Harrah's Chester harness season starts Friday
In some ways, you could almost say that harness racing driver Tim Tetrick owns the racetrack at Harrah's Chester. A resident of nearby Runnemede, N.J., the 30-year-old Tetrick is the all-time leading driver in wins and purses at the track since it opened in September 2006. Tetrick's 1,537 victories are 425 more than second-place George Napolitano Jr., and his $25.28 million tops runner-up Napolitano by $10.21 million.
In some ways, you could almost say that harness racing driver Tim Tetrick owns the racetrack at Harrah's Chester.
A resident of nearby Runnemede, N.J., the 30-year-old Tetrick is the all-time leading driver in wins and purses at the track since it opened in September 2006. Tetrick's 1,537 victories are 425 more than second-place George Napolitano Jr., and his $25.28 million tops runner-up Napolitano by $10.21 million.
Racing returns Friday to Chester, with a special 6:30 p.m. post time. The season runs through Dec. 21, with action Wednesdays through Fridays and Sundays. Post time is regularly 12:40 p.m., with the notable exceptions of 1:30 p.m. for Super Stakes Sunday on Aug. 19, and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 23.
Last year, Tetrick was the leading driver at Chester, with 380 wins and $6.38 million in purses.
"I'm looking forward to trying to defend my title," Tetrick said. "I'm just happy to be part of the racing here. They've got a great facility, and you get to drive a lot of quality horses here. I consider this my home track; it's within 10 to 12 miles of my house. It cuts down on my traveling and makes it easier to get to work every day."
In 11 years as a full-time driver, Tetrick has won 6,807 races and earned $107 million, which places him No. 11 on the all-time money list. He has led the sport in earnings five consecutive years, giving him the longest streak since John Campbell did it five seasons in a row from 1986 through 1990.
Drivers do not get paid a salary, instead receiving 5 percent of the purses earned by their horses.
Tetrick, who grew up in Illinois, was named driver of the year in 2007 and 2008 by the U.S. Harness Writers Association and in 2010 by Harness Tracks of America.
Harrah's at Chester
Friday: Opening day, special 6:30 p.m. post time.
May 27: $100,000 Betsy Ross Invitational for pacing mares.
Aug. 19: Super Stakes Sunday featuring $500,000 Battle of the Brandywine for 3-year-old male pacers, $500,000 Colonial for 3-year-old trotters, $350,000 Valley Forge for 3-year-old filly pacers, and $100,000 Maxie Lee Invitational for older trotters.
Dec. 21: Closing day.
Racing Wednesdays through Fridays and Sundays.
12:40 p.m. post time.
EndText