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Articles by a Head
10 best The Far Side comics featuring Frankenstein's monster, ranked
The first year of The Far Side was also its most pivotal, as it had the most to gain and lose. 1980 was Gary Larson's year to make it or break it as a cartoonist, thanks to his new deal with the San Francisco Chronicle . Of course, what Larson released in the first year of his new strip was nothing short of timeless. Aside from the many other tropes and gags he debuted in 1980, interestingly enough, Frankenstein's monster was a character Larson revisited often after its first appearance.
Damascus explosions during Macron visit leave at least 18 injured
Damascus, July7, (dpa/GNA) – A visit by French President, Emmanuel Macron to Syria, the first by a European head of state since the end of the civil war, coincided with two explosions in the capital Damascus on Tuesday. At least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured, when two improvised explosive devices detonated in Damascus, the Interior Ministry said.
Dublin Dasher Takes Mohawk Open For Cullen Triple
Dublin Dasher sprinted past all five of his foes to win the $40,000 Open Pace, capping off a three-win evening for trainer Jodie Cullen at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Jan. 31. Travis Cullen initially sent the gelding forward but pumped the brakes on the first turn to slide him into fourth.
2025 O'Brien Award Winners Announced Original
Standardbred Canada announced the winners of the 2025 O’Brien Awards, honouring Canada’s best in harness racing over the past season, at the Black-Tie Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont. The event marked the 37th edition of the O’Brien Awards, named in honour of the late Joe O’Brien, an outstanding horseman from Prince Edward Island and member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Key Dragon Wins Closing Day Century Mile Preferred
Key Dragon locked up his first career Preferred-level victory as he surged to win the $16,000 Preferred Pace on the final card of the meet at Century Mile on Saturday, Jan. 31. Brandon Campbell found the gelding a seat in third from post seven while inside starter Outlaw Game On (Mike Hennessy) took early control over Rum N Custard (Kelly Hoerdt), who accepted the pocket.
Bee Two Bee Extends Streak In CDP Finale
Veteran pacer Bee Two Bee continued to dominate on the final day of the winter meet at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park, notching his seventh straight win in the $5,100 Preferred Handicap Pace on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Live 2025 O'Brien Awards Coverage
Standardbred Canada proudly presents the 37th edition of the O’Brien Awards, honouring the best in Canadian harness racing on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont. Live streaming of the O'Brien Awards will begin with the Red Carpet Show followed by the broadcast of the awards presentations. 37th O'BRIEN AWARDS – SATURDAY, JAN.
SC By-Law #2 Amendments Passed
On Jan. 22, 2026, voting ballots that were cast by eligible Standardbred Canada Breeder Members for amendments to By-Law #2 were tabulated. All proposals put forward by the Breeders Committee have been approved by a majority of Breeder Members.
Horner Re-Elected As Standardbred Canada Chair
On Saturday, Jan. 31, Standardbred Canada (SC) elected its Chair, Vice-Chair and Breeders Chair for 2026. Mark Horner of St. Marys, Ont. was re-elected as the Chair of Standardbred Canada. An Ontario Track Director on SC's Board, Horner will serve his third term as SC Chair after previously serving in the position for 2019 and 2025. Horner has been involved in the harness racing industry for more than 40 years as an owner, trainer, and breeder.
SC Rewind: The O'Brien Awards Remembered
In today’s column, Robert Smith has penned a special edition of Rewind to coincide with tonight’s festivities connected with the famous O’Brien Awards. His piece takes a bit of a nostalgic look back at the now-37-year history of these prestigious awards, and also a bit about the award’s namesake. Tonight is a very special night on the calendar of Canadian harness racing.
O'Brien Awards Weekend Begins In London
It seems only fitting that London, Ont. would celebrate its 200th birthday with a party the likes of which it's never seen before. Exactly 200 years ago today — Jan. 30, 1826 — London, Ont. became a legal entity, founded at the Forks of the Thames River. Now, for the first time, the Forest City gets ready to host Canadian harness racing's most prestigious event with the kickoff to O'Brien Awards weekend.
Pick 5 Carryover, Guaranteed Pool Highlight Yonkers Monday
Bettors have a $7,464.97 carryover and $20,000 guaranteed pool to look forward to in Monday night’s (Feb. 2) Pick 5 at MGM Yonkers Raceway after no tickets were able to hit five-of-five in the sequence on Friday (Jan. 30). The guarantee in the Pick 5 is being offered as part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and free past performances for the Pick 5, courtesy of TrackMaster, will be available at handicapping.ustrotting.com.
The Magic Moment Luminous In London Preferred
The Magic Moment lit up the track at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Friday (Jan. 30) with a gate-to-wire victory in the $11,000 Preferred Handicap Pace. Piloted by Garrett Rooney, The Magic Moment followed the car swiftly to take early command with a :28.4 first quarter.
