by Moira Fanning, publicity director, The Hambletonian Society

Campbellville, ON — Redemption was the word of the night in the Breeders Crown Trot when Corleone Kosmos, who went off stride just before the finish of last year’s event, won Saturday’s (August 30) $638,580 final at Mohawk Racetrack in 1:51.4.

New Image Media photo

Corleone Kosmos draws clear at the wire to win the Breeders Crown Open Trot.

Arch Madness led for much of the mile before being challenged on the outside by favorite Enough Talk. Corleone Kosmos, driven by John Campbell, followed Enough Talk’s cover into the stretch and overtook the leaders.

“He just didn’t keep his mind on his work right through the wire last year,” Campbell said. “It was disappointing for myself and all of his connections. But a little bit of redemption — he came back and finished the job off tonight.

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Bryan Owen shakes hands with driver John Campbell while trainer Darren McCall looks on.

“I was fortunate enough to get cover going around the last turn following Enough Talk, and then when I tipped him out, he did the rest. He always swells up when he gets on a helmet, that’s his best race. He has won some races on the front but he’s better coming at horses. I think that was the key to the race, being able to follow Enough Talk going around the last turn.”

Arch Madness held on for second while Digital Image was third and Enough Talk was fourth.

“Much better than losing. Redemption is sweet,” said Corleone Kosmos stable spokesman Bryan Owen. “He got the total perfect trip for him, and when he got out at the top of the stretch I thought this is our race to lose! It took 30 years (for owners Rudolph and Owen) to win a Breeders Crown. Boy, that is one expensive trophy.”

Earlier this year, Corleone Kosmos won the Classic Series final, the Titan Cup, and the Cutler Memorial. He has won 17 of 43 career races and earned more than $1.6 million for owners Arthur Rudolph, Rudolph Stables, and Bernard Owen. He was trained in Canada by Darren McCall.

Editor’s Note: To view a Cyber Circuit replay of the Breeders Crown Open Trot, click here.