by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — With the sun shining brightly and the temperature in the mid 50’s, Chatham Hoochee, in rein to Billy Parker, Jr., beat the best pacers on the grounds, winning the weekly open pace on Tuesday (March 2nd) at Monticello Raceway.

Trained by Art Green, Chatham Hoochee came from far back to finally catch the pace-setter, All American Hero (Jimmy Devaux), in mid-stretch and then wore him down in the final strides for a half length victory in a 1:58¹ clocking. Third place went to the Bruce Aldrich, Jr.-driven Life Is A Cabernet.

Owned by John Brophy of Castine, Maine, Chatham Hochee, who scored his second seasonal victory, was named Horse of the Year at The Mighty M during the 2002 season.

Sent off at odds of 18-1, the 10-year old Chatham Light gelding, a winner of more than $250,000 in his career, paid $27.60 to win.