Windsor, ME — Like the fabled old gunslingers of our old west legends, Sheriff N bravely held his ground and took no prisoners while coldly staring down his foes on Saturday (Aug. 29), securing the 55th score of his veteran career while keeping the peace in a crowded rush to the finish during the opening session of harness racing at the Windsor Fair.
Ably guided by owner/trainer Zachary Vickerson, Sheriff N fought bravely for the early lead, insisting on the top spot through a bit of give-and go to the opening quarter. From that point on, the raceway belonged to the 12-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight as Vickerson expertly placed his competition across the raceway, steadfastly refusing to give way, while leveraging each challenge to his best advantage.
Rounding the final bend, a gang of three launched one final assault against Sheriff N as the field careened toward the fast approaching wire. But Sheriff N confidently held his ground, holding off the late, desperate cavalry charge at the wire, ultimately surviving a four-horse photo over Duncan’s Ranger (Todd Whitney), Cntnobdytelmenothn (Derek Howes), and Monaco Hanover (Michael Girouard) to seal the 1/4-length deal, timed in 1:58.4.
“Oh yeah, I knew he could get it done here today,” Vickerson’s partner, Haley Farken remarked in a winner’s circle interview. “He likes this track, this surface, he’s win here a couple of years for us. I mean, I hammered him to win!”
“He’s a good, old, classy horse. We’ve had him three years now and he just always gets it done for us.”
Sheriff N, who was sent to the gate at 7-1 odds, returned a generous $16.40 to win and began a trend toward price play winners throughout the mid-portion of the Windsor Fair card as seven of the 12 races resulted in win payoffs in the double digit range. Joining the barrage were West River Jordan and Ron Cushing at 10-1 ($22.40), Century Liberty and Andy Harrington at 8-1 ($19.20), Gabe Hanover and Joey Mosher at 9-2 ($11.60), Profit Blue Chip and James Doucette at 5-1 ($12.60), Hide The Wick and Joey Mosher at 15-1 ($32.40), and Wolftrax with Ron Cushing at 15-1 ($32.20).
The opportunity for more long-shot plays continues when harness racing resumes at the Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 30) with post time scheduled for 1 p.m. (EDT). The 11-race betting card will be preceded by two non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
As is the norm, harness racing will be the featured afternoon attraction at Windsor throughout the 10-day late-summer agricultural exhibition. Saturday and Sunday post times are set for 1 p.m. (EDT), weekday posts (with the exception of the dark Wednesday on Sept. 2) slated for 2 p.m., while the traditional Labor Day program provides the grand finale beginning at 1 p.m.
Senior citizens (60-plus) will be afforded $5 admission to the fair on Monday (Aug. 31) and again on Thursday (Sept. 3) while veterans will received free admission on Thursday (Sept. 3) with military ID.
For the complete harness racing schedule at the Windsor Fair, please visit www.windsorfair.com/events/harness-racing/.
The live video feed of all the harness racing action at Windsor Fair can be enjoyed online at www.youtube.com/@Mainefairharnessracing, programs may be found at www.trackmaster.com, while wagering for the races at Windsor will be available both on track and online on the Hollywood Races site at www.hollywoodraces.com.