by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Though Donnegal won the Preferred Trot on May 2 at Monticello Raceway he took a back seat, and understandably so, in the wagering in this week’s contest to Frank The Hands, who set a new track record (1:58) for older stallions last week.

But despite the ‘no confidence vote’ by the betting public, Donnegal was the winner in the $14,300 Preferred Trot on Wednesday, May 16. Frank The Hands made a break behind the staring gate and finished fifth.

The afternoon of May 16 started out cloudy, followed by drizzle, and then an intermittent steady rain which was handled quite well by the racing surface, but nevertheless the race times were altered because of the inclement weather.

Racehorsephoto.com photo

Donnegal cruises to a 1:59.1 triumph in the weekly $14,300 Preferred Trot.

In the Preferred Trot, Mike Forte fired Donnegal toward the front end, but the 7-year-old Sierra Kosmos stallion didn’t get the lead until after the quarter pole, which was trotted in :29.3. Donnegal and Forte were in command at the half and were still in front as they passed the three-quarter pole in 1:28.3.

In the final turn Donnegal opened his lead to two lengths and then coasted home a one length winner in a time of 1:59.1. Craiger (Billy Parker, Jr.), who enjoyed a two hole journey behind the pace-setter, couldn’t keep up with the leader in the lane, tired and finished third as Heaven And Hall (Stephane Bouchard) rallied from five lengths back at the top of the stretch to get the place money.

With his victory, Donnegal, the pride and joy of owner Bill Mulligan, increased his lifetime earnings to nearly $240,000. Trained by Greg Wasiluk, Donnegal paid $9.50 for win.

19-year-old Jordan “the Kid” Stratton won two races on the card and now has 41 wins at the current meeting and 50 overall this season. He scored with Kenneth Hopper’s Mind Games (1:59.4) in the third race and with Tom Dewey and Craig Smith’s Behind Enemy Lines (1:57.3) in the 12th.