Saratoga Springs, NY — Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey made his return to Saratoga Casino Hotel this week, and the veteran sulky star picked up right where he left off from last season. Hennessey, who is closing in on 12,000 wins for his career, sat behind the Jaymes McAssey-trained Hugh Heston in the Wednesday (April 16) feature at Saratoga, a $10,500 pace for colts and geldings.
Hennessey wasted little time powering Hugh Heston out to the front end, and they rattled off a fast :27.1 first quarter before backing the half down to :58.2. From there, the 3-2 favorite never faced an anxious moment before prevailing by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56.
Hugh Heston, who won as the 3-2 favorite, is owned by Morrison Racing Stables.
McAssey, who sits in second place in the trainer standings at the Spa this season, recorded a double on the card when his Crunchberry De Vie scored in an $8,800 pacing event with Brett Beckwith at the controls.
Live racing resumes on Monday (April 21); first post is 12 noon.