Harness Racing Update

Welcome to Harness Racing Update, a dedicated publication focused on harness racing that offers in-depth and engaging insights into the sport. HRU is committed to providing unparalleled coverage of the harness racing scene in North America, delivering news within hours of the races concluding. Our mission is to serve as the go-to resource for everyone in the standardbred community, including owners, breeders, drivers, trainers, racing officials, and enthusiasts. Published in PDF format, HRU is conveniently shared via an Internet link, enabling industry professionals across the globe to stay updated on all the latest happenings in harness racing.

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Baby steps at breakfast

6 days ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Melissa Keith

Woodbine Mohawk Park put its future stars in the spotlight on Saturday. by Melissa KeithA varied crowd of spectators attended Woodbine Mohawk Park’s breakfast with the babies on Saturday (June 21). With a 9:30 a.m. start, the 14 qualifiers for 2-year-old male pacers and trotters attracted horse owners; a sizable group of young Amish men; trainers and caretakers stepping out from the paddock; and what appeared to be a few fans.
“Special”NA Cup victory leaves Louprint’s connections positively star-struck

1 week ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Dave Briggs

An epic, record 1:47.1 triumph in the $1 million race at Woodbine Mohawk Park left the Burke Brigade incredibly impressed, but not surprised. by Dave BriggsThere was a catch in his voice, but Ron Burke successfully fought off tears for the second time in a matter of minutes.
Connections looking for ‘Smooth’ sailing in NJSDF final

1 week ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Debbie Little

New Jersey Sire Stakes champ Smooth Dream goes for his seventh win in as many seasonal starts at The Big M. by Debbie LittleTraditionally, winning three in a row at The Meadowlands is difficult, so the fact that Smooth Dream could notch his seventh straight mile-oval score on Saturday night (June 21) would be quite the accomplishment. Maybe even more so when you consider that the 3-year-old gelded son of Cattlewash—Dreamlands Latte only had three starts as a 2-year-old with no wins.
Standardbreds feed Alina Macleod’s soul

1 week ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Chris Lomon

by Chris LomonAlina Macleod rarely takes breaks, but when she does, they usually involve horses. Her days — and often her nights — are filled with caring for her beloved standardbreds. So, whenever there is an opportunity to speak of them, Macleod will always, quite happily, make time to have that conversation. And on this morning, she didn’t hesitate to make time for one – even while loading grain pellets for a next day delivery. “I’m happy to talk now,” Macleod said in a text message.
Heather Flaherty on making Pepsi North America Cup Night “pop” for on-track fans and bettors

2 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Melissa Keith

by Melissa KeithAt Monday’s (June 9) post-position draw for the Pepsi North America Cup, drawmaster Mark McKelvie made it clear that on Saturday night (June 14), Woodbine Mohawk Park will play host to one of North America’s best cards of the season for both watching and wagering. Mohawk general manager Heather Flaherty told HRU that the on-track experience would be well worth the trip to Campbellville, ON, something that she and her team have been working towards in recent years.
Ron Burke is locked and loaded heading into NA Cup

2 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Debbie Little

The trainer will contest Canada’s top harness race with Louprint and Swingtown. by Debbie LittleWith the Meadowlands Pace only a month away, trainer Ron Burke looks to be in a good spot to capture The Big M’s signature race for the very first time. “I’ve got good 3-year-olds this year; my 3-year-old colt pacers are solid,” he said.
Ervin Hanover’s mastery of the half-mile carried the Mohawk star to Camluck Classic victory

2 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Melissa Keith

by Melissa KeithIn the May 17 preferred handicap at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Ervin Hanover made one of the most hotly-anticipated returns in this year’s older pacing ranks. The 5-year-old son of Captaintreacherous—Eloquent Grace wired in back-to-back Mohawk qualifiers on May 2 and 9 for Louis-Philippe Roy, then stepped up for his first 2025 start, with Doug McNair taking the lines.
It took time for Natalie Graffam to nail down her role in harness racing

2 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Chris Lomon

by Chris LomonThere was a time when Natalie Graffam wasn’t married to the idea of a horse racing career. Now, it’s clear she is fully engaged in the standardbred world. “My grandfather has always had racehorses, but I was never really involved with him in it; I knew he had horses,” Graffam said. “But my connection to the sport changed when I met Nick.”That would be Nick Graffam, a successful driver with nearly 1,400 career wins and over $14 million in purse earnings.
Ontario trainer John Pentland interviewed on Twos in Training

3 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Dave Briggs

by Dave BriggsOntario-based trainer John Pentland is the most recent guest on HRU’s Twos in Training series. He was interviewed by Jaimi MacDonald at Dorchester Downs training centre. You can watch the John Pentland interview on YouTube here.
Gillis, Fishman wiretap case proves industry must act faster to protect horses

3 weeks ago | harnessracingupdate.com | Dave Briggs

Why did it take 18 months for the sport to punish Jeff Gillis after The Meadowlandsbanned him for being on a list of alleged EPO purchasers? by Dave BriggsThe wiretaps are chilling for their utter disregard for equine health and safety and Jeff Gillis’ blatant robbery of his fellow horsepeople, but, sadly, not surprising. The response by racing commissions and associations, while nice, is far too slow.