Baby! the harness racing zine for kids. David Miller. Brittany Farms shares the ups and downs of foaling season MAR.

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1 the harness racing zine for kids Oh Baby! MAR r Brittany Farms shares the ups and downs of foaling season David Miller poster inside! David Miller Talks Racing Charles Blackwell Finds His Niche Casey the Zebra Adds Color at Lindy Farms Games and more!

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3 Contents Features 10 p. 12 Harness p. p. 5 Writer s Block/ News Makers p. 6 Poster Pull-out p. 8 p. 4 Cover Story Foaling Around: YB gets the inside scoop on foaling season at Brittany Farms by Beijing Zhang Track Talk Horse Crazy: Catch-driving legend David Miller comes from a long line of harness horsemen by Samantha Kelley Roundup Stall Savvy: Tips on keeping your horse s stall fresh and clean by Kelsey Corcoran Youth Bits The Mighty Casey: Lindy Farms welcomes a horse of a different color by Philip Antonacci PLUS» What s My Line? Sam McKee shares stories about his job as track announcer at the Meadowlands In Every Issue cover photo by ed keys 2 p. Events and News Briefs Heroes Opportunity Knocks: Internet inquiry leads to harness racing success for Michigan teen by Kristen Duwe p. 9 Standardbred Spotlight p. 13 Gaming Gallery Post Parade Welcome back to Youth Beats, everyone! It s hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly, but I couldn t be more excited about Let me share with you just a few reasons why. In our last issue, you may have noticed a few changes. Of course it had great games, faces from around the industry and plenty of horse pics, but thanks to a new redesign by USTA art director Gena Gallagher, Youth Beats is looking sleeker and sharper than ever, and the best is still yet to come! Also, this year we re planning to develop new departments, features and content that we really hope you ll love. You can look for these fun additions throughout the year, and don t hesitate to let us know if you have an idea or suggestion of your own. In this issue we re taking you to Lindy Farms, Brittany Farms, and up north to the great state of Michigan to visit one of harness racing s newest and biggest fans. Plus, you ll also hear from two legends of the sport, Sam McKee and David Miller. Are you ready? A Publication of the United States Trotting Association Outside 614 area code: USTA (8782) Executive Editor: Nicole Kraft nkraft@ustrotting.com, ext Youth Beats Editor: Jason Turner jason.turner@ustrotting.com, ext Advertising Director: Heather Dodds heather.dodds@ustrotting.com, ext Circulation Director: Kate Lockhart kate.lockhart@ustrotting.com, ext Art Director: Gena Gallagher ggalla@ustrotting.com, ext Photographers: Mark Hall and Ed Keys photo@ustrotting.com, ext or 3223 Jason Turner, editor

4 Cover Story YB gets the inside scoop on foaling season at Brittany Farms by Beijing Zhang Located in the heart of central Kentucky s Bluegrass Country, Brittany Farms is known for being one of the best Standardbred horse farms in the world. It is also known throughout the sport of harness racing as a leading breeding farm in producing trotting and pacing champions, such as Glidemaster, Passionate Glide and Art Major. From Hambletonian and Little Brown Jug champions to open-class legends and everyday claimers, the one thing they have in common is that they all started out as foals, and no one knows foaling better than the experts at Brittany. It must be exciting to see the new babies on the ground after waiting for almost a year, but not r2 When there is a problem, everybody jumps in to help. Getting a healthy foal is all that matters to us. Marsha McWilliams all foaling seasons are normal or relaxing; sometimes they can be really tough, said Art Zubrod, Brittany Farms general manager. For a farm like Brittany, where dozens of foals are delivered each year, one of the biggest challenges is being prepared for any number of health issues that might occur during the birthing process. It could be anything, Zubrod said. Some years we run smoothly. Other years there are a lot of issues. During a typical foaling season Brittany Farms will see in the neighborhood of 100 foals. This year, however, Zubrod said they will have closer to 85. No matter how many foals are born, it s never an easy

