The 2024 Charity Match Race Night at Saratoga Casino Hotel was a remarkable success, uniting the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing communities for an enjoyable evening on Saturday, July 27.
Organised by the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association (SHHA), the event featured two exciting match races held after the 10th race on the card. Participants from the Standardbred world included Michelle Crawford and Brett Beckwith, racing for the Franklin Community Center, while Robbie and Katie Davis represented Kelly's Angels from the Thoroughbred sector.
In the first matchup, Brett Beckwith, currently Saratoga's leading driver, teamed up with Scott Mongeon’s trained Foxe Ella from post one, while renowned jockey Robbie Davis took to the track with Cross Creek Samara, trained by Brian Cross, from post two. As the race began, Beckwith seized the early lead, allowing Davis to hold back until the halfway mark, when he surged ahead to challenge Beckwith. The two raced neck and neck to the finish, with Davis and Cross Creek Samara narrowly claiming victory over Beckwith and Foxe Ella.
The second race showcased a Racing Under Saddle trot, featuring trainer, driver, and rider Michelle Crawford on Brett Derue's horse, Feast Day, competing against jockey Katie Davis aboard Echo De Meautis FR, owned by Mark Beckwith. Davis quickly asserted her position at the front, with Crawford staying close behind. As they approached the stretch, Crawford attempted to take the lead, but Davis managed to maintain just enough advantage, winning by a nose with Echo De Meautis FR.
While final donations are still being tallied, preliminary estimates indicate that over $29,000 has been raised for charity. With the Davis family and the Thoroughbred team emerging victorious, Kelly's Angels received the larger portion—60% of the total purse, amounting to $17,167, while the Franklin Community Center was awarded $11,444.
"The SHHA extends its gratitude to all the competitors for taking the time to practice together and to our sponsors for making the 2024 Charity Match Race Night possible," said SHHA representative Karen Kamal.
Racing at Saratoga will resume on Thursday, August 1, with an evening card starting at 5 p.m.