by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Talk about shockers. How about Victory Sir’s victory in Monticello Raceway featured trot on Wednesday, April 25?

The 6-year-old Sir Taurus gelding, sent off at odds of over 51-1, not only took home all the marbles in the $10,900 co-featured trot, but in the process rewarded his backers with a $105.50 payoff.

Racehorsephoto.com photo

Victory Sir keeps favored Irish Summer at bay to win the trotting co-feature.

Driven by Jacques Primeau, Victory Sir sped away from post position seven, gained command on the first turn and had two lengths on the field by the time he passed the quarter-mile marker in :29.3.

With a soft, but steady rain falling from the dark grey clouds above, Victory Sir and Primeau just went about their business and were still comfortable on the lead past the half in 1:00.3. As they neared the three-quarters, the betting favorite, Irish Summer with Jimmy Marohn at the controls, moved out to challenge the leader as the timer flashed in 1:30.2. But Victory Sir was up to the challenge and was still a length in front as the field turned for home.

Through the stretch, Irish Summer continued to pursue Victory Sir and was slowly gaining on him, but unfortunately for Irish Summer, the finish wire came up too soon and Victory Sir held on for a neck triumph in 2:00.2, a seasonal best for him.

Owned and trained by Eric Williams, Victory Sir has amassed purses in excess of $120,000, the bulk of it ($75,826) earned in New York Sire Stakes competition in 2004 as a 3-year-old. It was the trotter’s second victory in seven starts this year.

The featured $14,300 trot went to Heaven And Hall, who also used the front-end route to victory.

Stephane Bouchard drove the 4-year-old altered son of Angus Hall to a head victory over Donnegal (Mike Forte), who was charging at the finish. Favored Frank The Hands, who made a break in the first turn, regained his stride and finished third for driver Ray Schnittker.

Bouchard also won the second race with Mac’s Ms Victory and now has 99 at the current meeting.

However, for the year, Bouchard has driven 270 winners and is currently tied for second (with Tony Morgan) in races won in North America. They both trail Tim Tetrick by 83 victories.