It was bound to happen, especially when a horse a reigns supreme in a claiming class. But on Monday, June 16 at Monticello Raceway it was sort of a double whammy for Diamond Tiara, the harness horse currently with the most wins in North America.
Not only did she taste defeat after nine consecutive victories, but she went home to a new barn after being claimed for $9,000 from Philip Schultz by local trainer Al Annunziata.
It took a tough trip to defeat the seven-year-old McArdle mare whose 14 seasonal wins are tops this year.
After having started from Post 6, driver Jimmy Taggart Jr. gunned her for the lead, but two others (Extreme Terror and Rustys Flying) did the same. Rustys Flying was two- wide and gained the lead over Extreme Terror. Diamond Tiara was hung three-deep before Rustys Flying cleared and then finally let Diamond Tiara take command in a swift :27.4 first quarter.
Taggart did get his mare a breather of sorts with a :30.2 second quarter as Rustys Flying hugged Taggart’s back. They raced one-two up the backside and passed the third stanza in 1:28.1.
Although Diamond Tiara had two lengths on Rustys Flying as they headed for home, she couldn’t hold off Rustys Flying, who had a perfect trip after having relinquished the lead. In the deep stretch, Rustys Flying used the passing lane to score a one-length victory in 1:57.3.
“We really got roughed up going to the quarter, more so than we ever did in all her starts,” noted Taggart. “But sooner or later that was bound to happen and even though she was tired she hung on gamely for second.”
The victory was Rustys Flying’s 10th seasonal triumph. She paid $3.50 to Win.
(With files from Monticello)