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Article: Controversy can't tarnish Big Tom's big year in 1999
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- January 21, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2000 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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Big Tom got his due after all.
The most popular standardbred to race in Chicago since Rambling
Willie overcame controversy to be named the 1999 Illinois Harness
Horse of the Year.
In a bit of a surprise, United States Trotting Association members
in Illinois gave Big Tom the nod by about 200 votes over filly pacer
Incredible Tillie, who went 12-for-12 as a 2-year-old. Taser Gun
finished third in the voting.
"Big Tom brought so much publicity to Illinois racing and helped
move the program to a higher level," co-owner John Leahy said. "I
guess (the voters) were paying him back."
He officially won 19 of 23 races as a 4-year-old and was
disqualified in two other victories after positive drug ...