Octogenarian Dandeo makes Freehold history
At 1h46, on August 29, 2021 • By FREEHOLD
History was made at Freehold Raceway on opening day (Aug. 27), as 86-year-old Tony Dandeo became the oldest driver to win a race in New Jersey harness racing history.
Tony Dandeo, 86, became the oldest driver to win a pari-mutuel race in Freehold with a two-length tally aboard Stick That Lip Out. World Wide Racing Photos.
Dandeo was named to drive Stick That Lip Out in the 10th race for owner August Santore and trainer John Wyatt. Dandeo immediately sent his drive to the front and opened up a long lead against the other, less experienced horses. As they turned for home, favored Never Not Dancing and Devious Delight both closed ground, but no one was able to catch Stick That Lip Out, who crossed the line two lengths in front in 1:59.2.
The win was the 234th in Dandeo’s career, which has spanned several decades. His most recent win came on April 15, 2016, when he guided Mickey Blu to victory.
Dandeo, who turned 86 on Aug. 21, broke the record for oldest driver to win a harness race in New Jersey. The previous record was held by George McCandless, who drove Kehms Scooter to victory at Freehold on Oct. 20, 1994, at age 83.
Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (Aug. 28), with a scheduled first post of 12:30 p.m.
