HUDSON on Horses and Hockey

Former player Dave Hudson took one of his biggest hits this past summer, but it wasn’t on the ice, it was from the Ontario Racing Commission. He and his partners are the first, and he hopes the last, owners to be substantially affected by the new whipping rule. By Heather MacKay Roberts

No one was more thrilled than Dave Hudson when his two-year-old trotting filly Angostura captured her $30,000 elimination of the Peaceful Way Stakes at Mohawk Racetrack on September 14. However, his joy would quickly turn to heartbreak when it was determined that her driver, Trevor Ritchie, had violated the Ontario Racing Commission’s new whipping rule during the stretch drive. The ORC’s policy directive states that: “For an offence where a driver has driven with both lines in one hand and struck the horse with the whip, the Judges shall place the horse last.” “I was watching the race from home with some friends and it was obviously very exciting to see the filly win,” said Hudson, a native Canadian who lives in Dallas but spends

Photo by Nigel Soult HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY Photo by New Image Media

quite a bit of time in Ontario where his The filly in the middle of the biggest dispute in Ontario racing during the 2009 season was Hudson's Angostura, an Angus Hall rookie who earned $186,000 in horse holdings are seen to by his trainer 10 starts despite not being allowed to compete in the $475,000 Peaceful Way and partner Dan Creighton and his final after winning her elimination over Costa Rica. brother Terry. The trio’s operation is known as Danterra Racing Stable and they have a farm near Strathroy, Ontario. That action caused the Judges to Time was of the essence for if the “When the inquiry sign came on I place Angostura from first to last, which appeal was allowed, Angostura would thought it had to be about the start as took away the $15,000 she earned from have had a chance to take her place there had been breakers at the start, I the purse and much more in potential with the other qualifiers to race for the didn’t think for a minute it had anything winnings as she was not allowed to com- substantial purse in the final. Hudson to do with our filly. When it came up that pete in the $475,000 final the following didn’t harbour much hope. “The it was us, I just didn’t understand it. I week. chances of winning an appeal are slim never dreamed it would be a disqualifi- Afterwards the 53 year-old Ritchie, to none,” he said. cation. who is acknowledged as one of Canada’s He was correct as the panel dis- “I was on the phone with Dan after best in the sulky especially when it comes missed the appeal, the entire transcript the fact. He was busy with what was hap- to trotters, called it the worst mistake may be read by clicking here – Creighton pening at the time and was trying to text he’s ever made in his driving life. It was, ORC Ruling – the highlights of which are me to let me know. Of course, I know as the ORC would acknowledge in their as follows: quite a bit about it now.” ruling, a simple lapse in memory as the “The Panel has empathy for driver What in fact happened was that action was one that was allowable two Ritchie, trainer Creighton and the own- Danterra’s Angus Hall filly had battled weeks before, and one Ritchie would ers, especially considering the short time throughout the stretch with one of the have performed thousands of times dur- the rule has been in place. However, the top fillies in the division, Costa Rica, the ing his career. Panel must adhere to a zero tolerance race favourite. In deep stretch Ritchie did “If Dan loses his appeal it may be up policy. To do anything else risks under- indeed put both lines in one hand and to a quarter million dollar mistake,” he cutting the intent of the rule and all the move the whip with the other. Whether said before Creighton’s appeal was heard work of the industry and the industry he actually ‘struck’ the filly or ‘tapped’ a few days after the race. Ritchie also working group which helped put it in her was a bone of contention, but expressed remorse for the bettors who place. It would also be unfair to all the Ritchie’s actions were in violation of the had to destroy their tickets because of other drivers in the race who obeyed the new rule on urging horses that had been the filly’s disqualification for his error. rules.” introduced two weeks before the inci- The ORC convened to hear The circumstances the panel noted dent, on September 1. Creighton’s appeal on September 17. were:

December 2009 • The Harness Edge Merry Christmas! McIntosh Stables Robert • Patty • Rob • Sean HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY

