From its very inception in 1960, the Battle of the Brandywine for 3-year-old pacers became a fixture on the American harness racing scene and would continue to be a tradition for nearly 30 years.

It was the gem of the summer schedule at the former Brandywine Raceway in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. The event became the most recognized first major test of the sport’s elite 3-year-old superstars in which they would compete against each other during their sophomore season. The roster of those who participated in the prestigious stake – both human and equine – reads like a Who’s Who of Harness Racing.

Often the race featured much publicized rivalries that were held over from the 2-year-old season.

During the 1970’s this was very evident when “Battles” featured the match-ups between such standout performers as Columbia George and Most Happy Fella; Albatross and Nanesmond; Nero and Alert Bret; Keystone Ore and Armbro Ranger. The dean of harness publicists, Marv Bachrad, who headed the publicity department at Brandywine for many years, summed it up the most appropriate way by saying, “It’s a race that brings together the best.” On August 19, 2007, after a far too long absence the Battle returned to the Delaware Valley at its new home – Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack.

Click here  for previous winners of the Battle of the Brandywine