by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Ken Bencic’s Western Empire was second on the racetrack in Saturday’s (Jan. 6) $10,000 Invitational Pace at Northfield, but was placed first when Ataboyart committed a myriad of violations exiting the final turn.

The son of Northfield Wall of Fame mare Le Mistral not only paced inside several pylons, but interfered with Western Empire when returning to the racecourse. He also made an uncharted break in stride, and the judges didn’t take long to make their decision before placing him back for the pylon violation.

Western Empire was credited with a 1:54 win, while Key Western, the track’s 2006 co-Horse of the Year, was elevated to second, and Ataboyart was dropped to third. Aaron Merriman drove the winner for trainer Jodi Schillaci.