Harness Racing in the Keystone State

About the Book

HARNESS RACING IN THE KEYSTONE STATE is a combination of a history, reference and coffee table book, comprised of a photo gallery and racing tidbits. Within the binding are two books. BOOK ONE is the history of racing horses, starting with chariot racing in 753 BC to the present day harness racing, with an overview of harness racing’s greatest progenitors: Messenger, Abdullah and Hambletonian. Also covered is the origin of Pennsylvania Fair Racing, commencing in the 1800’s through present day. The premier racetracks Liberty Bell Park, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack are also highlighted. BOOK TWO is more contemporary showcasing management, trainers, drivers, “people behind the scenes,” game changers, prominent owners and generations of harness racing families. This book is for everyone who loves horses and horse racing and is bound to be a keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation.

About the Author

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Howard trained horses at The Meadows in the late ‘70s and Pompano Park in the early ‘80s. With her husband, Pennsylvania auto magnate John Howard, she not only owned and campaigned super stars like Efishnc and Neutrality (trained by Bruce Nickells), but at one time was a guest commentator on The Meadows Racing Network, besides appearing in numerous commercials with her longtime friend, legend Roger Huston. Later, in her second career as a published author, Victoria not only wrote The Voice: The Story of Roger Huston, but she also penned The Kentucky Horse Park: Paradise Found and Gunner: An Enchanting Tale Of A Racehorse---the inspiring story of a Standardbred rescued from obscurity who became a decorated police horse. Victoria also co-wrote Roosevelt Raceway: Where It All Began, Meadow Skipper: The Untold Story and several children’s books on Standardbred horses and horseracing. Howard knows what she writes about, having lived through and personally been acquainted with many of the horses, horsemen, and families you’ll be reading about in Harness Racing in the Keystone State. Today, Howard lives in Florida with her dog, Max, and is the proud “Mom” to many racehorses.