by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — After four straight starts at Hazel Park, Markus Ernst’s Yankee Monaco returned to Balmoral Park with a bang as she became the fastest older trotting mare in the track’s rich history by stopping the clock in 1:53.2 in the $15,500 Open Handicap.

The 6-year-old daughter of Mr Vic showed blazing speed away from the gate, getting to the front end in easy fashion, despite leaving from post position eight in the field of 10.

After driver Dave Magee relinquished command of the race on the backstretch to stablemate Marjorie Hall, the Paul Kennedy-trained duo raced one-two the rest of the way.

Fit and fresh after her garden trip, Yankee Monaco ripped off a final quarter in :27.2 to record her tenth win in 15 starts this season and her 27th victory over the past two years. American Tribute shook loose late to finish a half length back in second, while Marjorie Hall was just 1-1/4 lengths back in third.

The previous mark of 1:53.4 had been shared by the great Moni Maker (1999) and Oprah (1998).

The fractional times were :28, :57.1 and 1:25.3.