Hastings, MI — On Tuesday (Sept. 2), track records continued to fall at Northville Downs at the Barry Expo Center.
Peter The Con (Uncle Peter-Jesse’s Con), owned and trained by Sandra Hennessey and driven by Ed Hennessey, was first-up from the half, finally clearing early leader Solar entering the stretch before then holding off a late charge by former track record holder Holton (Kody Massey) in the final strides of the afternoon’s co-featured event, the $11,000 Open Handicap Trot, by three-quarters of a length in 1:59, which is a new track record for an older trotting gelding at the Hastings, Mich., oval.
In the other co-featured event, the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, Ed Hennessey struck gold again, winning with Lady With No Fear (Fear The Dragon-I-lady), when the duo popped the pocket at the half, brushed to the lead, and never looked back to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:57.3 over runner-up Joyful Lady (David Lake). Lady With No Fear is co-owned by trainer Sandra Hennessey and Paula Sugars.
Also on the afternoon, Rankin (Enterprise-Luvyaformiles) set a new track record for a 4-year-old trotting gelding by winning race three by 5-1/2 lengths in 2:00 for driver Charles Taylor and winning owner/breeder/trainer Judy Roegner.
Race eight saw Pair Of Hardts (Manhardt-Earhart Hanover) break the record for a 4-year-old pacing mare by winning in 1:57. Driver/trainer Charles Taylor co-owns the mare with Jamie Zenker.
Finally, in race 12, Left Hand Lou (Dancin Lou-Rei’s Star Cross) Tim Roach lowered his own track record for 3-year-old pacing colts by nearly four seconds, from 2:03 to 1:59.1. Left Hand Lou is trained and was driven by Tim Roach for Rose Davis.
Art McIlmurray had two driving wins, as did Tim Roach, Charles Taylor, Ed Hennessey and Kody Massey. Trainers Judy Roegner, James Eaton, Sandra Hennessey and Tim Roach each had two wins on the program.
Racing in Hastings, Mich., resumes Wednesday (Sept. 3) with a first-race post time of 1 p.m. (EDT).