Larry and Kathy have a history of fine racing tradition in the Erie area. Larry,
originally from Minnesota, began his racing career in the northern bush races
(yes, like the ones from "Seabiscuit"!). He started riding in these at the age
of 16, and yes, they were every bit as brutal as the movie portrayed. Larry
had his first win in a recognized race at age 18. He moved to Erie in his early
20's and began riding horses for James and Evelyn Hammer. He went on to
become all time leading rider at Erie, and to marry Jim and Evelyn's daughter
Kathy.
Kathy started her racing career in Erie aboard her father's horses. Her first
win was aboard "Marget Lea" on September 23rd, 1978. Kathy went on to
become an accomplished and ground breaking female rider in North America.
In 1985 Kathy took over training duties while Larry continued to ride.
Together they became a leading pair at Erie Downs.
In recent years Kathy graduated Suma Cum Laude from Mercyhurst College
with a business major and a political science minor. Both Larry and Kathy
are very active in the Erie Hunt & Saddle Club, organizing and running the
July mini-trials, as well as volunteering for other events throughout the year
and serving on the board. Kathy also serves as the Regional Instruction
Coordinator for the Tri-State Region of the United States Pony Club.
They have been profiled frequently in local media for their knowledge and
expertise in the equestrian field.
originally from Minnesota, began his racing career in the northern bush races
(yes, like the ones from "Seabiscuit"!). He started riding in these at the age
of 16, and yes, they were every bit as brutal as the movie portrayed. Larry
had his first win in a recognized race at age 18. He moved to Erie in his early
20's and began riding horses for James and Evelyn Hammer. He went on to
become all time leading rider at Erie, and to marry Jim and Evelyn's daughter
Kathy.
Kathy started her racing career in Erie aboard her father's horses. Her first
win was aboard "Marget Lea" on September 23rd, 1978. Kathy went on to
become an accomplished and ground breaking female rider in North America.
In 1985 Kathy took over training duties while Larry continued to ride.
Together they became a leading pair at Erie Downs.
In recent years Kathy graduated Suma Cum Laude from Mercyhurst College
with a business major and a political science minor. Both Larry and Kathy
are very active in the Erie Hunt & Saddle Club, organizing and running the
July mini-trials, as well as volunteering for other events throughout the year
and serving on the board. Kathy also serves as the Regional Instruction
Coordinator for the Tri-State Region of the United States Pony Club.
They have been profiled frequently in local media for their knowledge and
expertise in the equestrian field.
Fun Facts
|
| Antus Racing & Thorowind Farm |
About Larry & Kathy
The wind of heaven is
that which blows
between a horse's ears.
~Arabian Proverb
that which blows
between a horse's ears.
~Arabian Proverb
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Write Up That Appeared In Sports Illustrated:
| DOUBLING UP Apprentice jockey Kathy Antus, 21, broke her maiden, as they say, in the first race at Commodore Downs in Erie, Pa. a couple of weeks ago. The winner, Marget Lea, who paid $4.60, is owned and trained by Kathy's father, J.L. Hammer, a furniture-store owner from North East, Pa., who says that his "boy" "is a very good rider." The family celebration had hardly begun, however, when Larry Antus, 23, the third-leading rider at Commodore and Kathy's husband of three years, rode Money Cash ($7.80) to victory in the second race. As far as anyone knows, it was the first time a husband and wife had ever ridden a daily double. The happy coupling paid $22.20. |