Tells On A Roll, Cullen Shine On Mohawk Friday Card
Tells On A Roll amplified an already impressive career on Friday (Jan. 30) evening with a win in the featured $40,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park, sealing up a training triple for Jodie Cullen on the card. Travis Cullen was back behind the wheel of Tells On A Roll in the featured race of the night, lining up behind post six in the field of seven mares.
New SC Board Of Directors Announced
As a result of Director Nominations by the Standardbred Canada Membership, ten of the 15 seats on the SC Board of Directors were acclaimed. Five seats were voted on by eligible Standardbred Canada Members with 18 per cent voter turnout. Following is a list of Directors that were acclaimed or elected by the Membership. This Board will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2028.
New SC Board Of Directors Announced
As a result of Director Nominations by the Standardbred Canada Membership, ten of the 15 seats on the SC Board of Directors were acclaimed. Five seats were voted on by eligible Standardbred Canada Members with 18 per cent voter turnout. Following is a list of Directors that were acclaimed or elected by the Membership. This Board will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2028.
Top Indiana-Sired Horses Of 2025 Honoured
The Indiana Standardbred Breed Development Program (ISBDP) teamed up with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) to reflect on a year full of accomplishment and victory at the ISA Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 24. In defiance of an imminent winter storm and freezing temperatures, Hoosier horsemen warmed up at the Embassy Suites as top Indiana-Sired harness racing horses of 2025 were honoured with awards.
Mohawk Announces New Pop-Up Series
Woodbine Mohawk Park’s Race Office has released the details for a new Pop-Up Series for pacers starting on Feb. 9. The series features three $15,000 preliminary legs and a $25,000 final. Participants must race in two out of the three legs to be eligible for the final. Consolation will be available. The series will be open to pacing horses and geldings claiming for $20,000 that are non-winners of $30,000 lifetime (Ontario-sired $37,000). Allowances will be made for age.
Cold Creek Pantera Looks To Pounce In Snowshoe Final
The stage is set for the first two stakes finals of 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The $37,400 Snowshoe Series and the $34,000 Blizzard Series finals have been carded as Races 8 and 5, respectively, on Saturday’s 11-race card, which is set to begin at 6:15 p.m. In order to be eligible to the Snowshoe or Blizzard Series, the three- and four-year-olds had to be non-winners of two races or $30,000 lifetime as of Oct. 31, 2025.
Bee Two Bee Seeks Seven Straight In CDP Preferred
Top-class pacing action takes centre stage on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park for the final card of the Winter Meet. A pair of featured events is highlighted by the $5,100 Preferred Pace in Race 11 with Bee Two Bee in search of his seventh consecutive victory. The Preferred Pace brings together a compact but high-quality group, headlined by Bee Two Bee from post five.
Fearless Ginger Doubles Up In Miami Valley Open
Fearless Ginger won her second top-class dash in row on Thursday, Jan. 29 in Miami Valley Raceway's $49,315 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace, headlining a triple for trainer Ron Burke. Leaving from post five, regular driver Chris Page fired her out quickly off the gate to take the lead in the short field of five, which lined up single file through the quarter and half in fractions of :27.3 and 56.3, respectively.
O’Briens Profiles: Three-Year-Old Trotting Filly
Published: Trot Insider concludes the O’Briens Profiles series ahead of Saturday’s gala, this time showcasing the finalists in the three-year-old trotting filly category. Lasting Dream, Monalishi and Stormont Beautiful comprise the trio of talented fillies. Lasting Dream tussled with Grand Circuit types for Determination of Montreal, Que. and recorded key successes in the Elegantimage Stakes, Delmonica Hanover Consolation II and Continentalvictory.
Angel Fly Away Takes Flamboro Thursday Feature
A second-tier draw while stepping up in class was no problem for Angel Fly Away, who won her second straight race in the $9,500 conditioned feature trot on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Flamboro Downs. The mare was rough-gaited behind the car but recovered to catch the back of Tencaratgold (Scott Coulter) and secure a four-hole trip. Inside starter Stovid (Brady Galliers) ceded control to Tricky Trish (Travis Cullen) at the quarter in :29 but circled right back to the lead on the second turn.
Meadows Handles $3 Million Over Three Cards
Despite cooler winter weather, the betting windows at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows have been heating up, with parimutuel handle topping $3 million in a three-card span. More than $950,000 was wagered on 13 races on Saturday’s card, while Wednesday’s 13-race program totalled $1,098,011 in handle, one of the highest amounts for a non-stakes card in track history. Thursday’s 12 races ended with over $987,000 in the pools. “I can’t thank our bettors enough,” said Michael Carter, Director of Racing.