• A violation 14 days after the Rule came into force. • A driver known to be temperate in use of the whip. • The violation, although clearly within the ambit of the Rule (lines in one hand, striking with the whip with the other), was not aggravated in form. The driver immediately after the inci- dent described his action as “tapping” the horse. That characterization was fair. Prior to the rule change, that con- duct would not have been misconduct. • The horse won the race. By virtue of placement and redistribution of purse Photo by New Image Media money, the owner suffered the loss of $15,000 (subject to reductions). • The horse as winner of the elimi- Captain Brady was one of the most frustrating trotters the Danterra Stable has nation event would have qualified for owned. Hudson said he had million dollar legs and a two cent head. the $475,000 Peaceful Way Trot final with the right to choose post position for the final. All of that is gone. was no intention to operate beyond the speeding on highways, this is an absolute • The violation was inadvertent. rules. liability offence. Clearly a reflexive relapse into the habits • The absence of intent cannot con- The ruling, which was written by the of a driving lifetime which formerly stitute a defense. By its nature, the doing ORC’s vice chair James Donnelly, praised would have been irreproachable. There of the prohibited act is the offence. Like Angostura’s connections noting: “The entire matter cannot be dismissed with- out observation that the persons involved grew in stature by admirable restraint, fortitude and character. If per- mitted, a tip of the Commission hat to Season’s them.” Hudson believes that future owners having such a severe penalty assessed, for the fault of their driver, will not be as restrained and if the rule isn’t changed Greetings soon, the ORC could be faced with a seri- ous lawsuit as a result. To all our customers we wish you a warm “I understand the intent of the rule and I think it’s necessary to have the and joyous holiday season. rule there but what they’re doing is penalizing the wrong people. Think of it this way, you give me the keys to your car and I get pulled over for speeding and they tell me I have to pay a $200 fine and can’t drive for three days in any vehicle. You own the car, had nothing to do with the speeding, but they’re going to fine you $15,000,” said 9661 Trew Road, R.R.#1, Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0 Hudson. “Not only that in this case, the bet-   s&AX   tor is penalized and that reflects poorly Website: www.kendalhills.com on our sport. By no means did Trevor %MAIL [email protected] Ritchie abuse the horse in any way. “It doesn’t show clearly on the tape

December 2009 • The Harness Edge the utmost respect for Trevor Ritchie and Dan Creighton and the way they treat horses but there are going to be other owners who are going to go after that rule a lot harder than we did, especially in a big race. “Without question if this had hap- pened in the US there would have been litigation. And that’s what’s going to happen unless there are changes to that rule. I followed the websites afterwards very closely and the outcry from the bet- tors, to the owners and even the drivers and trainers was widespread. “Coincidentally, a driver spoke to

Photo by New Image Media me two weeks before this occurred when I was up there and he said ‘can you The star of the Danterra Stable, made up of Hudson, his brother Terry and trainer believe that this rule they’re putting in is Dan Creighton, so far has been the $1 million winner Gypsy Balance. Now a brood- going to penalize the owners?’ It was a mare for Al Libfeld, Danterra purchased her 2009 yearling, a filly by Andover Hall, case of déjà vu.” this fall. Many owners would be frustrated enough by the decision to walk away that the horse was even touched. The really good shot at winning close to from harness racing but Hudson enjoys motion was there. He had his hands in $250,000. his involvement too much to give it up. the wrong position. But a $15,000 fine “The ORC knew that this was ‘a “It did give me a sour taste about (the loss of the purse) is a lot not to men- worst nightmare situation’ and I think the game and bothered me a lot. I’m a tion the potential as obviously, we had a there are going to be some issues. I have positive person and I’m not going to get

The Harness Edge • December 2009 HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY

