Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Bred by Ronald Cole & Judith Ekstrand of Durand, Michigan

Owned by Gary & Laurel Gust, & Cheryl & Edward Sayfire of Michigan

Purchased for a mere $3,700 as a yearling, Admiral's Express has gone on to race against and beat such horses as Real Desire (2002 Horse of the Year) and Gallo Blue Chip (2000 Horse of the Year), among others. A grandson of the mighty Laag, Admiral's Express is by the popular Michigan stallion Admiral's Galley p, 2,1:54.2 ($300,000+)

This Michigan-bred gelding began his career on the Wolverine county fair circuit, competing during his two and three-year-old season.   Admiral's Express won five of 14 starts at two, earning $16,108. At three the grey gelding entered the winner's circle seven times in 19 starts, winning over $60,000. He spent much of his next few seasons racing at the "B" tracks in Canada, such as Kawartha Downs and Rideau Carleton.

In 2001, Admiral's Express seemed to find a new gear, nabbing checks on a regular basis in the Junior Free For Alls at Woodbine and Mohawk and dropping his mark to 1:52.2 after a June 9 win at Woodbine. After a bout with pneumonia, however, he was sidelined for nearly five months and didn't start again until that fall, winning on December 1 at Mohawk.

2002 saw him back at his previous level, scoring in the Junior Free For Alls and high conditioned races, including a start against Real Desire that saw him pace in 1:48.3, making him the fastest-timed grey performer ever. That season he consistently paced between 1:49.3 and 1:50, earning him the title of the "Grey Gladiator." He wrapped up that year with six wins in 44 starts and $175,000+ in earnings--his best year ever.

"Admiral's Express doesn't know the meaning of the word 'quit'," announcer Frank Salive recalled. "Three miles under 1:50 was amazing--it was a pleasant surprise that every year he was getting better and better. We knew he would be a good horse, but not a great horse. I think he just grew into himself. He became more athletic. He learned to race smarter. He has an incredible will to win."

In 2003 Admiral's Express appeared set for another winning season when a small cut on his ankle turned into an infected joint. His owners sent him to the University of Guelph for antibiotic treatments, giving him some "down time." That didn't deflect him from winning just over a quarter of a million dollars however.

As an eight and nine-year-old pacer, Admiral's Express has garnered his most profilic seasons, earning well over $300,000 each year.

Admiral's Express is one of the most popular pacers racing today in North America. His determined attidute, size and color have endeared him to fans throughout both Canada and the United States.

Admiral Express' Lifetime Statistics as of December 3, 2005
Year    Starts Wins/2nds/3rds Earnings   Record       Track & Date Taken
2005       37      17      5      5      $388,257      9, 1:48.2S    WDB 06/11/2005
2004       41      10      9      3      $303,208      8, 1:48.4S    WDB 06/12/2004
2003       33      11      5      3      $225,516      7, 1:49.1S    WDB 06/28/2003
2002       44      6      6      9      $175,136      6, 1:50.4S    WDB 07/06/2002
2001       29      4      2      9      $114,450      5, 1:52.2S    WDB 06/09/2001
2000       33      8       6      2      $140,054      4, 1:53.0F     RIDC 07/20/2000
1999       19      7       4      3      $66,818        3, Q1:56.3S MOH 12/07/1999
1998       14      5      3      1      $16,108        2, 2:01.3H    KNRS 09/04/1998
Total   250      68     40    35      $1,429,547 9, 1:48.2S

Admiral's Express with Paul MacDonell

2005 Archives
November: Boulder Creek
October: Classic Photo
September: Vivid Photo
August: Peacefull Way
July: Rocknroll Hanover
June: Mr. Muscleman
May: The Standardbred Stallion
April: The Standardbred Broodmare
March Gallo Blue Chip
February Jag de Bellouet
January Old Timers