East Rutherford, NJ — The $20,000 GSY final on Friday night (Dec. 31) at The Meadowlands had 10 pacers going to post in race two. The finale didn’t disappoint, with lots of action throughout the mile.

When the wings closed, there were six or seven horses vying for position near the lead and after a fast :27.1 quarter, GSY President David Yarock finally cleared to the lead down the backside with Father Sarducci. He was followed in close pursuit by Ferdinand A (James Slendorn) and they passed the half in a taxing :55.

Right before the half-mile marker, the outer flow already started to develop. That is when post time favorite Cecil Casanova (Mark Silva) made his move and he was followed on the outer tier by Kingofthejungle (David Glasser). As the field turned for home, there were six horses in the outer flow going two-, three- and even four-wide, which made for a wild finish.

When the dust settled, it was Galactic Galleon N who reigned supreme at long odds, closing from seventh at the start to win by a little less than a length, under a confident steer by Johnathan Ahle. Elysium Seelster (Joe Lee), also at double digit odds, finished second and Glasser and Kingofthejungle picked up the show dough.

The winner paid a New Year’s Eve gift of $117.20 for every $2 wagered on him. The exacta came back $764.80 for a $2 wager and a $1 triple paid a handsome $3936.10.

The top seven finishers at the wire were all within 2-1/2 lengths of the winner. It was a fantastic way to end an adventurous amateur year at the Big M. The mile was timed in 1:54. The 12-year-old war horse Galactic Galleon N is owned by Shaun Vallee and was trained by the winning driver himself.

We can’t thank The Meadowlands enough for hosting the amateurs weekly throughout the year for generous purses and to the GSY President, David Yarock, for making this all possible. With a new year looming, a new GSY season starts right back up next Friday at the Big M. Post time is scheduled for 6:20 p.m.