Author Topic: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)  (Read 3005 times)

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hudsonvalleyinny

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Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« on: March 13, 2023, 04:31:45 PM »
I was at Saratoga Harness one night in the late 1970's and watched the "new guy" win like 7 or 8 races that evening.  What was most impressive was that each time he went to the circle, Bill's wife brought out the baby that sat in his lap for the picture.  Were any of you there that night?  It was like 8 winners, correct?

TheGrimReaper

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2023, 04:48:13 PM »
Eighty per cent of the people on this site are wearing “Depends” as they can’t remember not to shit in their pants and you are asking them to remember 1978.  But the the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s were the sports heyday.
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wizardofoz

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2023, 11:52:16 PM »
After graduating from high school, he became second trainer for Jim Doherty, and moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, where in 1979 he set the all-time record for most wins (269) at a single track in a single season.

Open bridle

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2023, 05:03:05 AM »
Never been to Saratoga but remember Case having I think at least 8 wins in a night at Northfield in the late 90's. I think he set the season record 1077 at Yonkers in 1998. Too bad he had a drug and wife problem. And too hard on the horses.
« Last Edit: March 14, 2023, 05:20:39 AM by Open bridle »

hudsonvalleyinny

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2023, 01:44:38 PM »
I had a horse at Monticello in the 80's that was beaten by a goat, an old lady pushing a shopping cart and Howard Oil barefooted.  The following week I put up Walter Case.  The horse won going away.  The man can drive.

Open bridle

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2023, 01:56:24 PM »
I had a horse at Monticello in the 80's that was beaten by a goat, an old lady pushing a shopping cart and Howard Oil barefooted.  The following week I put up Walter Case.  The horse won going away.  The man can drive.
Yes he could. When he was right one of the best IMO.

gogasgoboom

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Re: Bill O'Donnell at Saratoga Harness around 1978 (?)
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2023, 09:31:40 AM »
It was 7 wins on a single program during that 1979 season for O'Donnell.
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