History is marked by unforgettable experiences and for the crowd of people that braved the weather conditions to view the 99th Hambletonian at the Meadowlands, as well as the post-race festivities, it is a moment they will never forget. Standing at the finish line surrounded by photographers, cameramen and fans as the starter called the field for the trotting classic, it was certainly overcast but very much dry. We could see on the infield video screen that it was pouring on the far turn where the horses were gathering, so our fate was likely sealed. Everyone had a split-second decision, brave the rain or seek shelter. I distinctly recall thinking to myself, 'fu** it, I'm staying,' and I certainly don't regret the decision. Under some cover in the grandstand like a fair portion of the crowd, Karl co-owner Michelle Crawford was experiencing the elements. "It is our tradition. All of the women do a shot of Tequila inside before the race and then we go outside and kind of have to separate," said Crawford, who wasn't too thrilled when the sky opened up. "I was crying. How do you even plan for something like that?" Crawford may've been the only person more surprised than I was as the gate sprung open and Karl was far from spry at the start. "I saw that he didn't get away like I thought he would and I was nervous. With the rain I had no idea what to expect," said Crawford. While getting away sixth wasn't by design, everything fell into place for the talented son of Tactical Landing and his driver. The trip was perfect as Gingras set up shop behind a very willing escort in Highland Kismet and was towed right into the action. If I thought for a minute that the 45-year-old driver envisioned that trip prior to the race I would say it was the drive of the year to have that sort of foresight. Most in attendance rooting for Karl – there were lots of them judging by the cheers from the crowd – certainly had some anxious moments (my anxiety was focused on an inability to properly zoom my iPhone because my fingers were wet) as Highland Kismet made a two length advantage over Karl into nearly three while Gingras struggled to pull the earplugs on his charge. That was the turning point of the mile as Karl instantly switched gears and pulled even with the leader within seconds. And just like that the Hall of Famer Gingras shook a heavy monkey off his back from more than a decade of seconds and disappointments in the sport's marquee race to become a Hambletonian-winning driver. Following an exuberant whip-waving celebration approaching the wire, Gingras was visibly emotional in the bike, perhaps realizing that there was a reasonable chance at the top of the stretch that he would come up short again. "Obviously at the top of the stretch I was like 'it is getting away from me again,'" said Gingras, who had previously been second three times in the Hambletonian. "My horse was running in a little bit, Andrew [McCarthy on Sig Sauer] was trying to squeeze out, and Bobby [McClure on Highland Kismet] was getting a jump on us. Then halfway down the stretch when I called on him he just responded and took off. Once I stormed by Bobby, it was the best feeling I've ever had racing horses." Gingras admitted to crying once before after a win but this was different. It an emotional tone he described what the last decade has been like. "This was special. I'm just so sick and tired of listening every year that I haven't gotten it done. I never read anywhere that David Miller hasn't gotten it done or that [Tim] Tetrick only won it once and lost as the favorite many times like I did. It is a hard race to win. There are 12 Breeders Crowns but only one Hambletonian each year. Everybody plans and gets ready for this race." As the rain and cheers for Karl continued, a crowd of people invaded the winner's circle. Hair styles (not mine) were ruined, clothes looked like they just came out of the wash, and umbrellas were at a premium. In general people simply embraced the moment as it was presented. "Sometimes you just have to live a little and anything goes," said Crawford. ► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter As thrilling as the Hambletonian was, for me nothing topped the "Yannick" chants from the crowd. Even Scott Pennacchio, who had a long-standing feud with the driver dating back to the Foiled Again days, could be heard screaming Gingras' name. I vaguely recall a similar outpouring of affection from winner's circle participants when trainer Ed Hart won the 2011 Meadowlands Pace with Roll With Joe, but for it to come from the fans was truly a show of appreciation by the faithful who knew what it meant to him. "It means a lot," said Gingras on the crowd's reaction. "I've been there so many times with chances and it hasn't worked out." More first-time Hambletonian winners were owners Barry Guariglia, racing under Black Horse Racing, and Bender Sweden. Guariglia was in the winner's circle literally soaking it in with his family. "Who knows if I'll ever get back here again," said Guariglia, perhaps needlessly explaining why he was out in the rain. Trainer and co-owner Nancy Takter joined her dad Jimmy Takter in the elite back-to-back Hambletonian wins club. She also trained 2023 winner Tactical Apporach, who, like Karl, is sired by Tactical Landing, making him the first stallion in the 99-year history of the race to sire Hambletonian winners with his first two crops. Also moving up the leaderboard in the record books are Christina Takter and Crawford Farms Racing. Thanks to Karl, both have now won three Hambletonians, with Takter's previous wins coming with Pinkman and Trixton while Crawford's were with fillies Ramona Hill and Atlanta. The trio of victories place them one off the co-leaders on the Hambletonian leaderboard for wins. Crawford Farms also bred Karl and now has a certified stallion prospect for the ages. "I think we already had a stallion, but now we really have a stallion," said Crawford, before dodging my question about a potential 4-year-old campaign. "No comment. I have no idea what to expect from this colt, he's just that good. I think anything goes and anything is possible." Sometimes lost in the crowded winner's circle is the caretaker. Karl was handled by Miguel Guerra and Gingras went out of his way to make sure he received praise. "Miguel eats, breathes and lives this horse. He never leaves the barn. Many times he's asked to go to parties and events but he never wants to leave the horse. This win is about him too," said Gingras. "Nancy [Takter] did a great job and of course the race worked out for us, but without his work I don't think we would be here." When the rain finished playing havoc in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and all the winners had been crowned on Hambletonian Day, even the winners had to get right back to work. Both Gingras and Takter were en route to Kentucky's Red Mile the following morning for more stakes, and they even won with a 2-year-old colt trotter owned and bred by Crawford Farms. And just like that the dream begins for next year's Hambletonian.