by Matt Sparacino, publicity director, Harrington Raceway
Harrington, DE — Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables’ Foiled Again ($2.40, Yannick Gingras) made history Monday (September 19) by becoming the oldest pacer ever to win $1 milllion in a season, in capturing the $335,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial at Harrington Raceway in 1:51.3.
It was his second straight win in Harrington’s signature event, and Gingras’ third Quillen triumph.
Foiled Again, a 7-year-old son of Dragon Again, also reached another milestone by becoming just the 12th pacer in history to eclipse $3 million in career earnings.
“It definitely feels great,” said Gingras of the landmark win. “It was the first time I’ve ever driven a horse that made over a million in a year. The $3 million mark is also very special. Maybe at some point he’ll get the respect he deserves. He’s just a great horse, one of the toughest horses that ever lived. I’m just happy for the horse. I’ve driven him for four years now, and he’s given me some great thrills. To have something like that on my resume is definitely special to me.”
Trained by Ron Burke, Foiled Again has 55 career wins and nearly $3.04 million in earnings in his career. He surpassed legendary pacers Darlin’s Delight, Loyal Opposition, Matt’s Scooter and Presidential Ball in career earnings.
Foiled Again was sent from the rail for the early lead, where he would set fractions of :27.1, :57 and 1:25 while Atochia was parked on the outside from post eight. Foiled Again never had an anxious moment as he sprinted the final quarter in :26.3 and drew clear by three lengths over pocket sitting Pangiorno in the stretch while Atochia finished a game third.
The Quillen is named in honor of late longtime Delaware legislator Bobby Quillen, who passed away in 2004. Quillen always had horsemen’s best interests at heart and was a board member of Harrington Raceway and the Delaware State Fair.