Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Meadowland's Drivers Ban Advantedge Sulkies

June 11, 2005

Meadowlands-based drivers have agreed not to use the trouble-prone AdvantEdge sulkies, effective June 10, 2005. At least two of the popular sulkies produced by Evolution Racing broke at the Meadowlands and similar incidents took place at other tracks.

"The AdvantEdge sulkies have been banned in Indiana, and we've learned that they'll be doing the same at Yonkers on Saturday night," said Paul Consol, the horsemen's representative. "We had an informal meeting before the races tonight, and the drivers all agreed to it. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. There have been anywhere from six to 15 incidents of them falling apart, not from accidents but just breaking. We don't want to wait until someone is hurt. Even if you're not driving one, if it breaks in front of you, it's still a problem."

"All the drivers like the bike, but it's a safety question," said John Brennan, also a horsemen's representative.

The first incident at the Meadowlands took place on January 14 when an AdvantEdge driven by Cat Manzi collapsed at the seat during post parade. The latest event was on June 1 when the shaft of the sulky driven by; Patrick Berry broke near the finish line of a race.