In one of the finest win-win situations for Florida harness racing in 2011, legendary horseman Lucien Fontaine has joined the local chapter of the United States Harness Writers' Association as an associate member
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"This is truly a great honour to be joining such a well respected and distinguished group that has done so much for me and for harness racing," said Fontaine. "I truly believe in the organization's initiatives including the annual awards they sponsor, the scholarships they award and the publicity USHWA generates."
Fontaine is perhaps best remembered for campaigning Forrest Skipper, the 1986 Horse Of The Year who went undefeated that year in 15 starts en route to career earnings of over $1 million. Hailing from Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC, Fontaine began his career in 1957 with Keith Waples in Ontario and emigrated to the United States in 1960. After being mentored by Clint Hodgins and racing at Rockingham Park he moved to the New York circuit. After the 1964 season when he was the leading driver at Yonkers and Monticello his driving suit was enshrined in the Harness Racing Hall Of Fame and Museum at Goshen, New York. Fontaine retired from active race bike duty in 1989.
"We are extremely pleased to have Lucien join us as an associate member because he is such a celebrated horseman that cares deeply about the industry," said Fred Segal, the President of Florida's USHWA chapter. "His years of distinguished service and achievement in the sport will certainly give our chapter expanded insight as we nominate people and horses for recognition. The Associate Member category really helps to broaden our knowledge base since we can involve trainers, drivers, veterinarians, blacksmiths and other individuals with a stake in harness racing.”
Now 72, Fontaine resides less than seven miles west of Pompano Park in Margate, FL. He remains an avid follower and staunch supporter of harness racing and recently attended the simulcast centre at Pompano Park to watch a Saturday night live card and the North America Cup from Mohawk.
"Attending the meetings with the Florida chapter of USHWA will be great because I'll be reconnecting with so many of the writers and reporters that interviewed me and helped the game so much during my career, including Jean Emerson, Erwin Grossman, and Murray Janoff. This is a super fit for me in my retirement and a very small way for me to offer something back to the business that was my whole life and so good to me," Fontaine added.
Life's Mark For Im Just Special
A humid evening with the temperature well into the 80's was much to the liking of Im Just Special on Monday as she reeled off a 1:50.3 life's mark performance in the $14,000 fillies and mares pacing feature.
Jason Dillander made his weekly trek back from Hoosier Park to team the six-year-old daughter of Camluck-Ladys Special Girl through fractions of :27.1, :55.3, and 1:23.2 on the way to the career best mile. Pete Pellegrino trains the graduate of the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series for Susan and Ted Colby of Bronxville, NY. Her career bankroll now stands at $655,426 following her 29th career win. Glam Cam made a strong final half brush with Wally Hennessey in the bike for the place position and Nillabomb in rein to Dan Clements was third.
From now through the end of July, live racing cards will be held every Wednesday and Saturday at Pompano Park at 7:05 p.m. After a seven-week break starting July 31, live action will resume on September 21 preceded by qualifying sessions on September 10 and September 17.
(Pompano Park)