by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Milton, ON — A messy Monday evening (April 16) at Woodbine Mohawk Park saw 6-year-old trotter Big Rich complete a Preferred triple.

The aftermath of a brutal weekend ice storm left the track crew working non-stop until post time Monday, but once the first race went behind the gate, it was back to business as usual.

New Image Media photo

Big Rich was a 1:57.3 winner on Monday.

A field of seven older trotters clashed over the “sloppy” track in the $26,860 Preferred. Richard Moreau trainee Big Rich won the final two editions of the Preferred at Woodbine Racetrack and he carried that momentum over to Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Driven by Louis Philippe Roy, Big Rich went to the front and never looked back to pick up his third consecutive win and fourth of the season. The 6-year-old gelding posted fractions of :29.3, :58.2 and 1:27.2 before trotting home in :30.1 and fighting off Free Willy Hanover, who pressed the leader going to three-quarters. Big Rich’s margin of victory was a length. Luc Blais trainee Warrawee Roo rallied to finish third in his 5-year-old debut.

Owned by 9099 3833 Quebec Inc. and Frank Spagnolo, Big Rich has now banked $71,512 in 10 starts this season. The Moreau trainee picked up his 22nd career victory with his triumph Monday. A $2 win ticket on Big Rich paid $3.40.

Live racing resumes Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7:30 p.m.