by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Racecourse
Stickney, IL — Sunday night (July 29) at Hawthorne capped a week of leg three races for the Night of Champions series as trotters were featured in the Erwin F. Dygert and Beulah Dygert Memorial Trots.
The Erwin F. Dygert Memorial Trot is for Illinois-bred 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters while the Beulah Dygert is for Illinois-bred 3-year-old filly trotters.
Race five was the third leg of the Erwin F. Dygert Memorial as a field of eight lined up behind the starting car. Sent away as the 6-5 favorite was Majistic Caprice with Mike Oosting driving.

Four Footed Fotos photo
Majistic Caprice was a 1:57.2 winner.
Making the early lead was Don’t Be Cheeky as Brandon Bates guided him through the quarter in :29.3. Moving to take over on the backside was the favorite as Majistic Caprice passed the half in :59.3. Chased into the turn by Don’t Be Cheeky, Majistic Caprice passed three-quarters in 1:28.1 as the pair opened up daylight on the rest of the field. In the stretch, Don’t Be Cheeky tipped out to go after the leader and came up just short, missing by a head to the favorite. Big Lou closed to finish third. The final time for the mile was 1:57.2.
Majistic Caprice is owned by D & J Racing Stables along with trainer Roshun Trigg.
Race eight was the third leg of the Beulah Dygert Memorial as a full field of 11 lined up. The 7-5 favorite at off time was Good Design with Kyle Wilfong driving.
Leaving for the lead was White Pants Fever as she passed the quarter in :29.1. On the backside, Trotting Grace moved to challenge while Lous Silver Star made a three-wide rush to take over. Passing the half in :59, Lous Silver Star led the field into the far turn as favored Good Design began to move. After three-quarters in 1:29, Lous Silver Star and Good Design were side-by-side into the lane with White Pants Fever coming back along the inside. Mid-stretch, Good Design broke stride as New Queen ranged up in the center of the stretch and closed quickest of all for the win for driver Juan Franco. Maui Mama followed New Queen for second while Shadow Copy rallied late to finish third. The final time for the mile was 1:58.2.
New Queen is owned by Peter Kleinhans and trained by Kim Roth.
Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, continues the summer harness season through Sept. 24. Fall Thoroughbreds close out the year, running from Oct. 5 through Dec. 29. For more information, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com or contact Hawthorne at 708.780.3700.