With less than five months until the 100^th Hambletonian, here are a potpourri of fun facts about America’s Trotting Classic.

by Bob Heyden

Garland Lobell was not in the Hambletonian in the early 1980s but his sons made a huge impact a bit later on. Andover Hall twice sired a winner: Donato Hanover (2007) and Perfect Spirit (2017). Conway Hall was fourth in the 1998 Hambletonian and then sired Triple Crown winner Windsong’s Legacy. Then another of “Conway’s” sons, Broadway Hall, sired 2011 winner Broad Bahn.

THE THIRD AGE

Scott Zeron had his third Hambletonian winner (Tactical Approach) at age 34 in 2023. Here’s a look at the ages of others when they won for the third time: John Campbell (35), Henry Thomas (47), Brian Sears (47), Stanley Dancer (48), Del Cameron (48), Billy Haughton (53), Ron Pierce (54), Howard Beissinger (55), and Ben White (69).

LET’S GET IT STARTED

This year is the 80th anniversary of the initial Hambletonian with a mobile starting gate. First used in 1946 at Roosevelt, that very same gate traveled to Good Time Park for the Chestertown Hambletonian at Good Time Park. Steve Phillips was indeed proud of his invention.

THE NAME GAME

In 1969, Gallahad Hanover was renamed Lindys Pride, and in 1971 Headin And Healin was then changed to Speedy Crown as Hall of Famer Howard Beissinger won two of his first three Hambletonian drives.

FOUR THE HARD WAY

Who is the only driver in 99 years to win a Hambletonian heat/elim four straight years? Tim Tetrick.

In 2016 he had Bar Hopping ($3), who was fifth in the final; in 2017 Enterprise ($13.80), third in the final; in 2018 Crystal Fashion ($10) fourth in the final; and in 2019 Green Manalishi S ($20.60), fifth in the final.

BY THE NUMBERS

Host sites for the first 99 editions: The Meadowlands (44), Goshen’s Good Time Park (26), DuQuoin (24), The Red Mile (2), Syracuse N.Y. State Fairgrounds (2), Empire City (1).

HOT THEN NOT

In 1967, Speedy Streak went two-for-two on Hambletonian Day and four-for-30 for the rest of his career.

DEAD HEATS

In 1945 there was a Hambletonian dead heat for fifth between Dr Spencer and Voltite, followed by 1983’s fourth place finish for entrymates Joie De Vie and Astro Hill, and, of course, 1989’s most famous dead heat for win in harness racing history between Probe and Park Avenue Joe.

IF ONLY…

If Tim Tetrick had gotten up with Crazed over Deweycheatumnhowe in the 2008 Hambletonian, what would have changed? Tetrick would have posted the first and only $20 million single season for a driver. He finished at $19,752,066. First money was $250,000 more than his runner-up check.

MC ATTACK

It only happened twice in the first 93 Hambletonians, yet three times in the past six years, where a Mc driver won the Hambletonian. In 1931 Dick McMahon won with Calumet Butler, then there was a 61 year drought until Mickey McNichol won it with Alf Palema in 1992. The last half dozen Hambletonians have seen Bob McClure and Forbidden Trade ($31.80) in 2019, Andy McCarthy and Ramona Hill ($3) in 2020 and his brother Todd McCarthy in 2022 with $106 with Cool Papa Bell.

LEADERS UNITED

Only once has the top money leading driver (John Campbell) and trainer (Jimmy Takter) in Hambletonian history joined together in the race. Nuncio, who wound up second in 2014, was the common denominator.

FINALLY…

Here are a couple of Meadowlands March memories from 48 years ago.

• The very first Four Leaf Clover was on March 17, 1977 with Scott Wil winning for Ken McNutt over Cicero Seventy Six for Herve Filion with Jim Tallman and Lookout Red Clay getting the show dough.

• Earlier that same year on March 15, the first New Faces final was won by Hustling Time and Ron Waples emerging victorious over Solar System and Mike Gagliardi with Uncle Joe Butler third for Richard Kent.