Adios - Standarbred Champion Horse Sire (CLICK FOR LARGE IMAGE) Adios Adios - Standarbred Champion Horse Sire (CLICK FOR LARGE IMAGE)

Adios (1940–1965)
Big Daddy of Harness Racing

The son of Hal Dale and Adioo Volo, Adios was born on January 3, 1940 at Two Gaits Farm, in Carmel, Indiana. Trained and driven by Frank Ervin and for a while owned by Harry Warner of Warner Brothers film studio, Adios was a multiple world champion during his racing career, his pacing record at the Shelbyville, Indiana fair stood for 43 years. Despite his racing success, it is his offspring that he is most famous for.

In 1948, Adios was bought by harness racing driver Delvin Miller to stand in stud at his Meadow Lands farm near Washington, Pennsylvania. The horse proved to be a tremendous stud, considered by many to be the greatest in harness racing history. He sired eight Little Brown Jug winners, more than any other horse, and his sons, Adios Butler and Bret Hanover both became winners of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Pacers.

Before he died in 1965, Adios had sired 589 offspring. His name is synonymous with horse racing and can be found on consumer products and harness horse equipment. At his passing, the horse was buried at Meadow Lands farm under his favorite apple tree near the paddock that had been his home for seventeen years.

A race was named for him, held each year on the second Saturday in August at The Meadows racetrack in Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania. Since the first Adios Pace in 1967, it has evolved into one of the important events in the harness racing season.
 

Adios Stakes History

ADIOS 1 - Romulus Hanover - 1967

This Adios came down to Romulus Hanover and Best Of All. Romulus Hanover almost scratched from the championship because of a calcium deposit on his left front leg. But on this particular day the decision was made to race, and Billy Haughton's colt out maneuvered Best Of All in 2:00.3 to win the inaugural Adios.

ADIOS 2 - Bye And Large - 1968

Billy Haughton was back, this time with an entry, Bye And Large and Rum Customer. Haughton had George Sholty drive Bye And Large, considered to be the weaker of the two. Haughton guessed wrong. Bye And Large won both heats. Sholty had a plane to catch and couldn't bring the horse back to the winner's circle. Somewhat embarrassed, Haughton had to do it and he accepted the trophy.

ADIOS 3 - Laverne Hanover - 1969

Billy Haughton was back in the winner's circle again but not without incident. Laverne Hanover was the favorite in the first heat, but after being tapped with the whip in the stretch, he went off stride and finished last. Laverne Hanover came back to win the second heat and then won the race-off from Kat Byrd. It was the first time that Haughton had used the whip on the horse. Haughton also said it would be the last!

ADIOS 4 - Most Happy Fella - 1970

Most Happy Fella And Columbia George won the two heats of the Adios. They were ordered back for a race0off. In the race0off, Columbia George dropped in behind Most Happy Fella, trailed him all the way and made his move in the stretch but couldn't make up the ground however. The time was 2:19.1 with the last quarter in 31 seconds.

ADIOS 5 - Albatross - 1971

Albatross & Stanley Dancer win the 1971 AdiosAlbatross toyed with the field in the first division, making his move in the stretch and winning easily in 1:58.3. In the second heat it was all Albatross again, this time in 1:59.3. The combined time was a stake record. Albatross was one of the greatest and he let it be known during this Adios. He would later become the sport's top pacing sire of all time.

ADIOS 6 - Deat Heat - 1972

Strike Out, driven by Keith Waples, and Jay Time, wit Gene Riegle aboard, came up with a big surprise. They finished in a dead heat, one of the few in stake racing history and the only one ever in the Adios. Strangely enough, neither won a heat in the event - not even the final heat! Strike Out finished second and Jay Time third in their respective elimination heats.

ADIOS 7 - Ricci Reenie Time - 1973

Ricci Reenie Time looked unbeatable during his two year old career, but as a three year old he simply hadn't accomplished much. In fact, he didn't have a win in nine races. But when he rolled into The Meadows, he was ready. He won going away in 2:00.2 for Harold (Sonny) Dancer Jr.

ADIOS 8 - Armbro Omaha - 1974

Delvin Miller founded the Adios but never won it. He came as close as you could in 1974 but fell short by a whisker. Billy Haughton won another Adios with his horse Armbro Omaha. Delvin's horse. Tarport Low, was less than two inches behind Billy Haughton's horse at the finish.

ADIOS 9 - Nero - 1975

Nero and Joe O'Brien won the first heat victory in 1:58.3, while Whata Baron captured the second heat in 157.2. O'brien's horse was better prepared for the final however, and Nero won it in 157.3.

