NIATROSS - Pompano Park 1980

[@gregoryscott9742]

I was there that night. The weather turned up cold and it cost him the world record. Still one of if not the greatest pacers ever. Thanks for the memories!

[@salleo406]

Good for you Gregory, I saw Niatross race twice, at Batavia and in his last career start at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto. I also saw Secretariat's last career race, also in Toronto. (got a picture of Big Red and his groom in the walking ring to prove it)

[@brianjschumer]

There it is, best "Pacer" ever, oh there will posters naming others,but not in my book, generations ahead of his time.

[@caesarfiorini1728]

Almost 20,000 SHOWED UP THIS NIGHT FOR THE CAREER FINALE

[@unclebillmusic]

GREATEST PACER OF ALL TIME !!!

[@parkerbohnn]

Dan Patch until a better standardbred comes along.

[@docfuego5667]

Legend.

[@pamelacourts5989]

My mother was part owner of Abercrombie!!!

[@patersonplankrd]

No kidding? I was fortunate to see his entire career in person. Saw all of his races at Meadowlands except one. We ( my friends and I) were big fans.

[@charlescohen9947]

Nowadays, you see $10,000 claimers pace in 1:50! Niatross with someone like Walter Case driving. 1:44!

[@parkerbohnn]

They didn't have modified bikes back then.

[@robertthomas5196]

Walter Case? Haven't heard about him in years. I believe he raced at Plainridge for a few days several years ago.

[@meetjoefriday]

You really don't know anything about the era. Most of the tracks were dirt. They had solid rail. Equipment was way different. Clint Gailbreath was without a doubt one of the best drivers AND trainers in the country. He got everything he could out of Niatross without ruining or injuring him. Walter Case was from a different era and different technology. Please be careful about what you post.

[@brianjschumer]

@@meetjoefriday I agree with everything you said except, Clint Galbraith being a great driver, he was a good conditioner and good Driver at best. Shelly Goudreau, Michel Lachance, Herve, Stanley Dancer, etc..much much better, as was Case..

[@patersonplankrd]

Yes. The modern race bikes of today allow for more speed. Plus the horses are simply bred to go faster miles. And, the tracks are not nearly as deep as they were back then. Track superintendents have figured out how to make a smooth fast racing surface without losing that cushion that horse's feet need.

[@patersonplankrd]

Galbraith was trying to get the world record that night. But the 27.3 third Q took a bit out of Niatross, For that era though, 1:54.3 was very fast.

[@caesarfiorini]

his career finale ......

[@bretdodger9869]

I also saw Niatross at Greenwood Raceway, in his last race, as well as at Windsor Raceway, during his farewell tour. His triactor at Windsor was one of the lowest payouts I ever saw, with Banker Fretz (Garth Gordon) 2nd, and Gee Dee Parker (Ken Hardy), 3rd, iirc. Greatest pacer I ever saw, along with Cam Fella and Somebeachsomewhere. I wished I'd have seen Bret Hanover, as well. But Niatross was WAYYYYY ahead of his time!!

[@cramkisson9709]

Banker Fretz was an awesome free for aller .

[@bretdodger9869]

@@cramkisson9709 He sure was and often battled it out with Armbro Turk back in the day, another very good free for aller!

[@cramkisson9709]

I remember Niatross 1.58 mile at greenwood in the winter time when a 2 minute mile was regarded as fantastic in the winter.

[@bretdodger9869]

@@cramkisson9709 I saw that mile as well, Turk and Banker both blasted to the front in order to get the "luscious" 2-hole, and Galbraith just floated Niatross out of there and patiently waited for those two to settle, before ambling up to the lead, where Niatross simply drew away in the stretch. What an amazing animal !

[@cramkisson9709]

@bretdodger9869 Your memory is remarkable . I am almost 70 and can hardly remember those memorable races at Greenwood and Mohawk raceway

[@petej.8676]

Bet Baron Lancer many times at Sportsmans Park...

[@jaylannapiorkowski6398]

he cruised all the way---i was there and i believe you could not wager on him-----a win bet was for who came in second

[@caesarfiorini]

jaylan napiorkowski ....yes he was barred from wagering that night

[@caesarfiorini]

Who called the race?

[@caesarfiorini1728]

I think it was Jerry Glantz

[@garyordus2383]

wish he had a better driver

[@BruceSmith-5855]

Alnoff stable and driver /trainer Sam Smith had home sick , which would of gave him a run for the money ...B W S

[@ericfriedman3519]

Are you delusional?

[@alborrelli1604]

Niatross was great, but his daddy was better.

[@mrkeno1000]

I was at Hollywood Park the night Niatross broke the world record Nobody was better. I really miss those nights at Hollywood Park

[@Allthisisthat31]

Al Borrelli I know how you feel - Albatross was the greatest I ever saw race. However it's tough for anyone who never saw him at his best to feel that anyone could have been better than Niatross, who was also a thrill to watch and undoubtedly one of the best ever. So I'm able to understand completely when I hear people say that "Junior" was the best. I'll never forget either of them.

[@alborrelli1604]

@@Allthisisthat31 all anyone has to do is watch albatross in the messenger. He won in spite of dancer.The greatest performance I ever saw. Dancer has said on many occasions that albatross was the best horse he ever saw.Thats good enough for me. Thanks for the the reply.

[@williamkayaian7268]

The proud sire