Hoosier Park Qualifiers To Begin Saturday
As Harrah's Hoosier Park readies for its 33rd season of live harness racing, qualifiers will get underway on Saturday, Jan. 31 in advance of the opening-night card on Thursday, Feb. 12. Through March, Hoosier will host qualifiers on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a first post of noon. Lasix times for starters using the medication will be 9 a.m. The lone exception for post times will be on Wednesday, Feb.
Crazy Fool All Business In Batavia Feature Trot
Crazy Fool led the field through wintry weather conditions and won the $13,699 Class A-AA Trot for his first victory since last May on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Batavia Downs. Crazy Fool watched from his pylon start as Latavius (Brett Beckwith) took the lead passing the eighth pole.
Cutting Feeling At Home At Saratoga
After setting career highs for wins and purses in 2025 in his first year based at Saratoga Casino Hotel – and earning a couple of awards in the process – Alberta native Jacob Cutting is gearing up for the start of a new campaign at the upstate New York track, which begins its 85th season on Sunday, Feb. 1. Cutting, who will turn 25 on Feb. 11, won a total of 152 races and $2.16 million in purses as a driver last year while competing predominantly at Saratoga.
Meadowlands Cancels Racing This Weekend
Meadowlands Racetrack has cancelled its live harness racing programs scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1 due to extremely low and potentially hazardous cold temperatures forecast for the Garden State this weekend. Qualifiers, scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m., are also cancelled.
O’Briens Profiles: Two-Year-Old Trotting Colt
Published: With the 2025 O'Brien Awards rapidly approaching, Trot Insider continues to shine the spotlight on this year's finalists for Canadian harness racing's top honours. Another Great Mass, Ardonne and Strobe Lite comprise the three finalists in the Two-Year-Old Trotting Colt category.
New Vocations Stallion Auction Starts Tuesday
New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program's 28th annual Stallion Auction will run from Tuesday, Feb. 3 through Thursday, Feb. 5 on ongait.com. Breedings to Bulldog Hanover, Cattlewash and Muscle Hill will be offered as "no guarantee" in New Vocations’ stallion auction. All other breedings, including closed-book Summa Cum Laude, will be sold on a "live foal" basis, including Greenshoe, JK Endofanera, Rebuff, Stay Hungry, Bettors Wish, Volume Eight and Tall Dark Stranger.
Mohawk Shifts Qualifiers To Saturday
Woodbine Mohawk Park has shifted the session of qualifiers scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Jan. 31. The first qualifier is slated for 9:30 a.m. The shift is due to the extreme cold temperatures in the forecast for the Campbellville area on Friday morning.
Western Montana Passes
U.S. Hall of Fame broodmare Western Montana has passed away at the age of 22. Bred by Frederick W. Hertrich III and Lewis Arno, Western Montana was foaled on May 11, 2004 in Federalsburg, Md. She was purchased as a yearling by Diamond Creek Farm at the Standardbred Horse Sales Co.'s yearling sale in 2005.
Dover Cancels Thursday Card
The Thursday, Jan. 29 harness racing program at Bally's Dover has been cancelled due to continued effects of last weekend's winter storm. Live harness racing at Bally's Dover is scheduled to resume on Monday, Feb. 2. with first post slated for 4:30 p.m.
O’Briens Profiles: Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt
Approaching the 2025 O’Brien Awards Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31, Trot Insider continues to spotlight this year’s finalists. The finalists in the three-year-old trotting colt division are Emoticon Legacy, Galen Erso and P L Spencer. Emoticon Legacy was a Grand Circuit standout with five graded stakes wins, including three on home soil. The homebred for Determination of Montreal, Que.
S I P Overcomes Miscue To Win Miami Valley Feature
S I P rallied from an early break behind the gate to win the featured $39,726 optional-claiming trot in 1:55.3 at Miami Valley Raceway on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Right before the wings folded, S I P briefly broke stride, which stalled any forward momentum and left driver David Miller with no option but to take back and settle in sixth along the rail.
Rankin Reaches $20 Million In Earnings
Longtime horseman Donnie Rankin Jr. eclipsed $20 million in driving earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 28 as he finished third in the fifth race over a “good” track at The Raceway at the Western Fair District with Workinitonbroadway. Going into the card, Rankin needed less than $1,000 to reach the milestone, and he made progress in his first drive with a fifth-place finish behind The Dark Lord.
Rosecroft Raceway Cancels Thursday Card
After cancelling its Wednesday, Jan. 28 harness racing program as a result of the continued effects of the winter storm on the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Rosecroft Raceway has also cancelled its Thursday, Jan. 29 program. Live harness racing at Rosecroft will resume on Monday, Feb. 2 with a $2,329.97 Jackpot Hi-5 carryover in the final race. First post is 7:15 p.m. (With files from Rosecroft Raceway)
Robert "Bob" Wallace Passes
Robert ("Bob"/"Wally") Edward Wallace of Dieppe, N.B. passed away on Jan. 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 79. Born in Moncton, N.B., he was the son of the late Nellie (MacDonald) and Harry Wallace.