5 process not for the mares that give birth, not for the newborn babies and not for the workers who assist them, most of whom work through the night. Probably only one or two mares [each year] have foals during the day, said Marsha McWilliams, who oversees foalings at Brittany Farms. On a typical night I come in and watch the mares. They usually show signs before they are going to foal. Before they deliver their babies, I have to make sure the baby and the mare s positions are right. After the foals are born, McWilliams monitors mother and foal, checking to make sure the babies are nursing properly, the mares are breathing smoothly and that they re healthy, happy and as comfortable as possible. Young and the Restless: Clockwise from above: Brittany Farms foals take to the field to stretch their legs; a maternal moment for Flirtin Miss; Possess The Magic is hot to trot with her Glidemaster foal in tow. Foaling season at Brittany Farms is unique because everybody who works here has the same goal: we work together to save the foals and mares, McWilliams said. When there is a problem, everybody jumps in to help. Getting a healthy foal is all that matters to us. For 25 years Brittany has been a leader in the breeding industry, and has foaled some of harness racing s brightest stars, but breeding is more than a business and foaling season is a special time for everyone involved. It s a good feeling to see a healthy foal coming out, and to know there is a future ahead of it, said McWilliams. r3 all photos courtesy of brittany farms

6 Track Talk Catch-driving legend David Miller comes from a long line of harness horsemen by Samantha Kelley Catch-driver David Miller, nicknamed Purple Jesus for his purple, white and gold driving colors, is one of harness racing s most decorated participants. A former Rising Star Award winner, U.S. World Driving Championship representative and seven-time Jerry Kaltenbach Memorial Award winner, Miller knows how to get the job done on the track, and has a great time doing it. How did you get into harness racing? My family they were in the business and so I just kind of grew up in it. They all trained and drove my dad, grandpa, uncles and cousins. When did you first know you wanted to be a driver? Really early. I was crazy about the horses for as long as I can remember. I started jogging when I was 8 and drove when I was 12. Did you have a mentor that you looked up to? In the beginning it was my dad, then my uncle. He s 10 years older than me, and I looked up to him quite a bit. What is your favorite part about being a driver? I think the best part about being a driver is definitely winning races for people, and just being involved in the excitement and satisfaction everybody gets out of it. What is the hardest part about being a driver? For me, it s tough to make picks. People work really hard with their horses, and I don t know how to explain it, but it s a tough job sometimes to pick horses. In your opinion, who is the greatest driver of all time? I don t think there s any question. John Campbell s made more money and won so many major races over and over again, it s hard to choose someone else. r4 The best part about being a driver is definitely winning races for people, and just being involved in the excitement and satisfaction everybody gets out of it. Which is your favorite horse to drive? I ve always said Magician has been my favorite horse to drive. He was at the top of his game for so many years and was so competitive for so long; it s hard to come across horses that can be so good for so long and be a dominant force like he was. What is the best track to drive at? The best track to drive at is probably the one closest to my house. I don t have a favorite size track. I race at the Meadowlands a lot, but I like Delaware, Ohio; I like The Red Mile. I don t really have a favorite. How did you go about choosing your colors? I just used my dad s. When my dad was done driving I was just getting started, so I started wearing his colors and I ve kept them. Do you have any race-day rituals or superstitions? When I first started there were a few, but I really can t say I have any now. No black whips; I had my favorite shirts to wear, but that s all changed. I just go with what I ve got. Are there any other jobs in the industry that you would like to try? No. I never really thought about it, to be honest with you. What advice would you give to kids who want to be involved with harness racing? Not to be real successful off the bat. It takes time and you have to put your time in. It s going to be a high-consuming type of career. You ve got to spend a lot of hours doing it. photo by ed keys

