by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Du Quoin, IL — As of 3 p.m. (CDT), the Du Quoin (Illinois) State Fair Race Secretary Doc Narotsky has confirmed that Luke McCarthy will drive Muscle Hill in the World Trotting Derby, in the absence of Brian Sears, his usual driver, who has departed the track to drive in Canada this evening.

USTA/Ellen Harvey photo

Work is underway on the Du Quoin State Fair Track to ready for Saturday evening’s World Trotting Derby.

“He’s Andrew McCarthy’s brother, who drove Muscle Hill last year in Lexington when Brian (Sears) didn’t drive in Lexington,” said trainer Greg Peck. “They drive similar. A guy came along and said ‘How about Luke McCarthy?’ I said, ‘Yes, you’ve got a point there.’

“So I got on the phone and he’s on his way here. Andrew is not driving at The Red Mile now, or I’d have used him.”

The races at the Du Quoin State Fair, which were to begin at noon (CDT), were rescheduled to 6 p.m. (CDT) due to a steady rain this morning.