by Allan Schott, for RUS America

Fort Washington, MD — After finishing second in the RUS America Trot at Ocean Downs this past summer, Hyway Marcus’ team was determined to make their next trip to the Free State a victorious one. That indeed was the case Thursday evening (Nov. 17) at Rosecroft Raceway, as the 5-year-old altered son of Gut Instinct was victorious in the $5,000 RUS America Trot, presented by the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association, and the Maryland Jockey Club, operators of Rosecroft. The winning time was 2:01.1.

A quartet of horses met the starting gate, but it quickly became a trio, as In Nomine Patri broke stride after the wings on the starting gate opened, eliminated from contention. The race quickly developed into a duel between the two Patti Harmon trained horses as Hyway Marcus, ridden by Maria Buchanan, took the remaining trio to the first quarter in :29.2 with Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) alongside and P L Incoming trotting in third.

The duo continued racing side by side as Hyway Marcus raced to the half-mile marker in :59.2 with Funny Photo continuing to race outside a head back. After the half-mile, Buchanan got her mount to the three-quarter pole in 1:30, continuing to extend his lead, earning an eight-length victory over Funny Photo. P L Incoming was a distant third with In Nomine Patri ending up fourth.

With his victory, Hyway Marcus closed out the 2016 RUS season with a record of 4-2-1-0 and earnings of $3,725. Lifetime his racing under saddle record is 5-3-1-0 with $6,225 in earnings with all but one victory coming in Maryland. With the conclusion of the season, Hyway Marcus will be returning to the sulky racing wars, but one can expect to see him back under saddle in 2017.

RUS America would like to thank all their sponsors for supporting the 2016 RUS season. Planning for 2017 is already under way with invitations to return to Rosecroft in addition to the Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs.

Any track looking to be added to the 2017 calendar or individuals interested in RUS may contact RUS America at info@rusamerica.info.