Van HAM appears unstoppable

Action HOG Hero wins 14th straight, captures the PIGtucky Derby and continues to dominate in quest for Triple PIG Crown Racing Series title

It was a battle from start to finish, but in the end Jean-Claude Van HAM captured the 20th running of the PIGtucky Derby on Saturday at PIGlico Downs Race Track at Maris Farms.

The Action HOG Hero (sponsored by Westside Pizza) was last out of gate, but first to cross the finish line, just barely edging out LOINard Williams (sponsored by Hops n Drops) of the SeaHOGs racing team by a half a pig nose. Van HAM also won his 14th straight (17 total wins) and continued to dominate in his quest to capture the Triple PIG Crown Racing Series (presented by Wally’s Drive In) title.

He will be the overwhelming favorite to capture the SQUEAKness – our second marquee race of the season – slated for this Saturday (10.17.26) at 2 pm. After weekend three, Van HAM is literally running away with the TPC Racing Series.

“I said it last week, and I’ll say it again after this weekend – he races almost exactly like the old Arnold SchwartzenHOGger (his great grandhog is a competitor this season), who won all 30 races in 2015,” said longtime race announcer Dennis “PIG Whisperer” Riley. “Awnold smoked the field for 5 weekends that year, and Van HAM is doing the exact same thing 11 years later!”

Van HAM’s teammates include the younger SchwartzenHOGger and Sylvester StailLOIN (yet another great grandson to one of our early racing hogs).

Van HAM told a post-race press gathering Sunday afternoon that he’s feeling stronger and more confident every time out now. “After the PIGtucky Derby on Saturday, now I know I’m as good as any hog out there, even the best of the other two teams. It gives me a mental edge. And it makes me want to really start sizzling now.”

LOINard Williams was fit to be tied after jumping to the front out of the starting gates and then quickly relinquishing the lead to Van HAM, who hesitated near the finish line, then kicked it into high gear to hold off a surging Williams with less than 3 pig lengths from the finish line.

“It just kills me, I was ultra confident going in and for 95% of that race,” Williams said Saturday after Derby. “I just didn’t finish. I will have another shot this weekend at the SQUEAKness, and I will train this week for that finish.” LOINard has the second most victories of all racing hogs with 13.

Team HOGfather is led by Ben FRANKlin (sponsored by Glow Martini Lounge), who has 10 wins to this point.

Steve HOGfather Templeman, TPC Racing Series coordinator, said this weekend may be one of the most competitive marquee races in TPC history with the quality field of racing hogs.

“A LOT will be determined as to how the rest of the season shapes up after the SQUEAKness,” Templeman said. “If Van HAM wins, he will be in a position to become one of our series’ legends. If one of the others wins, in particular LOINard Williams, it could put the entire season series up in the air for the taking. I can’t wait!”

Farm visitors who happen upon the weekend races can place bets on the hog(s) they believe will win during qualifying or marquee races, and 100% of those “bets” are donated to local nonprofit, Celebrate HARVEST, whose mission it is to preserve family farms by inspiring and financially supporting present-day farmers and future experiential farmers. Fans will be amused and entertained by these celebrity-named pigs – which feature many of the local, national and world-renowned sports stars, Hollywood action hero icons and USA forefathers (HOGfathers in this case) you’ve come to know and love!

Last weekend, a total of $633 was raised for Celebrate HARVEST (for a 3-week total now of $1,639). A total of 736 “bets” were placed and Jean-Claude Van HAM (Action HOG Heroes sponsored by Westside Pizza) had the most bets placed on him with 200 (He now leads all racers with 454 total bets placed on him). Second most bets on the weekend went to LOINard Williams (Team SeaHOGS sponsored by Hops n’ Drops) with 185 (total of 303 on the season).

Thank you to our title sponsor: Wally’s White River Drive In

Team sponsors: Glow Martini Lounge, Hops n’ Drops and Westside Pizza as well participating race partners Washington Athletic Club, Salish Lodge, Skulpt Wood Carving, Firehouse Pub, Area253 Glassblowing, Rainier Fresh, and Gillihan Farms (supplier of racing hogs).