by M. Kelly Young, executive director, Harness Horse Breeders of New York

Nichols, NY — The two-weekend stand of the New York State Fair concluded on Monday (August 20) with 11 events for the 2-year-old trotting colts and fillies worth combined purses of $198,547. The weather did not cooperate and rain marred this final day of State Fair competition, causing the track to be downgraded from fast to sloppy by mid-card.

Fred Brown Photography

Holiday Credit scored a 2:00.1 victory in a New York State Fair division for 2-year-old trotting colts while the track was still rated fast.

Jim Morrill, Jr. continued his dominance of the State Fair events with six stake wins on the 13-race, all-trot program. He kicked off the evening by steering Holiday Credit to a 2:00.1 victory by an impressive 10-3/4 lengths for trainer Jimmy Takter. The Credit Winner colt earned the second win of his five-start career and now has earnings of $39,493.

In another division for colts and geldings, Order By Lincoln and driver Howard Parker edged by Make It Happen at the wire to win by a head in 2:03.3 in the slop. The Conway Hall colt is trained by co-owner George Teague, Jr. and was making just the second start of his career. His only other start was also over a sloppy track in the Arden Downs at The Meadows, when he finished second.

Jim Raymer scored a training double in State Fair divisions for fillies with Nirvana Blue Chip and Happy Ticket.

Despite the less than perfect track, Nirvana Blue Chip broke her maiden with a 2:00.4 effort with Mike Simons up. The Credit Winner filly popped the pocket after the half and cruised home a 2-3/4 length winner. She had finished second in all three of her previous starts against New York-bred competition.

Raymer decided to drive Happy Ticket himself and the pair each earned their first win at Tioga this season. The Malabar Man filly is owned by Trillium Racing Stable and scored her first victory since the opening leg of the New York Sires Stakes at Buffalo Raceway on July 8.

Morrill’s six-bagger on Monday night was typical of his performance through the New York State Fair at Tioga Downs. He was the leading driver in New York State Fair events with 17 victories over the two weekends. Morrill currently leads all drivers in the New York Sires Stake program with 54 wins in 147 starts.