Artistic Fella gearing up for Dan Patch Invitational Pace
Dan Patch was America’s biggest celebrity in his day. With many endorsements and a fan base of millions, Dan Patch retired in 1909, undefeated and with a mile record that would take years to break. After retiring from the racing industry, Dan Patch spent his life touring the country in his own private railroad car, and showing off at speed exhibitions. He will always be remembered as the world’s greatest harness racing champion and is honored through present day events such as the Dan Patch Invitational Pace.
The fifteenth edition of the Dan Patch Invitational Pace will take place on Saturday, the 24th of May 2008. Ten horses have been entered into this prestigious harness racing event, and amongst them will be Artistic Fella, the winner of last year’s Dan Patch. Artistic Fella is the son of the 1998 Dan Patch champion, Pacific Fella, and has earned R1.7 million in his racing career. Beginning from post four on Saturday, Artistic Fella is the race favorite for the event. Another contender, with Dan Patch Invitational genes, is Bono Best. He is half brother to the 2006 Dan Patch victor, Hip Sing.
The lineup for Saturday is as follows: Artistic Fella (Driver: Tim Tetrick), Bono Best (Driver: Jim Morril Jr.), Ataboyart (Driver: Jay Cross), Psilvuheartbreaker (Driver: Jim Meittinis), Booze Cruzin (Driver: Sam Widger), Radar Installed N (Driver: Brad Hanners), Won the West (Driver: Greg Grismore), Artist’s View (Driver: Dave Palone), Western Shore (Driver: Jody Jamieson) and Benns Superman (Driver: Dan Shelter).
Over and above the harness racing action, the band Zanna-Doo will be performing on Dan Patch Night in the new yard on the trackside. A donkey exhibition race is also on the race card and is sure to be fun to watch. The Dan Patch Invitational Pace is also going to feature and bring awareness to the newly released book by Charles Leerhsen, called “Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America”. Ten signed copies will be given away during race day through a lucky draw, with more copies being available at the Hoosier Park gift shop. On Wednesday, 18 June 2008, Charles Leerhsen will be a special guest at Hoosier Park, mingling with racing enthusiasts and signing copies of his book.
Hoosier Park will be buzzing with activity this weekend, paying tribute to a loved and respected hero and welcoming the new champions in harness racing. It will unmistakably be a weekend of excitement, entertainment and brilliant racing action.
