Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Carl Allen Voted 2004 Proximity Award Winner

The late Carl Allen, a one-time vacuum cleaner salesman who turned to a career in harness racing after the 1967 Detroit riots, has been selected for the prestigious Proximity Award by the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Allen, who passed away last year at age 74, was modestly involved in harness racing as a hobby before rising to become one of the sport's most respected figures. A native of Wheeler, Michigan, Allen started with raceway horses before switching to stakes-caliber colts and fillies in the late 1970s.

Assisted by his sons Rod, Mike and Marty, the Allen Stable always seemed to produce a top stakes winner every year, sometimes sending out multiple champions in one season.

Among Allen's champions, many driven by Rod, were the brilliantly fast filly CR Kay Suzie (the "CR" stood for Carl and Rod), Royal Troubador, CR Commando, Superior Sweep, Somollison, and CR Renegade. And those were just the trotters – top Allen pacers included 1984 Woodrow Wilson winner Carl's Bird, CR Daniella, Carlsbad Cam, No Smoking and It’s Fritz. Many of his champions emerged from his own broodmare band, and several of the CR campaigners went on to successful stallion careers.

Allen was one of the last true "all-around" horsemen – breeding, training, driving and shoeing many of his horses. He owned quite a few, some in partnership with Rod. He was gracious in both victory and defeat and was always willing to lend a helping hand to fellow horsemen. He was accommodating to the media and fans and maintained an open-door policy at tracks across the country and at Golden Cross Farm in Ocala, Fla., the Allens' family-run racing, breeding and training operation.

The members of the extended Allen family will honor Carl when the Proximity Award is given at USHWA’s annual banquet and awards ceremony Sunday, Feb. 13, at Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. That night will also feature the announcement of the Horse of the Year among award winners both human and equine.

Tickets for the dinner, priced at $100, are available from Judy Davis-Wilson at (302) 698-4610; laudatory ads in the dinner journal can be secured from Nicole Kraft at (614) 224-2291 through Monday, Jan. 10.