Top Stories
HRU Spotlight
Shortly after the end of each month, we will update the top 5 stories for that month. Select the title bar below to see the top 5 stories for each month this year. The 5 stories are displayed in random order to give each of our talented HRU writers some extra exposure.
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$90 million bid made for bankrupt Hawthorne
ByNeil Milbert Posted onA $90 million bid has emerged for bankrupt Hawthorne Race Course, but the mystery surrounding the prospective buyer leaves plenty of unanswered questions. With key deadlines approaching, the future of Illinois harness racing hangs in the balance.
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North America Cup draw shortchanges potential marketing coup
ByBrett Sturman Posted onThe stage was set for a dream North America Cup showdown, but the draw changed everything. Instead of meeting in the $1 million final, the sport’s two biggest stars will clash in the eliminations, reigniting debate over the current format.
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Dr. Ian Moore and Sarah Svanstedt injured in on-track collision
ByMelissa Keith Posted onA frightening on-track collision brought racing to a halt at Woodbine Mohawk Park and sent two respected horsepeople to hospital. As the industry awaits their recovery, the incident serves as another reminder of the risks behind the sport.
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Eric Cherry on how harness racing needs to evolve
ByJohn Berry Posted onHarness racing has no shortage of ideas for change, but Eric Cherry believes it’s time for bold action. From betting innovations to race-day strategy, the longtime owner and entrepreneur shares his vision for a sport that must evolve to thrive.
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Mark MacDonald’s driving and thriving back home in Canada
ByMurray Brown Posted onAfter years on the sport’s biggest stages, Mark MacDonald is back where it all began. The veteran reinsman reflects on his remarkable career, overcoming serious setbacks, and why returning to Canada has reignited his passion for racing.
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Push for Decatur racino
ByNeil Milbert Posted onA proposed racino in Decatur could reshape the future of harness racing in Illinois. With Hawthorne’s future still uncertain, supporters are racing against the clock to secure legislation they believe could give the sport a much-needed lifeline.
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The transparency trap: harness racing’s most tragic mistake
ByDavid Mattia Posted onIs transparency helping harness racing, or hurting it? One longtime industry voice argues the sport’s push to expose every detail has created unintended consequences, sparking a thought-provoking debate about integrity, public perception, and the future of racing.
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U.S.-bred Allegiant smashes world record with stirring 1:48 Elitloppet victory
ByThomas Hedlund Posted onAllegiant delivered a performance for the ages, smashing the world record in a breathtaking Elitlopp victory. The American-bred mare stunned the sport with a fearless front-running effort that instantly earned a place among harness racing’s greatest moments.
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Caesars Entertainment, owner of Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Eldorado Scioto Downs and Harrah’s Philadelphia sold to Fertitta Entertainment
ByDave Briggs Posted onA multibillion-dollar deal could bring new ownership to three major harness racing tracks. While many questions remain unanswered, the proposed sale has the potential to reshape the future of several of the sport’s most prominent racing venues.
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Mary McDermott is determined to bring harness racing back where it once was
ByVictoria M. Howard Posted onMary McDermott believes harness racing’s future starts with telling better stories. From growing up in the barn to building new fans through social media, she’s proving fresh ideas and passion can help reconnect people with the sport she loves.
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Graham Kirby paid it forward and saved a horse and family
ByMatthew Lomon Posted onA desperate plea to save a dying horse sparked a friendship that has lasted more than 30 years. Graham Kirby’s act of kindness changed one family’s life forever, and the ripple effect is still being felt throughout the harness racing community today.
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Yearly blood work saved George Brennan’slife
ByDebbie Little Posted onA routine yearly blood test may have saved George Brennan’s life. The Hall of Fame driver is sharing his story after major surgery, hoping it encourages others to get screened before a silent disease has the chance to spread.
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Racing ends at Rideau Carleton Raceway
ByDebbie Little Posted onAfter more than six decades, Rideau Carleton Raceway has run its final race. The closure marks another blow for harness racing, leaving horsepeople searching for answers and raising fresh questions about the sport’s changing landscape.
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Campbell and Merriman talk accidents, recovery time, and what may lie ahead for injured driver Brett Beckwith
ByDebbie Little Posted onBrett Beckwith faces a long road back after a frightening accident, but two drivers who know the recovery process firsthand believe his future remains bright. Their advice, hard-earned experience, and confidence offer hope during a difficult time.
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Prewitt clears the air in Hoosier Park mandatory drivers meeting
ByBrett Sturman Posted onHoosier Park’s Gabe Prewitt has drawn a line in the sand, warning drivers that questionable tactics affecting bettors will no longer be tolerated. A mandatory meeting signaled a major shift, and the very next race card hinted at what could come.
