The Meadowlands Racetrack has announced that a top older pacer will be officially retired on Meadowlands Pace elimination night, Saturday, July 11
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Artistic Fella, winner of the 2006 Meadowlands Pace, will be officially retired.
Trained by Steve Elliott, Artistic Fella won 26 races and $2.6 million during his career, which spanned 2005-2008.
He proved to be one of the best bargains in racing for owner Joseph Alborano, who purchased the son of Pacific Fella for $13,000 as a yearling. Artistic Fella gave U.S. Hall of Fame driver Cat Manzi his first victory in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace at age 56 when he won the 2006 edition in 1:48.4.
Artistic Fella will parade to the winner’s circle for the last time before the second race on July 11.
Pace Day Overnight Purses Bolstered
The Meadowlands also sent out a release today regarding purses for its overnight races on the Meadowlands Pace day card. The release states that purses for all overnight races on Meadowlands Pace night will be increased by 25 per cent. The top class invitational pace will carry a $40,000 purse and all lower classes will see higher offerings that night.