Date Posted: Friday, September 12th, 2014

 
 
Dawn Mitchell, supervisor, Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room
 

That’s what the Harrington Raceway track announcer will be saying around 7:30 on Monday night when the country’s top pacers will be set to do battle in the 8th Annual Bobby Quillen Memorial Pace. This race honors longtime Delaware legislator Bobby Quillen. Representative Quillen was known for his smile, optimism, and the fact the he never wore socks. He served two separate stints in the state House of Representatives from 1966 to 1972 and from 1982 to 2004, spending two of his terms in leadership as the majority whip from 1992 to 1996. Quillen was also a director of the Harrington Raceway and loved the great Delaware tradition of harness racing. With one of the biggest purses offered in Delaware at over $200,000 this harness race draws not only the top pacers in the country, but the top harness drivers. Last year a new track record was set with an amazing 1:49.2 mile! The richest pacer of all time, Foiled Again, is starting in the 1 hole. The United States Trotting Association is calling for an exciting race after last Monday’s elimination races.

If you would like to learn more about Delaware’s Harness Racing, why not stop by and check out Harness Racing Minutes from 1949-2003. Or drop in and look at old photographs from Harrington Raceway. For all of you going on Monday night to see a great Delaware tradition continue, we thought you may enjoy this photo from Harrington Raceway from 1947.

Harness Racing in Harrington, 1947. 1325-003-036-106pn
Harness Racing in Harrington, 1947. 1325-003-036-106pn

 


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