The 2015 HANA Harness Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge has concluded with Sally Hinckley of Alna, Maine, running away with the title, finishing 570 points ahead of her nearest competitor.  

This year’s Grand Circuit journey started April 24 at The Meadows and concluded Monday, Nov. 30^, at Dover Downs, where Wiggle It Jiggleit won the finale in the same dominating way that Hinckley dominated the HANA tour.  Once they were out of the gate and settled down, they both moved to the front and were never headed again.

The field for the Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge consisted of many of the top handicappers and movers and shakers in the harness racing world.  Hinckley’s credentials are very strong as she is a well-known horsewoman from Maine. She started as Lady Lewiston in the Lewiston Sun Journal.  She is a member and the secretary of the Maine Harness Racing Promotional Board, and has also been the regular line maker at Scarborough Downs for quite some time.  More importantly, for our cause, are Armbro Brando and Stellerbaration. Both of these retired gladiators make their forever home with Hinckley and her family.

Asked about the handicapping event’s cause for charity, Hinckley said: “All the rescue groups are worthy and it is a special pleasure to bring the win home to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. Their efforts help the abused and neglected horses who have been seized by the state to find safety and comfort at their facility. Many thanks to the generous sponsors, Allan Schott for his work and expertise in running this contest the past seven months and my fellow handicappers who are now my friends.”

Hinckley’s selected rescue, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, an organization dedicated to equine welfare, will receive $2,950 toward its Standardbred program, thanks to all our sponsors: the Bellino Stables, DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, Hambletonian Society, Harness Racing Update, Isle of Capri at Pompano Park, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Scioto Downs, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs.  In addition to this donation, $500 will be donated to Canadian rescues by our Canadian partners, Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park and Western Fair Raceway.  A $200 donation was made by an anonymous sponsor.

Second place finisher, Dennis O’Hara, will see his rescue, Standardbred Retirement Foundation, receive a donation of $1,575.  Third place finisher Anne Stepien will see her rescue, Heading for Home, earn approximately $675 for her efforts.