by Lynne Snierson, publicity director, Rockingham Park

Salem, NH — Slim Down, the holder of two track and New England records, as well as one world record, continued his winning ways at Rockingham Park on Sunday (August 12) by capturing the featured event and extending his streak to four straight victories over this strip.

Driven and trained by Jim Hardy, the 5-year-old son of Yankee Glide posted a mild upset over 2-5 favorite Earl’s Charm K when he went gate-to-wire in the featured $10,000 trot and finished in 1:56.1. As the 2-1 second choice in the field of six top notch trotters, Slim Down returned $6.40 and keyed a $16.80 perfecta with Earl’s Charm K, who closed quickly from far back to get second, while Hardy kept glancing over his right shoulder at the narrowing margin.

For Slim Down, who set the record of 1:55.2 for 4-year-old gelding trotters here last year, and also established the world mark of 1:48.1 for the unorthodox distance of 15-16th of a mile last July, the score was his sixth win in his last seven races, as well as his fourth consecutive strike.

Earl’s Charm K, the holder of the track record of 1:54 for trotters of all ages, had won both of his previous tries at Rockingham this summer.

Both Slim Down, who is owned by the partnership of Jim Hardy, Eugene Hickey and Henry Caruso, and Earl’s Charm K, owned by David McWhinnie and driven by Jonathan Roberts, are expected to resume their rivalry in the $15,000 eliminations for the $50,000 Joseph Carney Memorial Trot. The eliminations will be held at Rockingham on Sunday, August 26, and the fourth edition of the Carney will take place on Sunday, September 2.

Live racing will resume on Wednesday (August 15) with first post at 1:05 p.m. Texas Hold ‘Em poker is offered on Tuesday through Sunday and Bingo is held every evening but Friday. Full card Thoroughbred, harness and greyhound simulcasting is available seven days per week from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.