Three AQHA Trainers, Recchiuti, Schooler, and Hamilton, Participate in Celebrity Harness Race!

By: Brittany Bevis

Last night, three AQHA horse trainers threw caution to the wind when they climbed aboard sulkies to participate in a special match race at Hoosier Park in New Castle, Indiana during the Indy Circuit and IQHA State Show. Everyone at the horse show was invited to attend “A Night at the Races!” to enjoy free appetizers and snacks, a cash bar, family friendly entertainment, and $20 betting vouchers for those over 18 years of age.

The inaugural event was a huge hit with approximately 200 to 300 people in attendance. 13 lucky individuals were selected to ride in the starting gate truck during races, which provided for an incredible view of all the action! Also, a small group was selected to go on a behind the scenes tour of the Hoosier Park barn.

The main event of the evening was the Celebrity Match Race where Dale Hamilton, Beckey Schooler, and Donnie Recchiuti were paired up with professional drivers and horses for a fun competition.

There are a few important aspects that differentiate Harness Racing from a typical horse race. The horses perform only one gait, either the trot or pace. Typically, the breed of choice in North America is the Standardbred. At the onset of the race, the horses line up behind a motorized starting gate that’s attached to a vehicle. Once the vehicle reaches the starting line, the wings of the gate fold up and the horses are able to advance at speed.

It was a close race, but the winner of last night’s event was Donnie Recchiuti with driver Trace Tetrick who drove Rockstars Megastar! Their pace time for 1 mile was as follows- :26.3, :57.2, 1:27.2, 1:58.4.

A special thank you goes out to the drivers: Ross Leonard, LeWayne Miller, and Trace Tetrick; horses: Royal Ideal, Pats Shooters, and Rockstars Megastar; and the Hoosier Park for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Scroll below to view more fun photos from the event, courtesy of Mark Harrell Horse Shows.