from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — World champion pacing colt Downbytheseaside, the 2016 Governor’s Cup champion, made his first appearance on the track as a 3-year-old with a 1:53.1 qualifying victory Wednesday afternoon (April 19) at Miami Valley Raceway.
With Chris Page in the bike for trainer Brian Brown. the son of Somebeachsomewhere-Sprig Hanover got away fifth at the opening quarter in :27.3, then brushed to the lead at the half which was clocked in :57.1. Downbytheseaside took the field to the three-quarters in 1:25.2 and came home in :27.4 to reach the wire in 1:53.1.
Owned by Country Club Acres Inc., Joe Sbrocco, Richard Lombardo and Diamond Creek Racing, Downbytheseaside equaled the world record for a 2-year-old pacing colt on a mile track when he won his International Stallion Stakes division in 1:49 last October at Red Mile. His 1:50 performance in the Standardbred at Delaware was a world record for a 2-year-old pacing colt on a half-mile oval. He won eight of 13 starts as a freshman, with earnings of $577,106.