September 2024 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN September 2024 Page 33 BLACK’S LIVESTOCK -The Next Pasture - Where the grass is always green, lush & stirrup high Individual Horse & Pet Cremation Standard Mortality Emergency Service Available John E. Black: 610.220.5262 Matthew Hoffman: 610.656.3258 Office: 610.584.4482 Fax: 610.584.9111 BLACK’S LIVESTOCK P.O. Box 662 Skippack, PA 19472 www.nextpasture.com After 11 Hambletonian Losses, Gingras Gets the Win in Driving Rain By Mike Farrell Hambletonian Society Press Release Karl won the $1,050,000 Hambletonian on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Meadowlands as trainer Nancy Takter continued a family tradition and Hall of Fame driver Yannick Gingras scored his first win in the trot- ting classic. Contested in a driving rain- storm, Karl closed resolutely to beat Highland Kismet by a length as the 3-5 favorite. No one in the winner’s circle seemed to mind the raindrops falling on their heads. Takter, East Windsor, NJ, a part owner of the 3-year-old colt, became the first trainer to win consecutive Hambletonians since her Hall of Fame father, Jimmy Takter, in 2014 and 2015. She was only the third female trainer to win the Hambletonian when Tactical Approach finished first last year. “I was definitely a lot prettier in the winner’s circle last year, and a lot drier,” said a thorough- ly-drenched Takter. “He’s just an amazing horse.” The other female trainers who have won Hambletonians in the sport’s 99-year history are Paula Wellwood, with Marion Marauder in 2016; and Linda Toscano, with Market Share in 2012. Only three trainers have won the race in consecutive years: the Takters; and Per Eriksson, in 1991 and 1992. “I don’t think I’ve screamed so much in my entire life as I did the last eighth of that mile,” Tak- ter said. “It was really exciting, and I’m extremely proud of the horse and the entire team. I’m happy for Yannick for his first Hambletonian.” For Gingras, Allentown, NJ, it was the end of a lengthy quest. He was winless in 11 previous Hambletonian finals, finishing second three times. Perhaps the most excruciating loss was the defeat by a nose to Triple Crown winner Marion Marauder in 2016. Gingras was extremely emotional, twirling his whip in a victory salute roughly 50 yards from the finish line. “It means so much,” said Gingras who drove his 9,000th career winner earlier this week. “Especially for my kids. As they got older, I saw the disappoint- ment in their faces every year. They’re not disappointed that I’m not winning. They’re disappoint- ed for me because they know how much it means.” It means everything, espe- cially when it finally happens. Karl was away sixth in the early stages before tracking Highland Kismet into the outer flow down the backstretch. Karl needed several strides in the sloppy stretch before kicking into high gear to claim the trophy. “Highland Kismet kept clear for a little bit but I just had to wait for a couple of strides,” Gin- gras said. “It was tight quarters. I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize it. I just figured an eighth of a mile was enough to show what a champion he was.” The time was 1:51.3 for the mile. Karl posted his 15th win in 17 starts for the ownership of Nancy and her mother, Christina Takter, along with Black Horse Racing and Bender Sweden. Karl, last season’s Dan Patch Award winner, paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.20. Highland Kismet re- turned $4.00 and $4.00. Amazing Catch paid $9.60 to show after surviving a judges' inquiry that determined he was not guilty of a penalty for racing inside the pylons. Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!