Hastings, Michigan, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Northville Downs in Hastings, Michigan, witnessed an exhilarating opening day of harness racing where three new track records were established. Peter The Con, along with other standout horses, demonstrated outstanding performances, thrilling the crowds. The day’s accomplishments highlighted the skills of both the drivers and the trained horses, setting a high bar for the upcoming racing season. With more races scheduled, the excitement continues as fans await the next chance to cheer for their favorites.
Hastings, Michigan: Track Records Shatter at Northville Downs on Opening Day of Racing
Northville Downs marked a thrilling opening day of harness racing on September 2 at the Barry Expo Center in Hastings, Michigan. The event drew crowds eager to witness the fast-paced races, where three new track records were broken, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of both horses and drivers.
Among the highlights, Peter The Con, driven by Ed Hennessey and owned/train by Sandra Hennessey, clinched victory in the $11,000 Open Handicap Trot. The horse secured a new record for older trotting geldings at Hastings with a remarkable final time of 1:59, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of the previous record holder, Holton.
In the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, Lady With No Fear, also driven by Ed Hennessey, triumphed with a time of 1:57.3. This victory came by 1-3/4 lengths over the runner-up, Joyful Lady. Lady With No Fear is co-owned by Sandra Hennessey and Paula Sugars, further adding to the day’s accolades for the Hennessey team.
Additional Record-Setting Performances
Another standout of the day was Rankin, driven by Charles Taylor, who set a new record for 4-year-old trotting geldings with a time of 2:00 during race three. Taylor also drove Pair Of Hardts, which broke the record for 4-year-old pacing mares, finishing in 1:57.
In addition, Left Hand Lou, trained and driven by Tim Roach, lowered his own previous record for 3-year-old pacing colts from 2:03 to 1:59.1 in race 12, adding yet another new milestone to the day’s performances.
Driver and Trainer Achievements
Multiple drivers and trainers excelled during the opening day. Notable drivers such as Art McIlmurray, Tim Roach, Charles Taylor, Ed Hennessey, and Kody Massey each achieved two victories throughout the program. Similarly, trainers Judy Roegner, James Eaton, Sandra Hennessey, and Tim Roach also celebrated notable success with two wins each.
Upcoming Events
The excitement continues at Hastings as racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, September 3, at 1 p.m. (EDT). With several records shattered and competitive spirits running high, more thrilling harness racing action awaits fans in the days to come.
Conclusion
The opening day of harness racing at Northville Downs proved to be a historic event, with track records shattered and performances that will be remembered for years to come. As the racing season unfolds, fans can look forward to more electrifying races and potential new records at Hastings, Michigan.
FAQ
What was significant about the opening day of harness racing at Northville Downs?
The opening day featured three new track records set during the races, showcasing exceptional performances by both horses and drivers.
Which horses set new track records at the event?
Record-setting horses included Peter The Con, Lady With No Fear, Rankin, Pair Of Hardts, and Left Hand Lou, each achieving significant milestones in their respective categories.
When is the next racing event scheduled at Northville Downs?
The next racing event at Northville Downs is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, at 1 p.m. (EDT).
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Barry Expo Center, Hastings, Michigan |
| Opening Day Date | September 2 |
| New Track Records | Three new records set |
| Key Horses | Peter The Con, Lady With No Fear, Rankin, Pair Of Hardts, Left Hand Lou |
| Next Event | September 3 at 1 p.m. (EDT) |
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Additional Resources
- Harness Link: Northville Downs Kicks Off 2025 Racing Season in Hastings
- Harness Racing Update: Has Michigan Harness Racing Been Re-Incarnated?
- Paulick Report: Sale of Hastings Racecourse Approved in Principle to Tsleil-Waututh Nation
- BloodHorse: Pinsonneault Hired to Grow British Columbia Market
- Daily Hive: Fraser Downs Horse Racecourse Surrey Closed – Lease Terminated for Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Harness Racing
- Google Search: Harness Racing News
- Google Scholar: Harness Racing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harness Racing
- Google News: Harness Racing 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