out at this point even though it’s a huge penalty to me. We player in the National Hockey League one becomes accustomed beat the best horse fair and square with one minor infraction to dealing with tough losses in games you felt you should have and we should have had the chance to prove it again the fol- won. lowing week. That was taken away. That to me is just a bad Hudson left home at 16 to pursue his dream of playing his law.” native country’s most loved game. The ruling did note that the rules will be reviewed six “I was born in St. Thomas, Ontario. My dad was in the months after their inception, which would be in March. Canadian Air Force so we jumped around quite a bit. We start- Changes to the rule that would lessen the severity of the penal- ed in Alymer, Ontario, went to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ty to the owner(s) involved are a must as far as Hudson is con- Germany, to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. When my parents cerned. retired they settled back in the St. Thomas area,” Hudson “They have to make a significant change to that rule,” he explained. stated. “I don’t think there’s any question. The outcry was “At that time I was 16 and playing hockey in Moose Jaw. I enough and the pressure is going to be put on or there’s going had a choice of playing Junior A hockey there or moving to St. to be one more and there will be lawsuits involved and that’s Thomas and playing Junior A, or going the University route not going to be pretty for anyone. which is what I choose.” “The rules should be set up to cover every situation. Let Hudson’s mother was pivotal in steering him towards con- the judges catch it. What is the purpose of the rule? What are tinuing his education. “When I was being recruited, this was the consequences? I’m sure they studied it but they made a mis- about 1964, my mom would always point out how important it take. Now someone has to admit they made a mistake and was to have an education and something to fall back on. I work out how they’re going to change it. Hopefully they can knew there were a lot of hockey players and coaches in minor admit that this is wrong. hockey that didn’t have that and it was difficult for them,” he “This could have happened to a big owner with 100 or 150 related. horses who may have said ‘that’s it I’m done’ and we certainly Although he was recruited heavily by Cornell University, don’t need that,” said Hudson. Hudson decided upon the University of North Dakota because One of the reasons why Hudson handled the disappoint- they would accept him on his grades after grade 11 whereby ment of the ruling and the apparent injustice of it, so profes- he’d have to wait another year to be accepted by Cornell. sionally was due to his former occupation. As a professional Because his parents were in a transition time in their lives, Happy Holidays Holida Greetings

We would like to thank all of our loyal customers and suppliers for their support over this past year New Image Media and offer best wishes for a prosperous 2010. PARLAY 3,1:56.2s ($143,740) R.N. WRIGHT HARNESS SUPPLIES Special thanks to everyone who contributed Serving Kawartha Downs and to another great year of racing. Bowmanville area for over 30 years R.N. WRIGHT & SON RICKY MACPHEE AND AMANDA MILLS

December 2009 • The Harness Edge

HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY

moving back to Ontario and retiring, Hudson felt it would be easier to make the move at that time than move back with them for one year and then head off to school. He admits that being so far from home and family at such “We were lining up for physicals and a young age was challenging, but his upbringing had prepared Bobby Hull came up and introduced him well for such an experience. “I credit a lot of that to my parents and siblings; we trav- himself and I was fumbling around for eled so much which exposed me to many different things. Change was not unusual; every three years we changed. my name. I was a bit star struck.” However, once you go into sports you were accepted, that was a big thing. “It was tough at times when I first went to North Dakota, everyone was older. I was at a point a couple of times when I to Denver for the summer and work with Harry Ottenbreit, a said ‘I can’t play here, I want to come home.’” former player, who was a lawyer and players’ representative. However, the hockey kept him there. “The first game that “At that time Denver University had a very strong pro- I witnessed, because freshmen couldn’t play, was Michigan Tech gram,” Hudson recalled. “You worked out all summer long and versus North Dakota and it was the best game I’d ever seen in did everything from running stairs to boxing and on ice drills. I my life. (Former NHL great) Tony Esposito was playing net for had total focus of going the whole NHL route by then. Michigan. The calibre of hockey was excellent. “That camp was the best thing that I ever did. John Marks “After the first practice, I knew I fit in and could play with- and I had zero money but Harry got us a two bedroom apart- out question. My ability was I could see the ice, I was good with ment, which was something we’d never had before, just dorms. the puck and I was a smart hockey player. I wasn’t physical but And they paid our rent saying they’d take care of it after we I was able to create things with my line mates,” said Hudson signed.” whose position was centre. They were also given jobs and Hudson’s was perhaps a sign Hudson stayed for four years in North Dakota and was of the future as he worked at the horse racing track Centennial drafted after his sophomore year. After his final game, one of Downs doing mutuels. When the camp was over Hudson was his coaches advised Hudson and fellow player John Marks to go invited to the training camp. Joyeux Noel Merry Christmas

Holiday Greetings

Joyeux Noel et Meilleurs Voeux de bonheur et succes pour le nouvel an!

