by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Due to unforeseen circumstances Monticello Raceway’s St. Paddy Pace went to post nine days after its initial schedule but the wait didn’t make any difference to Jimmy Marohn, Jr. who guided Ya Gotta Belief to an easy 1:59.3 triumph in the race for drivers of Irish descent on Thursday, March 26.

That clocking established a new event record, erasing the former mark of 2:00.2 set by Marohn’s dad, Jimmy Marohn, Sr., in 2006 when he reined Fly With Action to a triumph.

Ya Gotta Belief rambled by JD Green and John Gilmour and went on to victory in a new series record.

“I’ve been racing here all winter long and appreciate the opportunity to be included in these ethnic races,” Marohn told Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing, who was in the winner’s circle for the trophy presentation. “But with my family background I think I can be included in almost all of the ones you’ve got scheduled this year.”

After being content to let Gary Messenger and Michelpangelo cut the early fractions, Marohn moved Ya Gotta Belief as the field approached the half and when they passed the three-quarter pole Ya Gotta Belief was on top and opening up daylight on the field.

Only the margin of victory was in doubt as Marohn’s charge scooted around the final turn. At the wire Ya Gotta Belief was four lengths ahead of second lace finisher JD Green, who was driven by John Gilmour. Michelpangelo held on for the show dough. Marohn’s dad, Jimmy, Sr., finished fourth with Pass The Light.

Asked how he felt beating his father in the race the younger Marohn quipped, “It’ll make good conversation at the dinner table tonight.”

The winner, owned by Michael Belardi and trained by Mike Forte, paid $5.10 for win.

Geri Schwarz photos

Ann McDonald, Monticello Casino & Raceway executive secretary to CEO Dave Hanlon, presented the trophy to driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr.

For Jimmy Marohn, Jr. it marked his 38th winner of the season here — some 16 more than his dad has registered thus far. But the elder Marohn, with 5,085 career driving victories, still has the upper hand.

“Hey, I’m real proud of my son. He’s a great driver and I never mind when he beats me,” the elder Marohn said with a smile, and then added, “He’ll win plenty of races before he’s through and I’m just giving the boy something to shoot for.”

With his victory, Jimmy Marohn, Jr. has earned a berth in the Heritage Series Final this fall and he’ll be joined by the winners of each of the other seven ethnic events in the All-America Pace.

Next up in the Heritage Drivers Series is the “Race for the Matzohs,” the 11th annual Passover Pace for drivers of Jewish descent, slated for Wednesday, April 15.