Freehold, NJ — Freehold Raceway hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day race Friday (March 17), with every horse in the afternoon’s third race, a $4,000 TrackMaster event for pacing mares, driven by a driver of Irish descent.

While many of the drivers were familiar faces at Freehold Raceway, James Whelan and his nephew, Michael Whelan, made the trip from Canada to join the festivities.

Freehold’s very own Joe Hanney took home the win. Hanney left from the rail position with Sheeza Shark N to take a seat behind the odds-on favorite Eden Paige N and Jim Marohn Jr. Hanney pulled the 13-year-old mare at the top of the lane after a perfect pocket trip to win in 1:57.4 for owner-trainer Laurie Molnar.

Joe Hanney, a native of Ireland, took Friday’s St. Patrick’s Day race at Freehold Raceway. Vicki Wright photo.

Eden Paige N finished second with Macjestic Toddy N and Steve Smith closing for third.

Freehold resumes live racing Saturday (March 18); post time is 12:30 p.m.