by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Thus far in his illustrious career Stephane Bouchard has won 6,278 races, 814 of them last season alone. But never has the 2003 North American dash champion driven a winner who paid $174.00; that is, until he reined Kilkerran Union to a 1:58.3 victory in the 12th race at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon, January 8.

“I looked over the race (program) and saw there was no early speed so I took a shot and left with my horse (from post position seven),” Bouchard related after the race. “I got a break and fell in behind the (betting) favorite (He’s My Valentine) in the first turn and followed him all the way and in the stretch my horse was stronger.”

Kilkerran Union rallied in the final strides and scored his initial victory of the season and returned $174.00, $38.20 and $10.00 across the board.

“I won a lot of races but I never had a horse who paid $174 for win,” the Goshen, N.Y. resident added. “Sometime you just get lucky.”