New New Image Media Merry Christmas and ZORGWIJK KINGPIN 2,1:56.1s ($244,716) Best Wishes to everyone Many thanks to all our supporters and best of luck in the New Year! to our fellow horse people for 2010. RONNIE & COURTNEY MACLEAN SYLVAIN FILION

December 2009 • The Harness Edge “We were lining up for physicals and Bobby Hull came up and introduced himself and I was fumbling around for my name. I was a bit star struck,” Hudson laughed. A Season To “I was playing on his line for the first couple of practices. We rookies were in such good shape, the older pros used the training camp to get into shape and we’d get comments like ‘slow down.’” Be Thankful After spending a couple of weeks in camp, Hudson was signed by the Blackhawks and sent to play with their now defunct farm team in the Central Hockey League, the Dallas Blackhawks. “I remember that first weekend we came into Dallas, it was the Texas - Oklahoma U rivalry weekend. We’re coming into town, it’s 85 degrees, the cars are bumper to bumper and I’m thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into? I come from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, I’m not used to this.’ “We went out that night, it was a really big celebration and such a crazy time with all the college kids. Everybody was SHADOW PLAY so friendly, they all said ‘you all come back now’ and there p,4,1:47.4 ($1,559,822) were a lot of people there who helped us.

“The Islanders were a brand new team. They signed Billy Harris out of Toronto, we were a mixture of young and old and guys other teams didn’t want, it was the toughest transition for me.” MALICIOUS p,2,1:51.3f ($348,039)

“I had a very good year, we went to the semi finals. I had a decent season for my first year but I learned a lot in the play- offs, it’s a different level and I learned from that. The following year we won the championship, I led the team in scoring in the playoffs.” Around the same time the NHL was expanding and Hudson was drafted by the in the expansion draft. “The Islanders were a brand new team. They signed Billy Harris out of Toronto, we were a mixture of young and old and WELLTHEREYOUGO guys other teams didn’t want, it was the toughest transition for p,2,1:54.4h ($295,250) me. “In the very first exhibition game we had on Long Island, To our many friends, fellow horse people in Nassau County Coliseum, against the New York Rangers, we and supporters we offer our since thanks came on the ice and got just a tremendous ovation. The build- for sharing with us another special year. ing was full. Then the Rangers came on the ice and they got a standing ovation. I remember (Ranger great) Vic Hadfield say- Please enjoy the holiday season and ing ‘nice to be at home, eh?’ They were hockey hungry in New best wishes for a prosperous 2010. York. “It was a pretty difficult year because it didn’t seem like Serge Savard, dr. Ian Moore, the organization was completely ready with practice facilities, ron McLeLLan FaMILIeS where players could live, it was tough to find somewhere to

The Harness Edge • December 2009 Photo by Merle Wasson

The Year That Was With some big headliners and a presence in many of racing’s major races, Hunterton Farm moved from strength to strength in 2009.

It’s all about what happens on the runner-up finish in the Metro Pace he was Derby Filly Division. She established a racetrack. second in the $600,000 Governor’s Cup and world record with her 1:51.4 clocking at From day one Hunterton Farm has won a Bluegrass Stake division in a career best DuQuoin. This daughter of Muscles Yankee focused on that as the measuring stick to 1:50.2. In just nine starts he banked $614,186. was a $300,000 yearling in 2007. assess the breeding operation’s success. There were several other outstanding Calchips Brute had the misfortune Looking at the results for 2009 one would performers including Highscore Kemp of being a member of one of the fin- have to say that things are definitely mov- 3,1:51.4 who won the World Trotting est crops of three-year-old trotting colts ing in the right direction. Just take a look at some of highlights from this past racing season: Sportswriter p,2,1:49.2 ($875,411) was arguably the best two-year-old pac- ing colt of 2009 and included among his highlights an impressive win in the $1 million Metro Pace. Finishing second was Rock N Roll Heaven p,2,1:50.2 ($614,186), another Hunterton consignment graduate. What is particularly impressive is that Sportswriter is the second consecutive Metro Pace winner from a Hunterton Farm yearling consignment. In 2008 it was Major In Art and like that talented colt, Sportswriter is expected to be named Two Year Old Pacing Colt of the Year.

