by Ozi Menakaya, marketing/publicity director, Ocean Downs
Berlin, MD — “It felt good,” said Jim Morand, followed by a quirky smile and a chuckle.
That was Morand’s reaction to going six for six on the Wednesday evening (August 19) card at Ocean Downs, during the Maryland Standardbred Fund Races. “I really like the track here, it’s very nice to race on,” he commented.
Going six for six was something the 44-year-old driver, originally from Windsor, Ontario, had never achieved. “I’ve never done that before. It did look like all of my horses could win though.”
Morand started the evening by winning a division of the 3-year-old colt trot with Ruby Ransom, from the Nanticoke Racing Stable. The colt took the wire in 2:00.2. Next race, Morand won with another trotter. This time it was 3-year-old filly Allamerican Breeze. Morand fought from behind with the filly to eventually breeze to the wire in 2:01.
Stung by the winning bug, Morand made it three for three with Jolt ($8.80), a pacing colt trained by Don Milby. The young racehorse was first to the wire in 1:57, grabbing a win for his owner Dale Milby.
Morand took a break until the next Maryland Standardbred Fund Race, but the wait didn’t have an effect on his winning momentum. He drove Allamerican Cheer ($3.00) to the filly’s first lifetime victory in 2:03.4. Charles Tribbett trains the filly.
Two more races went by until the next Maryland Fund race, and of course, Morand’s next win. This time Morand was with I Love The Beach ($2.60) when he notched his next win. I Love The Beach started on the rail and used it to the best of her advantage, getting to the wire in 1:57.4.
Finally, Morand ended his once in a lifetime performance with a win behind 3-year-old-gelding Flag Of Honor ($15.00). The gelding trained by Joseph MacDonald was a sure bet, if any racing fans used drivers as criteria for their wager. Flag Of Honor finished the pacing event first in 1:55.4, giving Morand a grand slam, plus a double, with no swings and misses on the evening.
“What can I say? Things worked out for me. I got some help with other horses scratching and some making breaks,” smiled Morand. “Maybe I was lucky. It always helps to have something extra between the shafts.”
Ocean Downs live racing meet concludes this weekend
The 61st live racing summer meet concludes this weekend at Ocean Downs with many family friendly promotions set for the final two days of the 40-day meet.
Saturday, August 22, a professional Elvis look and sound alike, along with a Roy Orbison impressionist will perform a mini-concert after the last race. These two men are sure to have the grandstand swaying in rhythm and having a great time. There is no admission for the fabulous concert that is sure to leave everyone saying, “Thank you, Thank you very much!”
Sunday, the last day of live summer racing, the summer’s leading driver and trainer awards will be presented after the sixth race. Horse of the Meet honors will also be delegated to the horse that has had the most impressive performance at the track this summer.
Finally, Ocean Downs’ annual extravagant fireworks display will light up the evening sky, after the last race Sunday night. Families are encouraged to come watch the 20-25 minute spectacle that will bring an end to the live meet at the vacationland oval.