Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Manzi Captures North American Dash Title
Way to go Cat!

January 1, 2005

A snow-coated Catello “Cat” Manzi was all smiles in the winner’s circle at the Meadowlands, celebrating his first North American Dash Championship ever Saturday. The Hall Of Fame Member (inducted in 2001) was also named 2005 Driver of the Year by the United States Harness Writers Association. The Freehold, New Jersey resident is the oldest driver to claim the dash championship at age 55. He finished the year with 727 wins over runner-up Tony Morgan (700).

“It feels good, there’s no describing it,” Manzi said. “I worked hard at it, I applied myself to do it and it worked. It added a little something extra. I’m just going to take it as it comes. Whatever is out there, I’m ready for it. This is all great stuff for a kid from Monticello. Some great things have happened to me, and I couldn’t be any happier.”

Sears Adds More to his Bankroll
With five wins on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands, Brian Sears added $44,660 to his bankroll for a 2005 total of $15,085,991, a North American earnings record. Sears is the first driver to top $15 million and eclipsed the previous single-season record of $14,184,863 set by John Campbell in 2001.

“It is a great milestone, and I'm so happy that I got it done,” Sears said. “In 2006, I am not going to think about doing it again or trying to better it.”

Sears, 37, also won the Meadowlands Fall Meet leading driver title. His five wins Saturday lifted his meet total to 29. David Miller and Ron Pierce tied for second with 28 wins each.

Rucker Takes Training Crown
Ken Rucker captured the trainers’ crown with 14 wins, edging out Ross Croghan [13 wins] and Mark Silva [12 wins].