Rock N Roll Heaven, who was bred by USTA Hunteron Farm, Charles, Julie and Francene A $300,000 yearling, Highscore Kemp went on to attain World Champion status with Nash, and sold by Hunterton, was knock- a superb showing in the World Trotting Derby filly division as the Muscles Yankee ing on the door all year. In addition to his daughter turned in a 1:51.4 scorcher.

~ Advertorial ~ Photo by Merle Wasson ever which included the mighty Muscle Hill. Nevertheless, he earned $552,573 in a season where he finished third in the Hambletonian, the Yonkers Trot and the Colonial Trot and second in the Matron Stake. The son of Credit Winner was a model of consistency. Injury sidelined Art Colony early in the season but not before he finished sec- ond in the $1.5 million North America Cup. The Artsplace son was a standout two-year- old and has $863,750 earned from just 13 lifetime starts. In total the Hunterton Farm graduates included three World Champions in the span of just a week. There were four North American season’s champions by year’s end.

The farm also had the honour of New Image Media selling the highest priced yearling at the Lexington Selected Sale for the second Sportswriter, who was bred by long time client Jim Avritt and sold by Hunterton Farm, had seven wins and one second in eight starts this year and is the leading consecutive year. Ultimo Dolce, a colt by candidate for Two Year Old Colt Pacer of the Year honours in both the United States Glidemaster from the great Pizza Dolce and Canada. He earned $875,411 after selling for $50,000 in the 2008 Hunterton brought a final bid of $270,000. Farm consignment at Harrisburg. In total Hunterton sold yearlings that The Year That Was brought approximately $4.5 million, a number the farm’s owner Steve Stewart was pleased with in the current economy. Crystal ball gazing is never accurate but Hunterton Farm does know a few things for certain. In the fall of 2010 they will be offering another consignment of blueblood yearlings in Lexington and at Harrisburg. These include a full sister to Bella Dolce 3,1:54.2s ($753,133), a Bettors Delight half-sister to Rock N Roll Heaven p,2,1:50.2 ($614,186) and an amazing colt from the first crop of Donato Hanover from the Breeders Crown champion Southwind Serena 3,1:55.2 ($388,784). The farm received some interesting

news recently with the decision by Finnish New Image Media clients to send the great trotting mare Pure Rock N Roll Heaven brought $57,000 in the Hunterton Farm consignment at last year’s Ivory back to North America. Lexington Selected Sale and then went on to win $614,186 this season stamping him- This six-year-old daughter of Striking self as a serious horse for the classic races in 2010. Sahbra won $1.4 million before being exported and grabbed two O’Brien Awards in Canada prior to her departure. She Hunterton Graduates finished returns in foal to Muscles Yankee and will first, second or third be bred to a horse that Hunterton has heav- in the following races in 2009… ily invested in, the very exciting Muscle Hill. “We have not waivered from our belief Hambletonian North America Cup that it’s all about what happens on the race- Cane Pace Little Brown Jug (elim) track. Big yearling prices are fine but if the Yonkers Trot Kentucky Futurity (Filly) horses do not go out and perform as they Colonial Trot New Jersey Futurity are bred and raised to do, then it will do us Cleveland Classic Breeders Crown no good in the long run,” said Stewart who Matron Stake Bluegrass Stake

USTA operates the farm with his wife Cindy. World Trotting Derby (Filly) Tattersalls Pace “At the end of the day it is the race Messenger Stake International Stallion Stake results that matter. If we keep our eyes on Governor’s Cup Windy City Pace that ball the rest will take care of itself.” ★ American National Nassagewaya Stake

