from Harness Publicists across North America

Wednesday’s (July 8) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Harrah’s Chester, The Meadows and Ocean Downs.

Chester, PA — In a showdown between millionaires Tug River Princess and Chancey Lady, Tug River Princess ($2.80) prevailed, holding off a stand-side charge from Cuz She Can for a 1:51 victory in a $35,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace on Wednesday at Harrah’s Chester.

The 4-year-old Badlands Hanover mare settled in midfield before brushing to the front with a lap to go, strung out by Chancey Lady (Tony Morgan) and not clearing until after passing the half in :55. Up the backstretch, Tug River Princess saw minimal pressure, as outer flow stalled behind Still Electric (Ross Wolfenden).

Midway around the far turn, Cuz She Can (Daniel Dube) edged three-wide, and Chancey Lady gave chase from the pocket, but Tug River Princess prevailed well in hand under Eric Goodell, winning by 1-1/4 lengths over Cuz She Can, whith Chancey Lady third.

Ross Croghan trains Tug River Princess for the Let It Ride Stables, the Robert Cooper Stables, and Jerry Silva.

— Harrah’s Chester Publicity Department

Wind Surfer sets Meadows track record

Meadow Lands, PA — Wind Surfer split horses late and captured the $27,500 Preferred Handicap Trot in a track record 1:53.4 on Wednesday at The Meadows.

Wind Surfer assured a speedy mile when he parked Master Begonia, winner of five straight, in a swift first quarter of :27.2. But when Michaelrowyourboat challenged Master Begonia around the far turn, it appeared that Wind Surfer might be trapped in the pocket.

Eric Ledford found a seam between the dueling leaders and defeated Michaelrowyourboat by a half-length while Master Begonia saved show. The mile was the fastest ever by a 4-year-old gelding trotter at The Meadows, erasing the old mark of 1:54 established earlier this year by Four Starz Speed.

Kent Sherman trains the son of Muscles Yankee-Windsurfing VC, who pushed his career bankroll past $200,000 for James Koran and Betty Sherman. The victory was one of four on the 16-race card for Ledford.

— Evan Pattak

Robinson wins number 999

Berlin, MD — Some 22 years after first receiving his driving license, Ray “Shorty” Robinson is just one win shy of reaching a milestone 1,000 wins in his career. Robinson recorded win number 999 on Wednesday night at Ocean Downs.

In the first race of the evening, Robinson was in the sulky behind DVC Fine Tuned ($24.60), a 3-year-old filly. The horse trained by Doris Lineweaver was a longshot to win at 11-1.

DVC Fine Tuned took an early commanding lead out of the gate and maintained it until the homestretch, when challengers began to make moves. The winner hit the wire in 2:02.2, withstanding the late push from the other horses.

After the race an astonished Robinson said, “Coming down the homestretch, I kind of looked back and saw that we still had some space and I thought to myself, ‘maybe we can pull this off!'”

The win leaves Robinson one victory short of achieving a feat that he claims he never thought he would do, but something in the making that he has enjoyed so much.

“When I first began racing, I never thought this would happen, not in my wildest dreams.”

When asked if he was anxious about his next couple of races that might give him win number 1,000 he replied, “No, I’m not at all nervous. I’m having so much fun out there. My family might be more excited about the win than I am.”

Robinson’s cool demeanor must be a result of his longevity at the Ocean Oval. Around 85 percent of his wins have come on this track, including the first win he grabbed, in his first ever race back in August of 1987 at the age of 18. Now at the mature age of 39, Robinson will return to the track on Thursday night, July 9, attempting to race into the history books.

— Ozi Menakaya