from Harness Publicists across North America

Sunday’s (August 2) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Scarborough Downs and Ocean Downs.

Hometown girls reign supreme in Mildred Williams

Scarborough, ME — Alison Hynes and Sherry Cushing took full advantage of the home track edge to claim victory in twin splits of the Mildred Williams International Driving Series at Scarborough Downs on Sunday.

Michael Newman photo

Elisabeth Jansen, Alison Hynes, Stacy Chiodo, Ann Curran, Stacey Lord, Sherry Cushing, Kelly Case and Donna Smith raced in the Mildred Williams series at Scarborough.

Performing in front of an overflow Family Fun Day crowd at the Downs both Maine-based pilots utilized front running strategies to seal the deal — Hynes scoring with Cannae Peggy (2:01.1) and Cushing with Swingnsway Sammy K (2:00).

“We’re so pleased to make the trip to Scarborough Downs once again this year,” said series organizer Ann Curran. “The series has been very well received in New England and the region’s top women drivers have certainly contributed to the series’ success. The folks in Maine should be proud to count women like Kelly Case, Sherry Cushing, Alison Hynes, Stacy Lord and Donna Smith among their numbers. They make the competition here at Scarborough Downs extra special.”

Between the generosity of the fans and the donation of the Mildred Williams drivers’ commissions a grand total of $860 was raised to support Ribbons for Ribbons, a locally based charity organized to help fund breast cancer research.

In other action at Scarborough on Sunday, driver Gary Mosher held the hot hand, earning three trips down victory lane. The winner of over 5,000 career dashes scored on top with Steuben Sir Charles, Deadlysatisfaction and Santana Score — the latter of the trio registering his sixth consecutive winner’s circle session.

Kerogen powered his way to victory in the opening round of the Joseph Ricci Memorial Trotting Series on Sunday as the two-time state of Maine Trotter of the Year discouraged all comers with a forceful gate-to-wire performance to secure his 11th seasonal win with driver Kim Ireland calling the shots.

The second round of the Ricci Memorial will be contested next Sunday (August 9) with the $50,000 final scheduled for August 15.

— Michael Sweeney

Christian Chapel N wins Budweiser Pace Final

Berlin, MD — The $10,000 final of the Budweiser Pace was held Sunday evening at Ocean Downs.

Christian Chapel N (Eddie Dennis) began the final in the four hole, while his adversary Winordietrying (Ridge Warren) was put in the five hole. Determined to make a better start, Dennis sprinted his 5-year-old gelding to the front of the pack. Winordietrying made moves to stay near the front, but slowly dwindled to the rear during the course of the race.

In front, Christian Chapel N ($7.20) made sections in :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27. Making the final turn the gelding led by four lengths, but won it all by 11-1/4 lengths. Christian Chapel N crossed the finish line in 1:57.3.

“I felt real good when we drew inside Mike Hall’s horse (Winordietrying),” said Dennis after the race. “I wanted to get to the front of the pack and lead the entire race. My horse is a real big guy and I’d rather have him in the lead, than trying to wiggle his way through and pass late.”

Christian Chapel N has won four races this year; three of them have come at Ocean Downs.

Mr Thinker ($4.00) continued his improbable run at Ocean Downs. The veteran 9-year-old racehorse had previously won four in a row at the Ocean Oval this season. Sunday night, he won the fifth race on the card to make it five consecutive wins.

Starting in the two hole, the son of Glowing Tribute raced to the front of the pack to pace the field. That’s where the race ended for the other horses, because Mr Thinker, driven by Frank Milby, never relinquished the lead. The experienced horse took the wire in 1:57.4. Charlene Polk trains Mr Thinker.

— Ozi Menakaya