by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Scott Woogen and Brenda Messenger’s Valcyon Days was a 2:00.4 winner in the co-featured $5,100 conditioned trot on Wednesday, May 20, at Monticello Raceway. But it was noteworthy because of what transpired following the race.

Geri Schwarz photo

Valcyon Days begins to bow to the crowd after winning on Wednesday at Monticello.

Valcyon Days and driver Greg Merton sat comfortably behind the pacesetter Ernie B Earnest (Zeke Parker) until the top of the stretch and then rallied to victory, the second of the year for the altered 6-year-old son of Dream Vacation. Ernie B Earnest held on for second money in that contest.

Arguably it was a run-of-the-mill trotting victory but what happened before Valcyon Days headed to the paddock brought back memories of the days of “the Big Bum.”

Whether it was intentional or not, Valcyon Days showed his appreciation after winning by taking a bow in the winner’s circle as Bret Hanover often did.

“How many times do you see something like that,” noted Shawn Wiles, the track’s assistant general manager. “It sure looked like Valcyon Days knew what he was doing.”