Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

The Richest Races of the Year
Who, What, Why, Where & How

June 16, 2007

The Hambletonian will--for the third straight year--be the sports richest race of the year. This weekend, the North America Cup will take that honor--at least for the time being.

Here are some notes in the richest race--EACH YEAR--since the onset of million dollar racing in 1980. (U S Funds)

1) 8 Hall Of Famers won the richest race of the year

2) Campbell leads with 6, Lachance with 5 as having driven the winner of the richest race of the year the most times.

3) Only ONE female won the richest race of a particular year-Continentalvictory-1996-$1,200,000

4) The last race in the sport OVER $1.5 million? It was NOT here-it was at Garden State Park-1986-Redskin-$1,513,500

5) Steve Elliott-IF he wins the Hambletonian in 2007 with Donato Hanover, joins Billy Haughton as the ONLY two trainers to TWICE win a race over $1.4 million. Steve won the 1987 Wilson with Even Odds-$1,422,000-the richest race of 1987. Billy won the 1984 Wilson worth $2,161,000 with Nihilator, and the 1981 edition also with McKinzie Almahurst-$1,760,000.

6) The 1989 Hambletonian dead heat was the richest race of the season-$1,131,000 (Probe-Park Avenue Joe)

7) Roger Hammer-at 59-was the oldest driver to win a years richest race-2005 Hambo-$1,500,000 Vivid Photo.

8) Only once was the North America Cup the richest race of a season-2004-Mantacular-for the Catman and Larry Rathbone

9) The six RICHEST races of all time are ALL Woodrow Wilsons

10) In 1985-Barberry Spur won the richest race of the year-the $1,357,500 Governors Cup. BUT-he was LAST in the $1,344,000 Woodrow Wilson-and STILL was voted 2-Year-Old Pacer Of The Year!!!