Christina Johnson wins “Pace for the Cure”

Northfield, Ohio…October 13, 2024…Yes, Northfield Park hosted their $2.4 million dollar Ohio Sire Stakes harness racing finals on Saturday night but, of equal importance to the millions seeking a cure of cancer, the track also played host to the “Pace for the Cure,” featuring many of the great ladies participating in our sport today.

For the second year in a row, Christina Johnson took top honors in this event by wiring her competitors with the 11-year-old gelding My Friskie Boy (Feelin Friskie) in 1:56.2

Taking the lead immediately when the wings opened, Johnson guided the son of Feelin Friskie through panels of ::28.2, :58 and 1:26.2 to report home a length in front of the pocket sitting and late charging Blue Spanx, handled by Nadine Hawke, with the longest proposition in the field at 57 to 1, third for Jennifer Main,

The only three-year-old in the gathering, In His Time, with Mary Birkhold in the sulky, was fourth with St Lads Thriller awarded fifth for Mandy Jones after suffering interference at the start necessitating a refund on that one’s wagers,

MY FRISKIE BOY REPLAY

Emma Wahlberg, Emily Hay, Lauren Harmon and Leslie Joyce completed this now annual event fighting one of our more serious illnesses, breast cancer.

The winner is now owned and trained by Elson Miller and, for My Friskie Boy, it was his third win of the year in 28 starts, vaulting his career bankroll to $315,659. It was also his 51st career win in a career stretching 10 seasons and 320 starts.

As the slight 2 to 1 favorite, My Friskie Boy, paid $6.60 to his faithful.

For “Chrissy” Johnson, it was her 10th win of the year, sending her UDRS to a lofty .412.

Ironically, it was the second win in a row for Johnson in this event and, also, the second consecutive year that Johnson-Habke combined for the Pace for the Cure Exacta—last year’s $2 exacta returning $30.20 and this year’s $21.80.

In a post-race interview, Johnson lamented, “winning is important and I am very happy for Elson (Miller) but to win this race for the second year in-a-row in really, really special to me.

“We had some very special fund raising events in conjunction with this and this is a very special event to all of us and we were all honored to participate.

“As for Mt Friskie Boy, well, he lived up to his name, that’s for sure. One chirp on the backside and he was on his way—:28.2. He really raced great.

“The crowd was very enthusiastic about the race, too…The bet us very well! (Over $70,000).

“ I look forward to participate in these and, just maybe, we cane find a cure! That would be a dream come true for so many!”

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

 by John Berry