Northville, MI — Some More Prince (Rosemont Principal–S’more) and driver Matt Kakaley captured the first ever $8,000 Barb Kakaley Memorial Trot at Northville Downs Friday night in 1:57.3.

The Kakaley clan gathered in the winner’s circle after the Barb Kakaley Memorial Trot. Renae Parsons photo.

Matt Kakaley grew up on the backstretch at Northville Downs with his grandmother Barb Kakaley, who was everyone’s favorite person around the Michigan oval over the years. In a first of Matt’s career, he took to Northville Friday night to drive on the program and after three fifth place finishes to start out the night, Matt found the front with David Lake trainee Some More Prince for owner David Beachy and the duo never looked back to go on to win the race named in honor of Matt’s grandmother, by eight lengths in 1:57.3. Little Jedi closed well for second and Stoneborough finished third.

The win was the 31st of Some More Prince’s career and for Matt Kakaley it marked his 6,350th career driving win.

In the winner’s circle, surrounded by a huge part of the Kakaley clan, Matt expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be able to drive at Northville before the track closes.

He added, “It means so much to be able to drive at the place I ran around at as a kid and to win this race in honor of my grandmother is special.”

Barb Kakaley was known to so many as Matt’s number one fan, so, special it was indeed.

The $9,500 F&M Open Pace was won in wire-to-wire fashion by Juxta Cowgirl (Relentless Yankee–Juxtaposition) and driver/trainer Art McIlmurray for owner Rick Howles. Juxta Cowgirl held off a late passing lane surge by Artistic Cut and Jason Merriman who settled for second and Danikova and Justin Irvine finished third. The win was the 55th of Juxta Cowgirl’s career as she stopped the timer in 1:57.

The $9,500 Open Trot was also won in wire-to-wire fashion by Travlin Swan (Swan For All–Kandys Kid) for driver/trainer McIlmurray and owner Staci Malady in a time of 1:57. It was the 25th career win for the 7-year-old gelding. Rose Run Vincent finished second in the race and Marvin Hagler was placed third after a pylon violation moved Castyourcrown from third to fourth.

Driver/trainer McIlmurray had a hat trick on the night, as did driver Jason Merriman, while Kakaley had a driving double. Trainers David Lake and Brian Downing had doubles as well.

Racing at The Ville resumes Saturday (Nov. 11) at 7 p.m. with a nine-race program on tap.

Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through Nov. 25 with a 7 p.m. post time. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.