by Debbie Little

Barton, VT — Thursday afternoon’s ‘Border Battle’ at the Orleans County Fair in Barton, VT ended in a tie.

The International Trot was won by Shes Got Credit in 2:08, and was driven by Canadian representative Stephane Bouchard, while the International Pace went to Nine Innings in 2:02.4 and U.S. representative Todd Whitney. Both races were sponsored by the Western New England Harness Horsemen’s Association at Rockingham Park.

The two fields of four were each comprised of two Americans and two Canadians.

Representing Canada were Bouchard, Herve Filion and Yves Filion, while Team U.S. was Nelson Haley, Ken Martin, Jordan Stratton and Whitney. All the competitors received trophies specially designed for the event by Whitney Fields of L.V. Harkness.

Horses for the event were donated by Dale Allen, Paul McHugh, Tony Verruso and Todd Whitney and his owners.

After their event, the international drivers participated in an autograph session with the fans in the grandstand.

“Thanks to all the owners, trainers and drivers who donated their services so that we could bring this great event to Barton, I guess we’ll have to schedule a tiebreaker next year,” said assistant racing director Kim Brooks.