by Lynne Snierson, publicity director, Rockingham Park
Salem, NH — Fool’s Goal overcame six other top notch trotters and some bad racing luck to shine in the inaugural running of the $50,000 Joseph Carney Memorial Trot at Rockingham Park on Saturday.
When Fool’s Goal crossed under the wire in 1:541 on a fast track, he trotted the fastest mile not only in Rockingham history, but in New England history as well.
The final time of the nine-year-old gelding was especially impressive as the sulky he was harnessed to blew its right tire coming into the final turn.
Despite the handicap, 3-5 favorite Fool’s Goal was able to wear down 7-2 third choice Hunt M Down in deep stretch.
“He’s a good horse,” understated driver James Doherty said following a winner’s circle ceremony honoring Joe Carney, the late president of Rockingham. “I had no doubt about the outcome. He was good the whole way around. He acted strong the entire race.”
Fool’s Goal returned $3.40, $2.80 and $2.60 while Hunt M Down held on for second and 10-1 choice Center Field completed the trifecta.
Fool’s Goal, a son of Armbro Goal and the Tuneful Contest mare Contestique boosted his lifetime earnings to $2,966,980 with the winner’s share of the purse.
“He is a pretty good old horse,” said Bruce McElven, who owns the horse with Ronald Allen. “From here we’ll take him to Woodbine for next week’s eliminations for the $841,000 Maple Leaf Trot.”
Also on Saturday, Bruce Ranger won another two races to boost his season total to an amazing record of 206 victories and keep his consecutive win streak alive.
On Sunday, the Thoroughbreds return to Rockingham for the first time in two years when the track cards three races on the turf following eight harness races on the main track. Post time is 1:05 p.m. for the Standardbreds and the first Thoroughbred race is scheduled to go off at approximately 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, Rockingham concludes its 2004 live racing season with a special Labor Day holiday program and the chance to win a mountain bike from Coca-Cola.