Harness: Wiggle It Jiggleit to remain on the sidelines

Those waiting to see 2015 Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit back on the track are going to need a steady dose of patience. After cancelling early season plans to compete in the Ben Franklin at the Downs at Pocono, which has a $500,000 Final on Saturday, owner George Teague confirmed on Wednesday via text that the next target race, the William Haughton Memorial on July 15 at The Meadowlands will also be missed.

“He is still having issues with his back so I’m not able to press,” said Teague about a lingering issue that Wiggle It Jiggleit has battled since his early racing days.

“I think it’ll (his back) be fine, but I’m looking towards the end of the year,” said Teague, who could not commit to a timeframe. “It is always a changing game plan.”

There are plenty of stakes for older pacers from late September on, including the Hoosier Pacing Derby, Dayton Pacing Derby, Allerage and Breeders Crown.

Wiggle It Jiggleit is the sixth richest horse in North American history with $3,907,557 earned. The 5-year-old has 38 career wins in 51 starts.