O'Briens Profiles: Armstrong Breeder Of The Year
Published: Trot Insider continues to showcase this year's O'Brien Awards finalists, with the spotlight on the Armstrong Breeder of the Year category heading into this weekend's black tie gala. After five candidates were put forward, voters selected Seelster Farms Inc., Tara Hills Stud Ltd. and Winbak Farm as the three Armstrong Breeder of the Year finalists. Seelster Farms Inc. of Lucan, Ont. is a four-time winner of this award, with previous divisional honours captured in 2006, 2013, 2018 and 2020.
Dover Wednesday Card, Thursday Qualifiers Cancelled
The Wednesday, Jan. 28 harness racing program at Bally's Dover has been cancelled due to continued effects of last weekend's winter storm. Additionally, qualifiers scheduled for the morning of Thursday, Jan. 29 have been cancelled. Live racing at Bally's Dover is scheduled to resume Thursday; first post is 4:30 p.m. (Dover Downs)
Your Guide To The 37th O'Brien Awards
Standardbred Canada (SC) is proud to present the 37th O’Brien Awards Gala this Saturday evening, Jan. 31, at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont. Whether attending in person or watching the live stream from the comfort of your home on standardbredcanada.ca, here’s what you need to know for an exciting evening honouring Canada’s best in harness racing! 37th O'BRIEN AWARDS – SATURDAY, JAN.
O’Briens Profiles: Older Pacing Horse
Published: With the 2025 O'Brien Awards less than one week away, Trot Insider continues to shine the spotlight on this year's finalists, this time featuring the Older Pacing Horse category. The divisional finalists are three Hanover Shoe Farms-bred horses: Brue Hanover, Calicojack Hanover and Ervin Hanover. Brue Hanover was a major force in Ontario after returning to the province in March.
Jet Wings Soars To Miami Valley Feature Win
Jet Wings held off favourite Massive Desire for his first victory of the year in the $30,137 conditioned claiming feature as Miami Valley Raceway returned to action on Tuesday, Jan. 27 with a full card of 14 races after a two-day hiatus caused by a winter storm.
Tymal Riggs Too Good In Western Fair Preferred
Tymal Riggs had enough left in the tank after an uncovered journey to kick away by 5-1/4 lengths in a dominant victory in the $11,000 Preferred Trot on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at The Raceway at the Western Fair District.
Wild Bill Kelso Tames Trotters In Batavia Feature
In a dominant victory among a card full of close finishes, Wild Bill Kelso made quick and easy work of a short field that was reduced to four contenders by a scratch and a break in the featured $10,274 Class-B Trot on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Batavia Downs. Wild Bill Kelso flew off the wings to the front for Brett Beckwith and commanded the race at every station.
Carmine Abbatiello Passes
Carmine Abbatiello, a member of the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame and one of harness racing’s most successful and popular drivers throughout a career that spanned more than four decades, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27 according to his family. He was 89. Mr. Abbatiello, who drove in his first race in 1956, was a fixture on the New York-New Jersey circuits, and over the years captured numerous driving titles in the region – most notably a combined total of nearly 20 at Roosevelt and Yonkers.
O'Briens Profiles: Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly
Published: As the countdown to the 2025 O’Brien Awards continues, Trot Insider features the finalists at the heart of Canadian harness racing’s most prestigious honours. In the three-year-old pacing filly category, Chantilly, Custard Dolce and Perfectly Chic comprise the three finalists. The 2024 O’Brien Award winner as Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year, Chantilly returns as a finalist in 2025 as a sophomore.
Mohawk Entry Box For Saturday Remains Open
Woodbine Mohawk Park would like to inform all trainers that the entry box for the Saturday, Jan. 31 card of live harness racing will remain open until Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. The entry box remains open due to a short number of entries. To view Saturday's condition sheet, click here. (Woodbine)
Rosecroft Cancels Wednesday Program
Rosecroft Raceway has cancelled its harness racing program scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 due to the continued effects of the winter storm on the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Live harness racing at Rosecroft is scheduled to resume on Thursday, Jan. 29. First post for the 13-race program is 7:15 p.m. (With files from Rosecroft Raceway)
Dan Patch Awards Hotel Reservation Deadline Friday
The United States Harness Writers Association's annual Dan Patch Awards banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, is set for Sunday, Feb. 22 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida and the deadline to make room reservations is this Friday, Jan. 30. Reservations can be made via the United States Harness Writers Association link to the hotel's reservations page, which is available by clicking here.
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