~ Advertorial ~ HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY

live in one of the most expensive cities in the world it’s so tacts I think you can do really well. I can teach you the business spread out and as a team we were all over Long Island. side of it.’ I saw the type of houses they were living in, the type “I think I had 12 goals, I broke my thumb with a month left of life style they had and there wasn’t anyone running them in to play and that was too bad as I was on a streak. The second the corners. It looked like a pretty good way to make a living,” year, I didn’t play much, they made a coaching change with Al Hudson reasoned. Arbour and he chose to go in a different direction as far as He spent a few years with that company, learning the me,” remembered Hudson. ropes and it was via a hockey connection that he obtained his He ended up playing a few games the next season with the first major corporate client. Fort Worth Wings of the CHL and in 1974 was traded to the “I starved for two and a half years. At one point I and played there for two years before the fran- thought about going over to Europe to play hockey but chise moved to Colorado. The team's name changed to the I could see there was some life in the printing world. I landed Colorado Rockies and Hudson played for them from 1976 to 1978. a couple of accounts, the first was American Airlines and At the conclusion of the 1978 season he decided it was believe it or not, there’s a hockey connection story there,” time to hang up the blades. He was 28. His stats showed a total he said. of 409 games played with 59 goals and 124 assists. “There are a group of Catholic priests called the Flying “After two years in Colorado I could have signed for two Fathers who travel all over the world playing hockey and rais- more, but I said I’d had enough, it was getting stale. I was ing money. They were coming to Dallas to play an exhibition going through a divorce at the time and I didn’t want to be game and I was invited to play. At that point I’d been off the away from my son, he was the most important thing in my life ice for a year and a half. At first I was a bit reluctant, but then at the time and still is today.” I said sure, it’s for charity, I’ll play. I worked out a little bit Hudson headed back to Dallas where he had maintained a before the game so I didn’t embarrass myself. lot of contacts and had many good friends and a few business “When the game was over the promoter came to me and investments. “At that time playing hockey you certainly didn’t said ‘there’s a gentleman outside, he’s a season ticket holder in make enough to retire when you were done playing. I think New York and he has his son with him and would love to meet the most I ever made was $75,000. you.’ I said ‘great, bring him in.’ We visited for awhile and he “A friend of mine approached me and said ‘I’m in the said ‘I just wanted to meet you, I really enjoyed watching you printing business, you have the skills to sell and with your con- play in New York.’ Merry Christmas & Season’s Happy New Year. Greetings Holiday greetings with every good wish for the New Year to all. Be sure to plan on being with us in 2010 par- ticularly for the Atlantic Breeders Crown championship weekend Sat. Oct 9 - Sun. Oct. 10 where the very best in Maritime racing will be on display.

72 Ryland Avenue, Truro, Nova Scotia (902) 893-8075 ROBERT STEWART STABLE (902) 897-9066 Fax Lexington, Kentucky Bob & Lynda

December 2009 • The Harness Edge Tis the season!

2009 OSS Super Final winner & battle of the belles Champion

FBS p,2,Terror 1:53.1s ($367,186)

SpeCial ThankS TO: Freelton Feeds · Baycairn Training Happy Centre · Anderson/Goodrow Vet Services and especially Scott Zeron Holidays We WOuld alSO like TO Thank all of the other 2YO fillies that we raced to everyone against all year and their connections in racing! for the great competition on the track!

& Mario Macri

fbracing.indd 1 11/26/09 11:41:40 AM HUDSON ON HORSES AND HOCKEY

“When I told him what I was doing he gave me his card and explained that he was in charge of purchasing all printed material for American Airlines. He said ‘I can’t promise you “I saw the type of houses they were anything but I can certainly introduce you to some of my peo- ple and see if anything fits.’ Talk about a door opening.” living in, the type of life style they That proved to be the start of things to come for Hudson who went on to acquire other big accounts, change firms and had and there wasn’t anyone running then in October of 1993 he began his own company, ColorMark, with two partners in Dallas. As their website them in the corners. It looked like a notes: “ColorMark is a premier printing facility in the pretty good way to make a living.” Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, specializing in high quality, sheet-fed production.” The company has grown steadily to the point that they have over 100 employees. Hudson’s son Andy works alongside there every day that she’s in town. That was one of the stipula- his dad as part of the management team. tions of the sale and we love her.” The success of the company has allowed Dave to dabble in Before Angostura had come along the Danterra trio had his much loved hobby of harness racing with his brother Terry owned some other good performers, the best and most well and Creighton. The trio purchased a farm near Strathroy, known would be the top trotting mare Gypsy Balance. That Ontario formerly owned by Doug and Nancy Langs. That cou- Balanced Image daughter earned over a million dollars from 86 ple is best known for their involvement in the top pacing horse starts in her career. The Danterra partnership sold her to lead- from a decade ago, Arrive At Five. ing Ontario breeder Al Libfeld in 2003 but still keep a close eye “Doug and his wife had a beautiful place, it was first class on her. but he had soured on the business and wanted out but he This fall they purchased the mare’s first filly from four wouldn’t sell to just anyone. The farm is 82 acres with a half- foals, an Andover Hall miss named August Night, from the mile track and is very pristine. Lexington Select Sale for $30,000. “He wanted to ensure it was maintained the way they had Other notable racehorses which have been owned by the kept it and he knew Dan so that helped us buy it. Nancy is out group include Ill Wait For You, a three-year-old daughter of 'Tis The Season To Be Merry! 75$163,5$725,,

