Primo Maschio and driver Trae Porter went coast-to-coast in the $73,571 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund Late Closer final for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday, April 3 at Bally's Dover.
Off of the gate, Primo Maschio squared off with Lew Not Lou (Tim Tetrick), who put up a fight before accepting the pocket trip. After a snappy opening quarter in :27.2, Porter kept Primo Maschio rolling, reaching the half in :56.2. Won Last Call (Montrell Teague) moved first-over from fourth, with Shore Not Beach (Pat Berry) following second-over.
Despite the pressure, the 1-9 betting favourite was in complete control, hitting three-quarters in 1:24 with an effortless stride. From there, Primo Maschio powered home in 1:52, pulling away to win by 6-1/2 lengths in a career-best time. Lew Not Lou held for second, while Wyatt Earp (Anthony Morgan) rounded out the top three.
Primo Maschio (Badlands Hanover-Primadonna) is owned by Forrest Bartlett of Shiloh, North Carolina. The 23-year-old Trae Porter, who piloted the winner, is the grandson of former catch driver Jim Porter, a familiar name on the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland circuits.
In the $35,211 Open Handicap Pace, Downers Delight (Bettors Delight-Astrmowin) delivered a career-best performance, stopping the clock in 1:49.2 for his fifth consecutive win. Claimed for $50,000 USD earlier in the meet, the gelding now races for TLB Racing LLC of Harrington, Delaware. Trained by Traci Berry and driven by Pat Berry, Downers Delight held off Adam Twelve (Corey Callahan), who finished second, with Leave It to Leo (Montrell Teague) taking third.
The local chapter of the United States has named Itsrockandroll A as Horse of the Meet for the 2024-2025 live racing season at Bally’s Dover. The 10-year-old A Rocknroll Dance-Miss Worthy Whitby gelding is a true family horse, owned by Bette and Bret Brittingham (mother and son) of Felton and Camden, Delaware, and trained by Don Brittingham (husband and father).
Honoured on Wednesday, April 2, Itsrockandroll A put together a stellar campaign during the meet, making 16 starts with eight wins, five second-place finishes, and one third-place effort. He hit the board in 14 of 17 races, reaching over $230,000 in earnings.
Driver Tim Tetrick and Trainer Crissy Crissman-Bier achieved leading driver and trainer awards during Dover's 2024-2025 live harness racing season.
Tetrick started 621 times and earned 188 driving victories, 109 second-place finishes with 82 show appearances. His UDRS rating was 0.444 with a winning percentage over 30 percent. His drives accounted for $2,331,093 USD in purses earned.
“I wanted to thank the owners and trainers for the opportunity to drive their horses,” said Tetrick, giving props to his fellow horsemen. “I’ve been competing against a great driver and trainer colony all year. Winning isn’t easy at Bally’s Dover”.
The Hall of Famer is looking forward to the spring and summer race meets at other racetracks, with one notable target in his sights.
”The one race that I’ve been close to finishing second a couple of times would be the [Little Brown] Jug.”
Crissy Crissman-Bier won her first leading trainer crown at Bally’s Dover this season. She achieved the same feat at Harrington Raceway during its 2024 race meet. Unlike with Tetrick, her leading trainer crown was decided on the final day of live racing.
Crissy’s horses started 331 times with 68 wins, 47 second-place finishes and 32 third-place finishes. Her UDRS rating was 0.317 while sporting a 20.5 winning percentage and earning $706,000 USD in purses.
"I have to thank my husband Sean, he has been great," stated Crissman-Bier. "His hard work allows me to spend more time with the kids.”
Crissy also cited her dad Chuck Crissman Jr. as having a major impact on her racing career.
With the 2024-2025 live harness racing season at Bally’s Dover officially concluded, Harrington Raceway is set to launch its 79th live harness racing season on Monday, April 15, 2025, with a 4:30 p.m. post time.
(With files from Bally’s Dover)