by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Southwind Tempo, driven by Tim Tetrick, established a new world record for a 3-year-old pacing filly on a five-eighths-mile track in winning the $250,632 James M. Lynch Memorial Pace on Saturday afternoon (June 16) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

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Southwind Tempo is the sport’s newest world record holder thanks to a 1:49.3 score in the James Lynch Memorial.

She paced the mile in 1:49.3 and also equaled the all-time track’s pacing mark that had been established three races earlier on the card by Quality Western (Jim Taggart, Jr.). Quality Western, trained by Richard Johnson, was winning the $20,000 Open Pace.

Southwind Tempo, a Bettor’s Delight filly out of Tsunami Hanover by Artsplace, had to work hard in getting the lead at the opening quarter from the four post in the nine-horse field. The opening split was registered in :26.1 with Southwind Tempo leading the way. She got to the half in :55 even, with the third quarter reading 1:22.3.

Elusive Prey, driven by Joe Pavia, Jr., challenged Southwind Tempo coming down the lane, but the 2007 Lynch winner held her off by three-quarters of a length. Omen Hanover (Kevin Sizer) was third in the race.

“She (Southwind Tempo) got stung going to the opening quarter,” said Tetrick, the nation’s leading harness driver. “But I wasn’t concerned. She just has so much power. When she saw a horse coming at us down the backside she just latched on to me.

“I really believe she can race better off cover. She’s a great horse, a Corvette.”

Steve Elliott trains Southwind Tempo. She’s owned by Wayne Chrebet, retired wide receiver for the New York Jets, and Alton E. Lynch, Jr., Inc.

Chrebet, who has been in the Standardbred business for the past several years, was in attendance.

“I was really nervous throughout the race,” said Chrebet. “It’s more nerve wracking than catching a long touchdown pass and getting into the end zone because all I could do is watch her perform.

“This is no doubt the best horse I’ve ever owned. She’s a pleasure to watch.”

In her career, Southwind Tempo is now 10 of 11 in the win column with one second place finish.