ADIOS 10 -Armbro Ranger - 1976

Injured in a sire stake at The Meadows several weeks earlier, it was unclear just how well Armbro Ranger would perform in this tenth Adios. Armbro Ranger beat back a late challenge by Richmond, the favorite, to win the first heat in 1:56.3., a track record. Keystone Ore won the second heat with Stanley Dancer in a world record time of 1:56. The final was a classic with Dancer swinging his horse wide at the top of the stretch and pulling ahead of Armbro Ranger and Joe O'Brien for a few strides. Then, Armbro Ranger fought back and picked up the win. The time was 1:56, equaling the world record.

ADIOS 11 - Governor Skipper - 1977

Governor Skipper and John Chapman didn't let the world record from the previous season last very long. He won the first heat in 1:54.4. Nat Lobell won the second heat in 1:56. Governor Skipper took charge in the final and defeated Nat Lobell by a few inches following a stirring stretch duel.

ADIOS 12 - Abercrombie - 1978

Falcon Almahurst was the people's choice this day, and the railbirds weren't too concerned with Glen Garnsey and Abercrombie. But when the dust had settled, Abercrombie made believers out of everyone, winning the Adios in 1:56.1 and 1:55.

ADIOS 13 - Hot Hitter - 1979

Sonsam was rated just about as unbeatable as any three year old colt when he stopped by The Meadows for this Adios. It rained all day and it was muddy. Whether the off-track, or just an off day, this Adios proved to be the downfall of a great colt driven by George Sholty. Hot Hitter and Herve Filion won the first heat in 156.3 while Sonsam was pinned in at the rail and couldn't shake free. In the second heat, Sonsam broke stride briefly, tried to make up the ground but couldn't and Hot Hitter won again. It was a memorable Adios and Herve Filion standing in the bike in the winner's circle is a moment frozen in time in Adios history.

ADIOS 14 - Storm Damage - 1980

Storm Damage was foaled about the time a tornado hit the area of Castleton Farm at Lexington, Kentucky. Thus came his name and thus came a great horse. Storm Damage paced up a storm and won convincingly, putting eight new records in the books. Joe O'Brien won his third and final Adios and also set a world record with Storm Damage of 1:53.2.

ADIOS 15 - Landslide - 1981

Landslide, a colt who had competed in only two races prior to The Adios, made a shambles of the field. He surprised everyone in the grandstand and a lot of horsemen as well. He won two straight heats in 1:56.1 and 1:57.2 on a sloppy track. Eddie Lohmeyer steered the horse to victory in the richest Adios yet, worth $155,000.

ADIOS 16 - Higher Power - 1982

Higher Power, a little known colt coming off a ninth place finish a week earlier, surprised the 10,000 people in attendance as he captured the 19382 Adios. Sent off at 27-1, he roared through the stretch and overhauled Merger to gain the victory in 154 flat. The time would be the fastest of the year for any three-year-old colt on a five-eighths mile track. For Higher Power, the Adios would be his only major stake win. A week later, a leg fracture forced him to the sideline.

ADIOS 17 - Ralph Hanover - 1983

Ralph Hanover dominated the opposition in the 1983 Adios. He tallied straight heat wins in 1:56 and 1:54.4. The colt would continue his winning ways through the year and would become the pacing triple crown winner. Driven to victory by Ron Waples, Ralph Hanover circled the field in the final turn and won the first heat with ease. In the final, Ralph Hanover moved early and no one else was a factor.

ADIOS 18 - Andrel - 1984

It was the first of the modern day Adios races contested at night. It rained all evening but Andrel was not troubled. In the first heat, the colt outdistanced Holmes Hanover in 1:56.4. John Campbell would post a better time in the final, winning in 1:54.2.

ADIOS 19 - Marauder - 1985

The great Nihilator visited The Meadows and was the heavy favorite going into this Adios but Marauder would change all of that by the end of the day. Marauder, driven by Dick Richardson Jr. went out and tied the existing world record on a five-eighths mile track of 1:52.1. In doing so, he upset Nihilator and Bill O'Donnell. Nihilator recovered to win the second heat but the horse did not have the capacity to come back for the race-off. Thus Marauder was declared the winner after a walkover in 2::27.1 as Nihilator bowed out of the final heat.

ADIOS 20 - Barberry Spur - 1986

No local colt had ever won the Adios. There was great hope and expectation as Barberry Spur entered this Adios as a favorite. Owned by Roy Davis of Pittsburgh and the Barberry Farms of Sewickley, the colt circled the track in 1:53.3 to win the first division of the stake for Dick Stillings. Division two went to Tyler's Mark and John Campbell. Barberry Spur went to the front in the final, a lead that he would not give up. It was a major victory for Barberry Spur and the winner's circle scene was one of the largest in the history of the track. The final heat time was 1:53.1.

