by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Campbellville, ON — Major Hottie shocked fans at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday night, May 29, with a world record performance for free-legged pacers which came in the C$42,000 Open.

The 5-year-old son of Art Major came first over on race favorite Bigtime Ball as the field passed the third marker in 1:21.1 and then wore down that rival in the late stages to post an electrifying 1:48.3 victory. Dali was flying late and also got into the three-way win photo.

Major Hottie was claimed by the Larocque Racing Stable Inc. for $40,000 back on January 11 of this year and has won five of 15 since then for new trainer Steve Charlton while banking just over C$140,000.

“I thought he (Major Hottie) would (put up a big mile), but I thought maybe at Woodbine though,” said winning driver Mark MacDonald in reference to the horse’s steady progression for the new connections. “This track this year is really good and when you get a nice hot night like tonight and six really good horses in a competitive race you’re going to get a big mile every time.”

Major Hottie returned $28.60 in the upset win while notching just his second career win at the Open level.