by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — The only thing missing on Tuesday (April 10) at Plainridge Racecourse was the presence of Orrin Phipps, New England’s ‘ageless wonder’ of harness racing.

But driver John Beckwith saw to it that Orrin was there in spirit, winning the 10th race with Phipps’ beloved trotter, Chooch. It was one of three wins on the afternoon for Beckwith, all coming in trotting events.

Orrin has been beset with the loss of his wife last fall and physical ailments which have forced the pride of Yarmouth, Maine to the sidelines. But as the saying goes, ‘you can’t keep a good man down,’ and at 86, Orrin promises he’ll be back in the fold soon.

As for Chooch, it’s a certainity he got an extra treat from Phipps upon his return home following his Plainridge victory.

Beckwith shared ‘star of the day’ honors with Jason Bartlett, who had four winners on the day’s 15-race program, including the $6,000 Open Trot, which he won with My Foolish Dream.

Racing continues at Plainridge on April 16 and 17 with a 4:00 p.m. post.