Bill Mulligan has owned standardbreds for well over 60 years, but scant few has he enjoyed better than his homebred, Donnegal.

The eight-year-old veteran recaptured the track record for aged trotting horses at Monticello Raceway earlier this afternoon when Mike Forte guided the son of Sierra Kosmos to a 1:57:2 victory in the $13,000 Preferred Trot.

Donnegal's victory erased the former mark of 1:57:3 taken by Armbro Barrister and driver Ray Schnittker on July 27, 2007. Ironically, when Armbro Barrister set his standard it lowered the mark of 1:58:1 which was owned by Donnegal.

"I can't tell you how much of a thrill I get every time I watch Donnegal win and believe me I've had I've had many pleasures with him over the years," said Mulligan. "And I'm happy for Greg (Wasiluk- the trainer), too. He does such a wonderful job with him."

Donnegal's victory was the trotter's eighth in 19 seasonal starts and it raised his seasonal bankroll to almost $80,000. Thus far in his career Donnegal has earned over $349,000 and has won 34 races for Mulligan.

(Monticello Raceway)