7 Writer s Block The place to share your Standardbred stories with the world! Horses Are Her Life My name is Marianna Monaco. I am 14 years old. I currently hold a groom s license in the state of New York. I love being around horses. They are my life! My dad owns one horse whose name is Hot Rob; he is a 10- year-old gelding. I don t know what I would do without him in the barn! I spend my weekends up at the farm in Wappinger Falls, N.Y. I jog and take care of horses for trainer Carl Tirella. I spend my nights at Yonkers Raceway. I warmed up my first horse at Yonkers Raceway this summer for trainer Stacy Chiodo. The horse s name was Kings Point. My idol is trainer/driver Charlene Cushing. This summer I plan on driving in fair races in Maine and at Goshen, where Charlene will help me become the best driver I can be. On Saturday mornings my dad wakes me up at 5:45 a.m. so I can go and do what I like to do (jogging and training horses)! If everything works out, I would like to become a catch-driver. If not, I will definitely be involved in this great industry. Regards, Marianna Monaco News Makers Readers making a difference through harness racing Class, There Will Be a Quiz James Mays, 9, of Carlsbad, Ca., recently presented a biography report to his entire third-grade class at Magnolia Elementary. Class presentations can be tough, but not for James, who picked legendary horseman Stanley Dancer as his subject. Dancer was a hero of James dad, Tom, who trains and races harness horses. James even wore his dad s colors and helmet so he could show his classmates what a driver in action looks like. James and his 6-year-old sister, Anna, enjoy reading Hoof Beats with their dad. Nice job, James! Did You Know? Stanley Dancer drove winners in 23 Triple Crown events... drove the Horse of the Year seven times... was the first trainer to earn more than $1 million with a horse in a single season... and earned $28 million in his career. ) We love hearing from you! Send your stories, jokes and letters to Youth Beats, 750 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215, or them to jason.turner@ustrotting.com. r5

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10 Roundup Cleaning your horse s stall is a good way to show them you care. Follow these steps to help keep your horse happy. by Kelsey Corcoran 1 You want to make sure the horse is out of the stall so you have plenty of room to make it nice and clean again. Even if you think you have enough room, the horse might get nervous while you re cleaning and accidently hurt you. 2 The next thing you want to get out is the horse s manure. Removing this is most important for keeping a stall clean. 3 Find any bedding that is wet and use a rake to clean it out of the stall. Keeping a stall dry is very important so that it doesn t become a big mess. Just like you, a horse doesn t like to sleep in a wet bed. r8 4 If there are any wet spots left in the stall, put deodorizer on them this stuff keeps the stall from getting too smelly. 5 Rake any dry bedding that is left into the middle of the stall and put some new bedding on top of it. Now the horse has a nice clean bed. Things to Watch Out For Be very careful when you are walking around in a stall. Sometimes horses like to dig holes and if a hole gets covered up with straw, you could trip over it. Always wear shoes when cleaning a stall because there might be nails or loose boards that could hurt your feet. Since the rake you use to clean the straw can be very sharp and pointy, make sure you always keep it standing up. It wouldn t feel very good to step on one. photo by mark hall

11 Standardbred Kids star with their favorite Standardbreds! Spotlight Fly, Union Jack! Molly Clark, 11, stands proudly with her dad and his horse, Order, who races in England but is American-bred. Chugging Along Madeline Giberson greets her favorite horse, Chugwater Gal, whom she likes to call Chugalug. Glorious Times Justice Day, 7, and her rat terrier, Angel, enjoy an outing on pacing mare Trim Glory. Good Luck Kiss Hannah Ingrassia shows Connors he is her favorite horse. + Send in your pics! Youth Beats, 750 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH jason.turner@ustrotting.com r9

12 Youth Bits Lindy Farms welcomes a horse of a different color by HHYF participant Philip Antonacci Recently Lindy Farms added a new member to its racing stable a 6- year-old zebra named Casey. He was adopted by Lindy Farms head trainer, Frank M. Antonacci, who took action and brought Casey to live on the farm when he heard the zebra needed a new home. When Frank went to pick Casey up, the process of loading him required an immense amount of patience. Casey hesitated for nearly 30 minutes. First, Frank tried to get him onto What s My Line? Sam McKee takes time out from his job as track announcer at the Meadowlands to answer questions from Youth Foundation participants. From: Lantana Grub Q: What got you first interested in the horse industry? Sam: My dad and grandfather raced at the fairs. I would help train and drive. From: Oscar Kimelman Q: What would you do if you didn t announce races? Sam: I have obtained my Provisional license, but I m a terrible driver. From: Sarah Svensson Q: What is the most difficult name you have had to pronounce? Sam: Takeshigemichi. From: Mollie Fenwick Q: Has the job you are doing now been what you always wanted to do? Sam: I ve wanted to do this since I was 14. I always tagged along with the family to the fairs and listened to announcers. I had toy horses I played with and pretended to race, and then I would narrate the race. From: Sam Ryder Q: At first was your job hard? Sam: Yes, and I never stop getting better. It was difficult in the beginning, compared to golf or basketball. The more you practice the better you get. It s easier if I m at a track I am familiar with. I use equipment and drivers to remember the names of the horses during the actual race. From: Olivia Kimelman Q: What was the most exciting race you ever announced and why? Sam: The 2008 Meadowlands Pace Art Official beat Somebeachsomewhere. It was one of the most exciting races in the history of harness racing. From: Vikki Gomes Q: What is the most enjoyable part of being an announcer? Sam: To be a part of harness racing. It s a real cool deal. 10r casey courtesy of lindy farms mckee by mark hall scharf by lisa photo

