Al and Michelle Crawford seek to increase the presence of harness racing story by Mike Mullaney In the right economy, ingredients such as ambition, resources and vision will lead to investment. In the right hands, that investment, combined with a little luck, will bear dividends. And, in the right circumstances, those dividends will be churned… Read More
Few harness racing horse breeders have made a larger multi-media splash than Crawford Farms of Durhamville, New York.
From the second-story Crawford Farms mural at The Meadowlands to the Red Mile Grand Circuit meet where the water trucks proudly displayed the farm’s iconic insignia, racing fans are constantly reminded of the dynamic duo’s substantial commitment to the sport. Evident across multiple digital platforms, the Crawford’s are very active on social media and have produced and broadcast several TV commercials during key, nationally televised harness races, including the Hambletonian.
Driven by a passion for the sport, and a desire to help harness racing prosper, the Crawford’s have sponsored this season’s Meadowlands Pace, Kindergarten Classic, Crawford Farms Trot and the Red Mile Grand Circuit meet. In addition to vast purse support, they have recently completed a state-of-the-art equine therapeutic spa, 40-stall barn, and an 8-stall horse exerciser at their central New York breeding & racing operation.
For their considerable investment in the future of the Standardbred and support of harness racing and breeding in the state of New York, the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has awarded Crawford Farms their annual Excelsior Award.
Somewhat surprised when they learned of the award, Michelle and Albert Crawford were humbled by the honor. “We love this business, and we are very pleased that someone has noticed and appreciated our efforts” noted Albert, son of the late Jim Crawford who was the affable former president of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State.
“My wife and I are committed to breeding top horses in New York State and supporting the industry in the process. We know that it is a considerable challenge, but we are rolling up our sleeves and eager to do the work!”
Michelle, the spark that energizes much of the daily operations added, “Every day that I am on our farm I am amazed at the work ethic and dedication that our staff contribute to our vision. Whether we are breeding, foaling, weaning or performing racehorse rehab, they always give 110%, and for that I am very grateful.”
The farm, which was founded in 1966 by Jim and Patricia Crawford, continues to be a family affair. The 100-acre nursery has continued to expand not only their footprint, but also their broodmare band. Their yearling consignments to Lexington and Morrisville have continued to improve in scope and scale.
When they are not raising future harness racing stars, Michelle and Al own and operate one of the most successful healthcare lending institutions in the nation, Bankers Healthcare Group. In fact, BHG was ranked as the 5th Fastest Growing Private Company by Inc.
Formed in 1992 from a modest group of four finance experts, BHG now employs close to 200 business professionals.
Dan Patch-Winning Trotters Unveiled
Hambletonian-winning filly Atlanta led a distinguished group of trotters named division champions in Dan Patch Award voting released Wednesday (Dec. 19) by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Atlanta received 96.1 per cent of the votes for best three-year-old female trotter, the highest total among the six trotting honourees. Also named division winners were two-year-old colt… Read More
USHWA announces Dan Patch Award-winning trotters
December 19, 2018, from the U.S. Harness Writers Association Harrisburg, PA — Hambletonian-winning filly Atlanta led a distinguished group of trotters named division champions in Dan Patch Award voting released Wednesday (Dec. 19) by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Atlanta received 96.1 percent of the votes for best 3-year-old female trotter, the highest total among the… Read More
Homicide Hunter scores Dan Patch award
December 19, 2018 by Tammy Knox Over the past four years, the annual Dan Patch awards have included at least one horse from an Indiana sire. 2018 continues the trend as Homicide Hunter was named Older Male Trotter of the Year by the US Harness Writers Association (USHWA) Wednesday, Dec. 19. In all 130 ballots were received… Read More
Crawford, Cotolo, Gooden honored by USHWA
December 27, 2018, from the U.S. Harness Writers Association Harrisburg, PA — Michelle Crawford may not keep quite as unremitting a schedule as Driver of the Year Aaron Merriman, but she comes very close. An unbridled enthusiastic voice for harness racing, Michelle is foremost the co-operator with her husband Al of Crawford Farms, a Midstate New York… Read More
World champion Crazy Wow to stand in New York
Crazy Wow will stand stud in New York for an introductory fee of $3,000. Chris Tully photo. Goshen, NY — Michelle and Albert Crawford have announced that their world champion trotter Crazy Wow 3,1:51.1 ($2,532,143) has been retired and will stand stud in New York for an introductory fee of $3,000. An outstanding individual and multiple… Read More
Stella Jane and driver Corey Callahan won the Kindergarten Classic for filly trotters
East Rutherford, NJ — Corey Callahan was a major player in the two Kindergarten Classic trotting events at The Meadowlands Saturday night (Nov. 3), an evening that saw four Kindergarten finals for 2-year-olds. ‘The Captain’ drove 1-9 favorite Seven Hills in the $221,540 colt and gelding trot, but after beginning his career with four powerful wins,… Read More
Breeders Crown: Homicide Hunter secures his position as the top trotter in Open Trot
Homicide Hunter is the fastest trotter in the history of the sport and also a lover of The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Those factors sure didn’t hurt as he scooted up the pylons from the pocket to win the $500,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot on Saturday. Top Flight Angel charged to the front away… Read More
Post Time with Mike & Mike
Hear Michelle Crawford speak on Post Time with Mike & Mike
Crawford Farms Racing purchased Wes Delight for run at Little Brown Jug
Little Brown Jug day at the Delaware County Fairgrounds is a special experience and one couple that is hooked is Albert and Michelle Crawford. A bit over a month since winning the Hambletonian as co-owners behind Atlanta, the Crawfords will seek to capture the Jug with new purchase Wes Delight. A colt by Bettor’s Delight,… Read More