Northern Chief did it again. The Canadian-sired pacer who races without an overcheck, notched his 15th consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, December 22, thus extending his own track record

for most wins in a row.

Mike Merton was again at the controls and guided the seven-year-old altered son of Apaches Fame to a 2:00.3 head triumph over Logans Dragon, driven by Zeke Parker.

“We were hard pressed in the lane but the old guy refused to lose," Merton said referring to Logans Dragon’s strong challenge in the deep stretch. “He [Northern Chief] just likes to win and he’s as gritty a race horse as I’ve ever driven. He’s got a heart as big as he is.”

After starting from the two-hole, Merton again took Northern Chief to the lead and paced through early fractions of :30 and 1:01.3. When Parker moved Logans Dragon up to challenge approaching the half, a speed duel ensued and the pacers raced by the third stanza in 1:30.3. When they headed for home, Logans Dragon was slowly gaining but he ran out of racetrack as Northern Chief dug in and held on for yet another victory.

Trainer Gary Messenger was on hand for Northern Chief’s 15th consecutive win and shook his head in amazement when the pacer rebuffed the challenge and held on for victory.

“He’s unbelievable” were Messenger’s first words and then he added, “You know, it took 25 years to break the old record of nine wins-in-a-row and Northern Chief’s mark--like the Connecticut girls basketball team--may never be broken.”

Northern Chief is owned by Al Desimone and Bob Merton Jr., both of Monticello, New York. He paid just $2.10 for win.

(Monticello Raceway)