Reflecting on the year in harness racing we had some good, some bad and some ugly. We'll forget the bad and the ugly for this post. We read enough of it.
So, let's go with the best of 2007. In my opinion, which ain't worth much.
Race of the Year: This is a tough one. The 3YO Breeders Crown Colt Pace certainly added spice. Brian Sears with Always a Virgin parked out Tell All in a scorching half. A bomber with George Brennan - Artist View - picked up the pieces. Snow White's race at Lexington was a jaw-dropper. World Record.
But I pick the 2007 Metro Stakes as my race of the year. The big guns were there - George Teague, Duane Marfisi, and others with powerful horses. Lo and behold a strapping son of Ontario sire Mach Three, owned by a few people from the booming metropolis of Truro Nova Scotia took home the prize. And take it home he did - in World record fashion. Somebeachsomewhere's Metro win is my race of the year.
Race Call of the Year: Every year it is the same for me. Old time harness racing. Small town harness racing. Grassroots harness racing. Vance Cameron at the Gold Cup and Saucer. The fireworks at the start almost had Mr. Cameron jumping out of the announcers booth. I loved it. It was infectious. I love the crowd too. We don't see that enough. You do out east though - every year.
Feel Good Story of the Year: Joe Canadian, a claimer at Sarnia's Hiawatha Horse Park had a nasty accident last year. The water truck and him didn't get along. He was badly beat up and I don't think too many would have thought putting him down wasn't a probable option. But don't tell 20 year old Britt Kennedy that. She nursed him back to health, and less than a year later he was racing for her again. And winning. It is a great story. Woodbine won a Hervey Award for it. Pats on the back all around. And to Ms. Kennedy: Well done!
Best Day at the Track: North America Cup night at Mohawk. It is about time they brought it there. It was fabulous. And the place was packed. A great night of racing which was enjoyable for the fans. We need more like that.
I hope we can top those in 2008. We just might. Snow White and Somebeachsomewhere might be able to rewrite record books. There were many good 2YO and 3YO trotters and pacers. The classics this year could be well worth the price of admission.
Happy new year everyone and all the best in 2008.
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3 comments:
this is my first post..and you got a great site here....
well, i work was brought up at ole greenwood as alot of racing fans were. Ive gambled my whole life. Now i own a thoroughbred at woodbine as the standardbred game has lost a step. The other night, i thought what the hell ill play the trots. Went to a champions to get a program, the guy wouldnt sell me one. BECAUSE i wasnt staying to drink or buy food.
As i was walking out, i overheard him say " they should bring back the admission price'
I left mad of course, and the best is weg wonders what i wrong, why the handle is down, why the game is dying.
I will say, there is the perfect example. As stated earlier, im a fan, and gambler, i will bet but sit back and think about that senario, would you go back there?
Hi A,
Wow, that is the first time I have ever heard someone not being able to bet because they could not BUY a program.
Oh my head. What a story.
GL with the thoroughbred. Not sure if you know, but cangamble at a link below has a good site for news on Woodbine and Fort Erie. He has a link to Jennifer Morrison's blog which I read frome time to time as well. It's good.
Happy New Year.
did you used to sit on the second floor at greenwood?.......cuz i went to the mecca for yrs,,,,we used to go after the track and watch the meadowands
from the way your site is...and the opinions....i think i know who you might be.....anyways....im not gonna say where i couldnt get a program but it just shows that unfortunatley, even the owners of champions have no idea how to help the track
your intials......se?
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