What are your proudest moments in harness racing?
Mine are as an owner only. Claiming my first horse a 4k claiming mare by Big Towner for $4800 + tax and title = $ 5121 at Pompano Park in 2004 and almost puking my guts out on the 6th floor! 4 weeks later, watching my mare making an HOF'er look like an amateur driver when she went by him like he was standing still down the backstretch at PPK in an 1/8 of a mile in an old 'dump truck' sulky.
Breeding the previous mentioned mare and him finishing 3rd to Sweet Lou in his 1st career race in a $ 62k PASS Sires Stakes race.
Later on in his career, winning the first Sunday race in PPK's history 3-3-2013 for a $ 14 mutuel. I was working at Whole Foods Market, had to take an elongated lunch hour to get to the races. Made about 500 on the 1st 2 races and had to go back to work and close the specialty department (which included washing the floors) after the first 2 races.
13 days later, watching the horse online at Saratoga Raceway winning for fun at 99-1 with a 7 hole and dead last at the 3/8 pole. The horse that finished 2nd also was 99/1. FYI, I didn't bet a dime on this as a 7 hole should have not been a good night. My trainer called me after the race and asked if I bet the horse. My response was I almost jumped off my balcony. I watch the race on the internet and track announcer Mike Sardella and myself saw this coming at the 3/4 pole.
Watching my current one I have partial ownership in race all over the northeast at Saratoga, Plainridge, Yonkers, and The Meadowlands making $ 200k+ lifetime and winning opens at Saratoga and Plainridge as well as going sub 1.50 at the Big M.
I'm sure I missed some other special moments, but overall, many great moments and good times.