(Barberry Spur Photo)

ADIOS 21 - Run The Table - 1987

In 1987, Jaguar Spur was definitely the hometown favorite and on this particular day the local colt was in top form. But asking Dick Stillings' horse to win the Adios just like stablemate Barberry Spur did a year earlier proved to be a bit too much. Jaguar Spur won the first division in 1:53.2. In Division two, Run The Table, driven by John Campbell was the heavy favorite. He cruised to victory in 1:54 for driver Campbell. Jaguar Spur put in a game effort but Run The Table was too tough. He won the Adios in 1:53.2.

ADIOS 22 - Camtastic - 1988

There were three divisions of the stake in 1988, carrying the largest purse ever. Dare You To And John Campbell won the first division in 1:52.4. The second division was won by Camtastic and Bill O'Donnell in 1:54.2, while the third division went to Albert Albert and Chris Boring in 1:54.3. Camtastic roared out of the starting gate and won the final in 1:53.3. The news of this Adios centered on the large field, the large purse, the exciting race and the extreme heat, which saw temperatures near 100 degrees.

ADIOS 23 - Goalie Jeff - 1989

Goalie Jeff and Mike LaChance dominated this Adios but once again the Stillings Stable was back in contention. Roy Davis entered Kentucky Spur, and despite a nagging foot problem, the horse won the second division in 1:55.2. The first division was won by Kick Up A Storm and Ron Waples in 1:54.3. The third division was won by Barefoot Hanover and Dave Rankin in 1:55.2. Goalie Jeff didn't figure in the divisional races but he did figure in the final, winning it in 1:54.2 with LaChance in the bike. It was one of the few times in Adios history that a cold would fail to win in the divisional races but would come back to dominate the final

ADIOS 24 - Beach Towel - 1990

Beach Towel on his way to "Horse of the Year" honors won the 1990 Adios over In The Pocket. Beach Towel, driven by Ray Remmen, posted a winning time of 1:51.4 on a clear afternoon. Although Beach Towel won the Adios trophy it was really in The Pocket and John Campbell who stunned the racing crowd. In The Pocket paced a mile in 1:50.4 to win the first division. The time was a world record on a five-eighths mile track.

(Beach Towel Photo)

ADIOS 25 - Precious Bunny - 1991

Artsplace and Precious Bunny were considered the dominant horses going into the Silver Anniversary Adios. In the first division, Artsplace defeated the favored Precious Bunny in a world record-equaling time of 1:50.4. In the second division, Three Wizzards and William Gale defeated Nuke Of Earl in 1:54.3, but the final set up as a showdown between Precious Bunny and Artsplace. Despite his defeat in the first division, the wagering still favored Precious Bunny. In another mile clocked in 1:50.4. Precious Bunny was the winner.

ADIOS 16 - Direct Flight - 1992

Direct Flight and John Campbell won the Adios, winning his elimination round and then holding off Shore Patrol and Michel LaChance in the final. Direct Flight came into The Adios as one of the favorites and had earned over $205,000 during his 3-year old season prior to The Adios. His time of 1:52 in the Adios final was a lifetime mark. He was able to conserve a bit in his divisional battle, winning that mile in 1:53.4.

ADIOS 27 - Miles McCool - 1993

Riyadh and Jim Morrill Jr. set a world record in the second of the two elimination divisions, pacing a mile in 1:50.1. The mark stands as the fastest mile ever by a horse on a five-eighths mile track. Riyadh stole the show at The Adios with driver Jim Morrill saying that he felt as though Riyadh could have gone in 1:48 if pressured. The other division of The Adios was won by Mystical Prince and Ron Pierce in 1:51. In the final, Riyadh was sitting third and was in perfect position to win. However, Mystical Prince who was on the front, jumped a shadow causing a pile-up at the three-quarter pole. No horses or drivers were injured but Riyadh was caught up in the accident allowing longshot Miles McCool and John Campbell to win the race. Riyadh made up ground in the stretch but by this time the trophy was lost and he had to settle for second. The time of the final was 1:51.2.

ADIOS 28 - Cam's Card Shark - 1994

Cam's Card Shark won the first of two divisions as expected while Historic and Doug Brown upset Magical Mike and Jack Moiseyev in the second division. Cam's Card Shark paced in 1:50.4 on the sunny and warm afternoon while Historic won in 1:51 flat. Despite finishing second in the elimination, Magical Mike was still considered the main opponent to Cam's Card Shark in the final. The excitement was over early as Magical Mike made a break in the first turn. Cam's Card Shark coasted to an easy win in 1:51.1, giving driver John Campbell another Adios win.

