tops Summer Sizzler Sale
18. Rideau’s Thursday, Sunday Live Cards Cancelled Due To ORC Concern
17. Four-Horse Spill At Western Fair
16. Piroski, Wallis Cleared Of Charges
15. Big Bad John Captures 66th Little Brown Jug
14. Yonkers Bans Pena
13. MacDonell Ripped By Swedish Media
12. Field Set For Meadowlands Pace
11. Jamieson Reflects On MacDonald's Selfless Act
10. Waples Discusses Losing Dreamfair Eternal Mount
9. Theseyesrcrying Tops Spring Fling
8. Strand Hanover DQed For Positive Test
7. Harness Racing TV Show Preview
6. Michelle Eustis Passes, Arrangements Set
5. Record Yearling Price Set At Harrisburg
4. Positive Test For Crys Dream
3. 2011 Breeders Crown In The Books
2. 2011 Canadian Yearling Sale Complete
1. Accident At Mohawk; Update On Mark MacDonald