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Richard Moreau appeal hearing on the verge of a decision in Ontario
ByMelissa Keith Posted onA pivotal decision looms in the Richard Moreau case as final arguments clash over science, procedure, and fairness. With a career hanging in the balance, the outcome could send shockwaves through the sport and beyond.
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The nine lives of Mark MacDonald
ByMelissa Keith Posted onMark MacDonald has endured more setbacks than most, yet he keeps coming back. As he prepares for another return, the veteran driver opens up about resilience, perspective, and why this next chapter might mean more than ever.
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It’s all about family for horseman Dan Altmeyer
ByMurray Brown Posted onFor decades, Dan Altmeyer has balanced success in harness racing with a deep commitment to family. As the sport evolves, the respected horseman reflects on its challenges, his stable’s philosophy, and the legacy now carried forward by the next generation.
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A conversation with fourth-generation horseman Joe Bongiorno
ByMurray Brown Posted onBorn into one of harness racing’s most storied families, Joe Bongiorno is carving his own path. From early struggles to managing a top stable, he opens up about growth, balance, and what drives him forward today.
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One master scheduler for North America could save harness racing
ByDave Briggs Posted onCould one bold idea reshape the future of harness racing? A proposal to centralize scheduling across North America is gaining attention, promising stronger handle, tougher decisions, and a level of coordination the sport has never seen before.
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Hawthorne remains in a coma
ByNeil Milbert Posted onHawthorne’s once-busy harness meet now sits silent, tangled in financial strain, regulatory trouble, and growing uncertainty. With mounting debts and stalled plans, industry voices warn this situation runs deeper than it seems, and the fallout could reshape Illinois racing.
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Stateside shots came quickly for Canadian driver Colin Kelly
ByDebbie Little Posted onColin Kelly’s rise at The Meadowlands has turned heads in a hurry. From steady work to a breakout weekend, the Canadian driver is making the most of every chance, and proving he belongs on one of racing’s biggest stages.
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Mike Lachance remembers Carmine Abbatiello
ByBob Heyden Posted onMike Lachance reflects on the legacy of Carmine Abbatiello, sharing personal stories, admiration, and the influence of a true original. As tributes pour in, one thing becomes clear, his impact on the sport still resonates deeply.
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Jason Ryan is a nomad no more
ByMatthew Lomon Posted onJason Ryan’s journey has taken him across tracks and borders, chasing opportunity wherever it led. Now, after years on the move, the accomplished reinsman has found a formula that’s paying off, and it’s changing everything.
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Is pari-mutuel betting becoming a bit obsolete?
ByJohn Berry Posted onPari-mutuel wagering faces growing scrutiny as shifting habits, shrinking pools, and bettor frustrations spark debate. From longtime players to industry voices, opinions clash on what’s next, and whether fixed odds could offer racing the spark it desperately needs.
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A shakeup in the driving colony has produced big payouts and an interesting dynamic at Northfield
ByBrett Sturman Posted onDan Noble’s full-time move to Northfield has flipped the script. Big favorites are battling, longshots are cashing, and Aaron Merriman’s grip on the colony suddenly looks vulnerable. With payouts soaring and rivalries heating up, bettors are watching every mile a little closer.
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Racing halted in Chicago as Hawthorne bounces checks to horsepeople
ByNeil Milbert Posted onFinancial turmoil has forced racing to a standstill at Hawthorne, where bounced checks to horsemen have sparked outrage and regulatory action. With licenses in limbo and casino promises still unfulfilled, serious questions now surround the future of Chicago’s last racetrack.
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Jean-Michel Bazire speaks after training accident at Grosbois that could end his career
ByThomas Hedlund Posted onFrench icon Jean-Michel Bazire has broken his silence after a devastating training accident at Grosbois left him with neurological injuries and an uncertain future. As his son Nicolas steps into the spotlight, the sport braces for a winter without its dominant force.
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New track rule at Yonkers yet to make an impression
ByBrett Sturman Posted onYonkers’ new 30-second second-quarter rule was meant to spark action. One week in, the results look familiar. Wire-to-wire winners still dominate, outside flow is scarce, and slow fractions persist. If change is coming, it has yet to show up on the stopwatch.
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Illinois situation seems dire
ByNeil Milbert Posted onIllinois harness racing is hanging by a thread. With Hawthorne’s finances unraveling and races repeatedly canceled, horsemen are pinning their hopes on HB 2724 to open the door for a Decatur racino. For many, the spring session feels like a last stand.
