Washington, PA — Hammered down to 1-5, Chase H Hanover led every step but had to fend off the late challenge of Liteningonthebeach to preserve his victory in Friday’s (Dec. 15) $19,200 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Liteningonthebeach was seeking his third straight win when he attacked Chase H Hanover first up from fourth. But the 5-year-old Captaintreacherous-Calgary Hanover gelding responded to the urging of Dave Palone and turned back Liteningonthebeach by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50. Patrikthepiranha A rallied from last for show.

Chase H Hanover led from gate to wire in the feature on Friday afternoon at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Virgil Morgan, Jr. trains the winner, who soared over $900,000 in career earnings, for Bottom Line Racing LLC and Carl Howard.

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, Ramiro Porfilio, 24, collected his first career training win in only his third lifetime start — and the milestone came with a horse he owns, the 10-year-old pacing gelding Kerrin Joseph A. Chris Lems was at the controls in the $7,000 claiming event.

Dave Palone piloted four winners and Lems three on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday (Dec. 20), first post 12:45 p.m.