ADIOS 29 - David's Pass - 1995

David's Pass captured the 1995 Adios, but the race will be remembered as a year that local horses held their own against the sport's best. Neutrality, driven by Dave Palone, finished second to David's Pass in both the first elim and the final. Nick's Fantasy, driven by Bob Ritchie, won the second elim and finished a strong third in the 1:51.4 final despite never seeing the rail. For John Campbell, driver of David's Pass, it was his fourth consecutive Adios win.

ADIOS 30 - Electric Yankee - 1996

For the second straight year, trainer Brett Pelling sent the Adios winner postward, but, as in 1995, a local horse grabbed much of the attention. As Electric Yankee returned to the winners circle following his 1:52.1 win in the final heat, the crowd was busy cheering for Satin Town and driver Bill Zendt, who led throughout the mile and was caught in the final strides. While Pelling extended his win streak to two Adios races, John Campbell's win steak ended as Mike LaChance drove lightly raced upset winner Electric Yankee to victory.

ADIOS 31 - Legacy Of Power - 1997

Legacy Of Power, trained by Jerry Ross Sr. of Warren, OH and driven by his son Dan, became the second locally-connected winner of the race, which was renamed The Delvin Miller Adios in honor of the race's late founder. In reality, Legacy Of Power was not the fastest horse in the final heat. Dream Away, driven by Ron Pierce, crossed the wire five lengths ahead of Ross, but was disqualified for interference with race favorite Gothic Dream, who along with Legacy Of Power recorded a victory in the elimination heats. Legacy Of Power was credited with the time of 1:52.1.

Adios 32 - Artist Stena - 1998

Artist Stena, owned by Montreal's Ecurie Stena and trained by N. J. Corley entered the Adios with but a pair of victories over two seasons and 17 career starts. He won as a freshman, taking home the honors in the New Jersey Futurity but his sole 1998 win came in an Open at The Meadowlands. Artist Stena took the honors in the first of three Adios divisions in the good time of 1:52.1 for regular driver Mike LaChance. However, in the final Luc Ouelette inherited the drive on Artist Stens and the pair went on to score a mild upset in 1:51.1 to secure their spot in the Adios record book.

Adios 33 - Washington VC - 1999

Washington VC poses in the winner's circle Washington VC poses in the winner's circle with race fans while Ladbroke officials present the trophy and blanket of orchids to the 1999 Adios Champ, who was driven to victory by Dave Palone.


Dave Palone steers Washington VC to a victory Meadows' driver Dave Palone steers Washington VC to a victory in the 33rd edition of the Coors Delvin Miller Adios.
 

Adios 34 - Riverboat King 2000

Powerful favorites ruled in the two elimination divisions of Adios 34. Ain't No Stopn Him commanded Division 1 when he went on a wire to wire romp from post one to complete the mile in 1:51.4, returning a modest $2.80 for his venture. Riverboat King, Western Millennium and The Blue Pan Group completed the top four and earned spots in the final heat.

Division two went to another who scored at 40 cents on the dollar, Life's Not Fair. John Campbell picked up his second division win of the afternoon, matching his wire-to-wire effort in Division 1, with a slightly slower 1:53 clocking. Allie's Western closed stoutly from far back to earn the place honors. Dream Work finished third, Life Moves On fourth to earn the last of the final heat positions. In the final, division winners Life's Not Fair and Ain't No Stopn Him dueled for the early lead, but Ain't No Stopn Him took the lead at the quarter and stepped off brisk splits, recording a half in 54.4 and three-quarters in 1:23. Turning for home, though, Campbell's 3-10 choice tired and Riverboat King, who entered the final as the 10-1 third choice, moved outside to earn a neck win in 1:51.4 to become the 34th Adios winner. Ain't No Stopn Him finished a neck back in second, while Dream Work completed the top three.