13 the trailer by putting food inside, but was unsuccessful. Then he used his horse sense and slowly lured him on board by feeding him grain out of his hand. Frank would put the grain close to Casey, let him take a bite, and then back up. He kept doing this until Casey was all the way inside. The short five-minute drive to Lindy Farms was a very smooth one. Actually, the unloading was very smooth, too. Casey, who acted like a yearling going into the trailer, behaved like a 9-year-old coming back out. Frank then led Casey into Lindy Farms main barn. As they walked down the shed row the horses had a strange expression on their faces, and Casey looked quite intimidated by the much larger racehorses. However, one horse that Casey immediately befriended was a 3-year-old Mcardle gelding named Mctone Cold. Mctone, who is one of the largest horses in the stable, went right up to his stall door to greet Casey. Casey reached up and smelled Mctone. It was an extraordinary thing to see the largest racehorse on the farm befriending the EVENTS 2010 Harness Horse Youth Family Days and Camp Activities Why not participate in one of the 2010 Harness Horse Youth Family Days or Camps? Here s a list of currently scheduled activities:»family Days June 5 Harrington Raceway June 6 Goshen Historic Track»Harness Racing Youth League Camps (HRYL) June Odds On Racing/ Balmoral July 6-10 Vernon Downs July Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs August 6-7 the Meadowlands Please note that additional Family Days and HRYL Camps are being programmed for To sign up for any of the above events, or to get additional information about pending ones, please contact Ellen@ hhyf.org. Casey became an instant celebrity at Lindy Farms. Every day he had visitors of all ages, and people came from as far away as an hour to see the farm s newest mascot. TIP OF THE Hat! smallest horse. Casey became an instant celebrity at Lindy Farms. Every day he had visitors of all ages, and people came from as far away as an hour to see the farm s newest mascot. Less than 24 hours after arriving at the farm, Casey also appeared on the U.S. Trotting Association s home page under the headline Lindy gains their racing stripes. Casey loves people, although at times he can be a bit stubborn and playful. He also loves to be turned out. In his field he gallops down the fence line and then breaks into the smoothest trot. But he also has plenty of work to do. Not only is Casey a companion for the racehorses at Lindy Farms, but he also makes appearances at the Antonaccis local miniature golf course. Frank is also planning to break Casey to a jog cart, if possible, and eventually post parade him. Although Casey is currently stabled in Connecticut, he is expected to travel to Lexington, Ky., later this year for the Grand Circuit. He will also travel to Florida in the off-season. Talk about an exciting life! NEWS BRIEFS Indiana Standardbred Association For their generous support of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation s 2010 programs! Martin Scharf Receives HHYF s 2009 Service to Youth Award On Feb. 28 at the USHWA Awards Banquet at Yonkers Raceway, Martin Scharf was presented with the HHYF s 2009 Service to Youth Award. Mr. Scharf was the founder of the Gallo Blue Chip Scholarship Fund. Named after Scharf s Gallo Blue Chip p,1:48.4 ($4,260,959), the richest pacer of all time, the scholarship is awarded to children of licensed New Jersey and New York caretakers and trainers. Each year a worthy applicant receives the $15,000 scholarship. This year s recipient was Maddie Dudka. Participate in the 2010 Harness Racing Youth League by contacting Ellen@hhyf.org. r11

