from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Muscle Hill and Encore Encore were victorious in the two elimination races for the $500,000 Peter Haughton Memorial for 2-year-old colt trotters on Wednesday night (July 23) at the Meadowlands.

Muscle Hill was a 1:55.4 winner in his Peter Haughton Memorial elimination.

Driven by Brian Sears, Muscle Hill surged to the lead at the top of the stretch in the first $20,000 elimination and drew off to a three length tally in 1:55.4. He paid $3.00 to win the night’s second race. His entrymate, Citation Lindy, was second, while Flanders Field nabbed the show spot. Salutation Hanover and Broadwaylonghall also advanced to the Peter Haughton Final.

Muscle Hill, the New Jersey Sire Stakes champion, has now won two of three career starts. Greg Peck trains the son of Muscles Yankee-Yankee Blondie for Jerry Silva and TLP Stable.

In the second $20,000 elimination, race five, Encore Encore nipped Symphonic Hanover in the final strides in 1:55.3. He returned $17.00 in rein to Tim Tetrick. Hurrikanebiggeorge kicked home in :28.3 to finish third. Victor Blue Chip and Keystone Thomas completed the Peter Haughton field.

Lisa photos

Encore Encore (#4) nipped Symphonic Hanover by a head in the second Peter Haughton Memorial elimination.

Robert Key’s Encore Encore posted his fourth win in five career starts. Rich Gillock trains the Broadway Hall-Key’s La Nina colt.

The elimination winners earned the privilege of choosing their post positions for the final. Encore Encore’s connections won the coin toss for first choice and took post three, while Peck selected post two for Muscle Hill.

Due to extreme lightning and heavy rainfall, the Meadowlands canceled its tenth and final race of Wednesday evening. Racing resumes on Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. post time.