0XFRXV0X 9LUDO,QIHFWLRQV9LU  %OHHGHUV%OH &23'&&2 2

Holiday wishes to all my clients and friends. May 2010 be your most prosperous year ever. EHFDXVHWKHEHWWHUWKH\EUHDWKHEEHFDXVH WKHEHWWHUWKH\EEUUHHDWKH DANAM BLOODSTOCK WKHEHWWHUWKH\SHUIRUPK E  K  I  East Windsor, New Jersey (609) 448-5280 0217+5(17$/60217+5(17$/6  OLE BACH ZZZZZZ FHQWXULRQV\VWHPV FHQWXULRQV\VWHPV

December 2009 • The Harness Edge Kadabra who has taken in just shy of place. They’re both Striking Sahbras, spent from July 1 to the end of $400,000 in two seasons on the racetrack including a full brother to Start Livin (a September in downtown London. I much of which from the Ontario Sires homebred winner of $151,000) and we would like to spend even more time with Stakes program. have four more on the ground,” Hudson the horse end of it.” Hudson has a soft spot for the 12 noted. The draw of horse racing for Hudson year-old SJs Photo gelding Eldorado Max Hudson, who is 59, says his harness is the same one that compelled him in which they bought for $12,000 and has racing hobby has turned into a business hockey: “Competition is the appeal. I earned over $450,000 while racing all but “it’s not like dealing with 100 look at it no different than what I was over the province. “I’m trying to talk Dan employees though I can assure you. doing in hockey. Everything is a team into slowing him down,” said Hudson. “I love it other than some of the rul- concept, we have a good team at One of the group’s most frustrating ings. I spent the summer in Ontario last ColorMark and a good team at performers was the Balanced Image son year and my plan is to do that again. We Danterra.” ᰫ Captain Brady who showed a great deal of talent but was his own worst enemy. “I think that one drove us right around the bend. He had million dollar legs and a two cent head. He made $140,000 but could have made a lot more. Charlie Norris has him now, he’s his problem,” explained Hudson. As for Angostura, Hudson is looking forward to her three-year-old season. The filly made numerous miscues in her last few starts of the season and wrapped it up with five wins in 10 starts for $186,000. “Dan picks all the horses, all I get to Wishing All The do is second guess. We bought her at the London sale, we bought three that day, they were our first Angus Halls. I remem- Best To You ber calling Dan weekly and one week he’d hate her and the next week he  would love her. I love Angus Halls, I hate Angus Halls, etc. Now we’re looking at & Yours This Angus Halls a lot,” laughed Hudson.  “I have great communication with Dan and I know that’s probably the Holiday Season biggest pet peeve of most owners, they can’t get the information. I love texting and that’s one way we stay in touch. He’s very straightforward and that’s impor- tant to me. “My belief is that one horse pays for four and Angostura is special, we’ll know exactly how special a year from now. We love her. I think she’s going to get stronger and she’s certainly gotten smarter. Paul MacDonell drove her in her first qualifier and said to Dan afterwards     ‘this filly is really smart’ and Dan said ‘she     didn’t use to be.’ In total the Danterra operation has   32 horses. They’ve started to breed their own with four broodmares. www.thehorses.com “We just picked up two of our homebreds that were at Carter Duer’s

The Harness Edge • December 2009