14 Harness Heroes Quick Study: Since teaming up with trainer Allen Sisco in 2009, Charles Blackwell has already learned to prep, harness and cool off Standardbreds. Opportunity Knocks Internet inquiry leads to harness racing success for Michigan teen by Kristen Duwe As Charles Blackwell s fingers tapped on the keyboard of his computer, he had no idea that one visit to the Hoof Beats Web site would lead to his first big break in the harness racing industry. Blackwell, 16, who attends Detroit Urban Lutheran High School in Michigan, didn t have much experience with horses, but he has loved them for as long as he can remember. And it was his dream of breaking into the racing industry that took him to the Hoof Beats Web site. After posting a message on Harnessphere, the USTA s social networking site, about his interest in getting involved in harness racing, r12 Steve Oldford Blackwell was contacted by Nicole Kraft, the executive editor of Hoof Beats, who then put him in touch with USTA District 2 Director Steve Oldford. Oldford agreed to show Blackwell the ropes and he also put him in contact with trainer Allen Sisco. He came out and followed us around for a bit and we taught him some things and got him licensed, Oldford said. He s a very bright young man. He s very willing and eager to learn. Since Blackwell started with Sisco and became a licensed groom in June 2009, he has learned how to prep, harness and cool off a horse. Right now I am learning the different equipment and general horsemanship, he said. My favorite thing I ve learned to do My favorite part about working with the horses is seeing how they interact with thus far is how to hook up the horse and all of the equipment. It may look like a lot of things to do but it s really simple once you get it down. Although he enjoys his new grooming duties, Blackwell said the best part of the job is getting to know the horses. My favorite part about humans so well. Charles Blackwell working with the horses is seeing how they interact with humans so well, he said. Blackwell s future plans include getting his own racing silks, earning his Qualifying/Fair driver s license and participating in the Martin Luther King Pace at Monticello Raceway when he turns 18. He also plans to attend the USTA Driving School this spring, where he ll be sponsored by Oldford, and he would eventually like to even run his own stable. With Blackwell s enthusiasm and talent, his mentors believe he is on his way to reaching his goals. It s pretty neat that we can get that kind of interest from a kid in this day and age, said Sisco. blackwell courtesy of steve oldford oldford by mark hall

15 Gaming Gallery L Word Search Can you find all eight of these super sires? Andover Hall, Angus Hall, Artsplace, Astreos, Cambest, Camluck, Life Sign, Real Artist, Sportsmaster, Yankee Glide a e o c e m k k t r a r t e a a m s c a i v m e r c c s e u a a l a a a s m a a l s t e s n i l h y t m l u e t g e n a u a a e b p r u a g t r n c l i f e s i g n g t s r l e o h s t t a l i r e t s a m s t r o p s e d i l g e e k n a y t n e l u t e r l n a o n a n d o v e r h a l l c For the solution, go to youthbeats/puzzles.cfm. C The Adventures of by A. Schmidt Awesome Autumn! The Write Stuff Ask a friend to give you a word for each blank space without letting him or her see the story, then read the completed story out loud for some hilarious results! There s really no other time of the year like season. There are so many things going on. For starters, you have mares their adjective present progressive everywhere as they learn how to for the first time. plural noun verb And as the weather begins to improve, the around the farm come out to and around in the fields. For most people, foaling verb verb season is a time, and the best part is it happens times a. unit of time noun plural noun emotion number r13

16 * Get into the Race! (And it won t cost you a thing!) Sign up for your free subscription to the harness racing zine for kids! It s loaded with stories and photos from and about people like you, plus games, posters and cartoons! So sign up today! Name Age, * Sign up for your free USTA Youth Membership for youth 17 and under. Benefits include: 4-H and Youth Activities Youth Contests Standardbred Adoption and Placement Career Opportunities Educational Opportunities Address City, State, Zip Send to: Youth Beats 750 Michigan Ave. Columbus, OH And kids, don t just read Youth Beats... get into it! We want your pictures, jokes and letters! Have you ever wanted to have your picture in a magazine? Do you have a great horse story to share with the world? Then send them to us at the address above, or them to jason.turner@ustrotting.com! Youth members can also subscribe to, the world s leading harness racing magazine, for just $16.50, which comes with a free issue of four times a year. Contact us at: Hoof Beats 750 Michigan Ave. Columbus, OH Toll free outside 614 area code: USTA (8782) Fax