« Étonnant ce qu’on peut accomplir quand peu importe qui en porte le mérite. »

“ It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

Ľair était glacial, la piste gelée, bien dégagée.
Vinrent les puissants conducteurs, tout sourires.
Les pros suédois et allemand, tout sourires aussi, bondirent sur la piste.
Le champion de France, et celui d’Australie – tous deux prèts pour l’attaque.
Costume aux couleurs du conducteur fraîchement repassé et bottes de cuir bien cirées.
Gants, tuques et tenue d’hiver. Casques bien conçus.

The frigid air was chilling, the frozen track scraped clear.
Out came the mighty reinsmen, all proud from ear-to-ear.

The smiling Swede, the German pro, they stepped toward the track.
The champ from France, the Kiwi kid – both ready to attack.

Fresh pressed driving colours and leather boots all shined.
Gloves and hats and winter gear. Helmets well designed.

In order to start more than 450 times, and race successfully to the age of 14, you need to be the type of horse that can relax and enjoy life. That is Albert Town. By Melissa Keith

Horse racing has been conducted at Balmoral Park since 1925, and at Maywood Park since 1932. By the end of December, both Chicago area tracks will see their doors locked. The question now - Can Illinois harness racing survive its darkest days? By Debbie Little