The club held 36 races with purses totaling $166,000.00 and averaged $4,628. The last two races of the season highlighted the year by having the lower class race for $15,000 and the higher class racing for $20,000. Those total figures show an increase of 56% in total purses and an increase of 35% in the number of races.
Club President Bill Abdelnour, a dedicated harness horse owner, trainer, and driver summed up the year this way, " The club had such a rewarding season that they continued to donate to the charities of the previous years and were able to add a few more new charities to help benefit them. It`s such a real good feeling to watch the drivers put on such a professional effort in their races."
A big thanks goes out to The Penn/National Management Team for all their help, a special thank you goes out to Plainridge Racecourse General Manager Stephen O`Toole, the great condition races that Race Secretary Paul Verrette made available, Track Announcer Len Calderone, the Presiding Judge and his associate judges, and therest of the Penn/National Staff.
The leading point getters for the clubwere:
First Place Winner: Dan Tuccillo of Prospect, CT 172 points
Second Place: Eric Davis of Hartly, DE 166 points
Third Place: Jim Tomaso of Rehoboth, MA 140 points
We wish all harness racing fans, who come tothe track to watch and bet the races, a wonderful holiday season and most importantly a happy and very healthy new year. We looked forward to seeing you next year on April 10, 2017 ……… " When the starter calls the pacers "
By Bob Lieberman