by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Don Torpid’s record for consecutive victories at Monticello Raceway set 22 years ago still stands. Karm Master N, who had strung together eight wins in a row at the Mighty M, tasted defeat today, Wednesday, August 10, when he finished sixth in his quest to equal Don Torpid’s track record of nine consecutive victories.

It marked the first time that the foreign-bred pacing gelding has lost a race since March 31 of this year.

“We just had a tough trip today from the eight-hole,” driver Ryan Macedonio said after Karm Master N’s race. “”We got roughed-up in the first quarter and we didn’t get a breather anywhere in the mile.”

After starting on the far outside Karm Master N didn’t get down along the pylons until he passed the quarter in 29:1 and then was challenged all the way until he was headed just before the three quarter pole. Once passed, Karm Master N continued to fade and finished a well-beaten sixth.

No Jiggity rallied to win the race in 2:00:1 for driver Bruce Aldrich Jr.

“Though I feel bad about not equaling the record the old guy has nothing to be ashamed of,” Macedonio added. “He still has 11 wins in 15 races this year and has more than returned the $1800 purchase price Tony (owner and trainer Cuccio) paid the Amish for him a couple of years ago.”