The intrinsic value of amateur racing

In speaking with a few of the BDHC (Broken Down Horseplayers Club) membership this week, a few were really excited that The Meadowlands would be back in action with top notch, competitive harness racing with many of the best drivers and trainers competing.

“Da Big Tree,” uttered Vinny from New York, “Da Big M, Hoosier and Mohawk, dat’s where it’s at if ya wanna try an’ make a score!”

The biggest plus, many said, was the fact that a larger bet wouldn’t dent the win pool odds and there is plenty of value in all of their exotic offerings.

A sparse few, though, always seem to look for something about which to complain with. This time, a couple of punters complained about the track carding Amateur races—in this case, the Meadowlands Amateur Driving Club (MADC)

Those “sparse few,” along with any other naysayers could not be more mistaken, OFF base, OFF the beam or “ON the wrong track!”

Yes, they are “off by a mile” as amateurs competing in their events donate ALL driver earnings for charitable distribution and, most assuredly, put our sport in a positive light in communities, counties, cities and many times, stretching out to national foundations that reach all walks of life—both human and equine.

There are well over a dozen clubs with as many as 500 member drivers with professions encompassing all walks of like from Major League Baseball employees to real estate gurus to judges…automotive executives and computer geniuses to pilots…flight attendants to musicians to lawyers…even cowboys…to. well, owners and trainers willing to risk mind and body in a dangerous vocation of speed and courage competing on behalf of these charitable organizations and the chance to reach the glory of the winner’s circle.

Some of these amateurs are past retirement age…some are in their teenage years.

They all have two things in common: 1) the generosity beyond words in making these donations for charity and giving our sport the grand image and reputation it deserves and 2) the skill and competitive nature in their bones.

They make harness racing the spectator sport it was meant to be.

Of course, racing programs at many venues featuring amateur races also make it a “happening” as large crowds representing their various charities gather in the winner’s circle to greet the driver, trainer and horse—a feeling like, as some say, “is like no other.” A ride in the starting gate may also be a part of the festivities and a visit to the announcer’s booth and maybe a meal in the track dining room.

As Julie L. from Kentucky said, “When you are in the car (starting gate) and the horse’s approach with their nostrils flaring and ready to go, you get goosebumps. It was unbelievable!”

It’s an unforgettable experience that puts harness racing in the spotlight—whether it’s sunlight or moonlight.

The Meadowlands probably writes the most amateur races per week with “BDHC” longtime veteran member Joey C. bellowing, “They’re competitive, they’re full of action, everyone’s takin’ a shot (not THAT kind of shot) and there’s great betting value in every one of them.

“Some go pretty fast, too…good claimers in (1):51 and a piece or (1):52 and change.”

Other active and successful amateur clubs are contested throughout New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania and Ohio, among others.

One of the most successful amateur clubs was the Florida Amateur Driving Club (FADC), which had a history over 20 years at Pompano Park with donations exceeding $300,000 since inception.

When “The Pomp” was forced to close its doors when their Governor signed the “decoupling” bill, it was without voter approval (though it took voter approval to get the casino built there, opening in 2007).

But, although many thought the FADC was “dead,” their President Dein Spriggs wouldn’t let that happen and the “reincarnation” took place in the form of the United States Harness Driver’s Club (USHDC) at two tracks—Oak Grove and Shenandoah Downs, enabling the Club to continue its charitable endeavors, as well as their efforts to keep harness racing is a positive light.

As President Spriggs said, “It takes ‘two to tango’ and our success—and all the success of amateur clubs—is because of the great cooperation of the tracks involved.

“In our case, Kevin Mack and Cara Collins deserve the credit at Oak Grove for our success and Dee Lineweaver has done the same at Shenandoah Downs.”

This year, alone, the Club has made significant contributions to many charitable causes covering equine sanctuaries, organizations for retraining standardbreds for therapeutics, riding and shows and other important community projects.

In the past, many Hall of Fame drivers have joined the charitable fray—Tim Tetrick, David Miller and Wally Hennessey, to name a few—benefitting organizations like Make-A-Wish and New Vocations.

Around the country, accomplished drivers like Steve Oldford, Tony Verruso, Tony Beltrami, Joe Lee, Jeff Schaefer, Jamie Marra, Lauren Harmon, Stacey McLenaghan, Matt Zuccarello Joe Faraldo, Billy Abdelnour and Larry Ferrari are all involved in the success of amateur racing…along with hundreds of others.

The USHDC’s latest charitable involvement is with the National Standardbred Horse Show, as a Platinum Sponsor.

This 30th anniversary edition will feature over 100 standardbreds over three days and will showcase our breed, who have shown “ALL HEART” during their careers—whether it be on the racetrack or in the show ring.

There are no sufficient words to adequately describe this event, but the USHDC is sponsoring the 13-18 Equitation Horsemanship event, which will be held on Saturday, September 21 at The New Jersey Horse Park in Allentown, NJ.

As USDHC Treasurer Tom Eichas said, “Our Club is so honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of this incredible showcase of our breed…and it’s also wonderful that another amateur driving club are joining to make this such a memorable occasion and success.”

Indeed, the American Harness Drivers Club, a Diamond Sponsor, led by Anthony Verruso, is an important participant, as well, as 334 different categories and events will be contested over the three-day show.

Presenting sponsors include, The Ferguson Family, the U.S.T.A., Hogan Equine Clinic, Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, the SBOANJ and TrotPAC and those participating in the loving memory of Tammy Carrow Munson, an avid horse lover who passed at the young age of 45.

Among other sponsors are The Hambletonian Society, The Meadowlands, the SOA of New York, New Vocations, Amelie McAndrews of Garden State Equine, Standardbred Transition Alliance, Standardbred Retirement Foundation and many farms and horsemen (and women) from “A” to “Z”—Abbatiello to Zuanetti.

Sprinkled among the rest of the alphabet are Stacy Chiodo, George Brennan, Lady J, Julie and Andy Miller, Timmy and so many more.

Among the 334 judged categories for our standardbreds are Western Dressage, Obstacle Driving, Open Roadster, Pleasure Driving Reinsmanship, Walk/Trot Flag Race, (there’s a barrel race, too), Puddle Jumper and Showmanship.

There are also events for separate age groups including 12 and under, 13-18, 19-49 and 50+.

And to think…over 100 standardbred horses will showcase their style, grit and heart, many of them, I am sure, has successful careers on the racetrack.

This proves now more than ever…The value of our amateur clubs can be measured in race time or race handle…only in good will…

…Which is priceless!

May The Horse Be With You.

by John Berry, for Harnesslink