Adios 35 - Pine Valley

The Coors Delvin Miller Adios drew 19 horses to its 35th edition. Separated into three divisions, two field of six and one file of seven completed elimination heats in races 9,10,11. Fully Loaded and LCB won two of the three divisions as favorites in 1:51.1 and 1:51.2 while Ready Cash won the middle division as the second choice in 1:513. The top nine finishers in the eliminations returned for the Final in Race 15. LCB went to the post in the final as the favorite, but he was never a factor in the final. On The Attack with Mike LaChance taking over the drive in the final went to the half in 56.4 and continued a moderate tempo to three-quarters in 1:23.3. Ready Cash was the first to move late in the third quarter. He was followed by Oaks Enforcer while Peruvian Hanover and Pine Valley stayed at the rail. Turning for home, On The Attack tired, Peruvian Hanover moved outside and Pine Valley chose the inside path, which opened in time to allow him to sprint home the best of the nine in the final heat. Pine Valley and Brian Sears won Adios 35 in 1:51.4. The complete order of finish was pine Valley, Peruvian Hanover, On The Attack, LCB, Full Of Fun, Ready Cash, Whosurboy, Fully Loaded, and Oaks Enforcer.
 

 

ADIOS 36 - Million Dollar Cam - 2002

A total of 23 horses competed in the 36th edition of the Coors Delvin Miller Adios. The first division had eight horses, none faster than Monsoon Hall and driver Eric Ledford. Ledford earned his first career Adios victory in his first start in the Adios with Monsoon Hall who won in a time of 1:52.

The second division was knocked down to seven horses with the scratch of Rounder. Soho driven by Richard Silverman won the division in 1:50.2. The win gave Silverman his first Adios victory as well.

The third elimination was won by Million Dollar Cam and John Campbell. The son of Cam's Card Shark had a rough overland trip but prevailed by a head in 1:51.4.

To the final where entry mates Soho, Kilowatt and Monsoon Hall went off as the 1-2 favorite. Million Dollar Cam and Brad's Gold teamed up as entries and were the public's second choice. As it turns out, the public knew what they were talking about as Million Dollar Cam and Campbell won the $300,000 Adios Final in 1:50.4. Entry mates Soho and Kilowatt finished second and third - local interest Jo Pa's Bench Mark closed to finish fourth for Ray Paver.

Million Dollar Cam has earned over $880,000 lifetime. He is owned by Jeffrey Snyder and Peter Heffering of New York and Ontario.

ADIOS 37 - Armbro Animate - 2003

John Campbell added to his prestige in the Coors Delvin Miller Adios by winning his 23rd Adios with Armbro Animate. Campbell is first in wins by more than double of any other driver and has over $1,800,000 in Adios purse earnings.

The first division was won by Iced Yankee and David Miller in 1:52. Miller took the lead past the first quarter mile and never looked back. Tarpaulin Hanover finished second and Nvincbl Artist finished third.

Dave Palone got his second career Adios victory with General Challenge in the second division. Palone chose to come from off the pace and won by a neck in 1:52.1. Whatanartist finished second. The Globe finished third.

The third division was won by Jr Mint and Paul MacDonell in 1:52.1. The win was the first Adios victory in MacDonell's career. Wolfdancer Mindale closed to finish second. Armbro Animate and Campbell finished third.

Armbro Animate closed from eighth at the half to win the Adios by a length in 1:52.2 with Campbell aboard. The 15-1 long shot had the opportunity to close after fast early fractions [26.2 - 54.4] were set by Iced Yankee and Wolfdancer Mindale. General Challenge finished second with Palone driving. The Globe finished third for driver Luc Ouellette at 46-1.

ADIOS 38 - Timesareachanging - 2004

The much anticipated 38th edition of the Coors Delvin Miller Adios did not disappoint at all. Great weather and exceptional horses resulted in a fantastic Adios that saw the overall track record get equaled in the final by Timesareachanging.

 

The first division was won by locally owned and trained Georgia Pacific driven by Brian Sears. As the favorite he delivered in a gate-to-wire victory timed in 1:50. Driven To Win finished second with David Miller. Western Terror finished third for Ron Pierce.

Locally owned and trained Basil Hanover won the second division in 1:50.3 for driver Mike Wilder. A fast close down the lane gave him the victory by a nose over Geartogear and Pierce. Spirit Of A Shark and George Brennan finished third.

The third division showed a powerful effort by Timesareachanging and driver Ron Pierce. The son of Cam's Card Shark has thrived in his three-year old campaign for the Perfect World Enterprises. Harry Hornet finished second for Miller. The Preacher Pan finished third at 99-1 for driver Luc Ouellette.

The final showcased a head to head duel with Georgia Pacific and Timesareachanging who were sitting one-two throughout. Georgia Pacific set fractions of 26.3 - 54 - 1:21.4 with Sears aboard. Pierce sat patiently with Timesareachanging. He came to the outside down the lane and pulled away to win by two lengths in a record setting 1:49.3.

Georgia Pacific held on for second. Driven To Win and David Miller closed to finish third.


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