from harness publicists across North America
Wednesday’s (June 12) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Running Aces and Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
Celebrity Hercules sets all-age track mark at Running Aces
Columbus, MN — A newcomer showed up for the $8,500 Open Trot at Running Aces on Wednesday night and immediately flexed his muscles in an awesome 1:54.4 all-time, all-age track record 1:54.4 performance.
Celebrity Hercules, a powerful-looking 7-year-old gelding in terrific form, was content to sit fifth to the halfway station before driver John De Long pulled his favored charge to the outside and wore down his distinguished competition to win going away. Shelby County (Rocky Stidham) was eight lengths behind with Mack’s Molly Hall (Nick Roland) third to cross the finish line.
Celebrity Hercules is owned by Dandy Farms and trained by Erin Elliott. It was his 22nd career victory, good for more than $371,000 in lifetime earnings. The winner has not missed the board in 2013 with eight wins, four place finishes and two show finishes in 14 starts.
The 1:54.4 clocking smashed the old Running Aces trot mark of 1:56 established by Rompaway Brandon in 2011.
The win was one of three for former local driving champion John De Long, who also visited the winner’s circle with I’m Blue Too and Firstclassalltheway. Defending dash champ Nick Roland fashioned a driving double behind Country Jewel and Andrew Ole Boy.
Racing resumes at Running Aces with weekend cards on Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday night at 6 p.m. (CDT).
— Running Aces Media Relations
Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Spirit Ho shook off a rare clunker in his previous start to score an impressive victory at Saratoga on Wednesday night. The Francis Mahoney, Jr.-trained pacer had hit the board in nine out of his first ten races on the season before last week’s defeat at odds of 3-5. This week, Spirit Ho (Mean Mr Mustard) was back in form and circled the field after getting away eighth in the $4,920 conditioned-claimer. The pacer continued his terrific season with the upset victory in 1:57 to match his lifetime mark. Spirit Ho prevailed at odds of 15-1 with leading driver Billy Dobson in the sulky.