by Michael Sweeney, publicity director, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Veteran teamster Leigh Fitch continues to make steady progress in his march toward securing the 7,500th victory of his storied driving career. In fact, “The Fox” absolutely stole the show on Friday (Nov. 20) at Scarborough Downs, dominating the afternoon while securing five wins from six starts over the muddy seaside harness oval.

Michael Newman photo

Cameron Spur and driver Leigh Fitch overcome the muddy-going at Scarborough Downs on Friday. It was one of five driving wins on the program for ‘The Fox.’

“I was having really good luck today,” Fitch explained in his typical understated and wry manner. “Plus I’m light, so I think that makes a big difference on a muddy track.”

Wins behind Hezapeach, AllAmerican Vixen, Show-Time Sam and Cameron Spur set the table for the five-bag performance but the carefully crafted journey given to C YIMBRK Bluegrass in the $4,700 featured trotting event not only punctuated the feat but provided a picture perfect demonstration of the patently patient driving style upon which Fitch has built his decades long reputation.

Like so many times before, Fitch saved all the ground by choosing the conservative pylon path, scraping the paint while electing to allow others the chance to wear down in overland gambits. And just as we’ve seen time and time again, when daylight seemed an elusive quantity, The Fox found a seam and began his prowl toward the pacesetters. Gobbling up ground with each and every stride, Fitch then powered past Dua Don N (John Beckwith) and Charlize (Gary Mosher) to claim the half-length margin and secure his fifth winner’s circle session of the day.

“Well, I don’t know, I feel I’ve had a lot of classy horses to drive, which does a lot of good,” Fitch mused when asked to describe his secret to success. “Plus, experience helps and I’m just wound right now. I’ve been driving horses since 1962 and I’ve broken quite a few bones along the way. I ache as much as probably most people do without any bang ups but right now I feel great.”

Now with this latest career milestone in plain view, the 64-year-old Fitch remains stoic about his path toward the 7,500 career win threshold.

“Ten more wins, yes — ten long wins! It gets tougher from here on in.”

A tough task yes, but The Fox has always demonstrated toughness in spades.

The countdown continues.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:05 p.m. (EST).