by Kyle Fitzgerald for Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA – Delft N trotted his way into the Colonial Downs record books Saturday with a 3-1/4 length victory in 1:54, tying the track record for aged gelding trotters.

Delft N left quickly from post eight to secure the early lead for driver Jim Marohn, Jr., but could not clear a stubborn Shark Kosmos at any point through the first half-mile. Delft N trotted the opening quarter in 27.3 and the half in 57.2 while racing outside that rival.

Marohn gave Delft N a few taps of the whip near the end of the backstretch but the 9-year-old gelding did not immediately respond and was caught wide entering the turn.

Delft N belatedly responded to Marohn’s urging and suddenly kicked into gear, accelerating on the turn to finally clear Shark Kosmos and get the rail near the three-eighths pole. Delft N quickly opened up a two-length lead over a tiring Shark Kosmos and had a commanding advantage after three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Rally by the River passed Shark Kosmos to loom the main threat in the upper stretch but Delft N was in full stride and had no desire to slow down at that point, trotting a final quarter in 28.2 to widen his advantage with every step.

Rally by the River finished second, 2-1/2 lengths clear of third place finisher Hope’s Victory.

Delft N scored his 18^th win from just 51 starts with the record-breaking score. Virgil Morgan, Jr. trains Delft N for owner Joseph V. Muscara.

Hi Po Tumeric, then 5-years-old, originally set the 1:54 standard on July 4, 1999.