by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Hogies Cam, a 10-year-old altered son of Cambest owned by Charles Strukel, has been the hottest horse on the grounds at Monticello Raceway all season long.

The pacer, who established a new track record for most consecutive wins when he won his 10th in a row on May 6, came up short in his effort to extend that accomplishment.

On Tuesday, May 13, Hogies Cam’s win streak came to an end when he finally tasted defeat at the hands of Nifty Illusion, who was driven by Jimmy Marohn. Actually, two others also beat Hogies Cam to the finish line as the Mighty M record holder ended up fourth in the eight-horse field.

Hogies Cam again had Jordan Stratton at the controls and the pacer did his usual thing by pacing to the lead from post position seven and raced the entire mile on the front end. Unlike in his 10 consecutive wins, he tired in the lane this time and was a beaten 1-2 favorite.

However, as trainer Bob Beauregard said after last week’s victory, “We got the important one (win).”

Nevertheless, with 13 seasonal victories Hogies Cam is still the leader in races won this year in North America, two more than runner-up Cam’s Gidget.