Betterthancheddar Equals World Record In Bobby Quillen Memorial

A long-standing world record was matched Monday at Harrington Raceway when Betterthancheddar toppled four seasoned foes in an eye-catching clocking of 1:49.2 in the $216,500 Bobby Quillen Memorial.

The performance equaled the world record for four-year-old pacing horses on a half-mile track. The record of 1:49.2 was first established by Stand Forever on September 19, 2006 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The 1:49.2 score shattered the all-time track record at Harrington, which was held by two-time defending Quillen champion, Foiled Again (1:50.1). It was the first ever sub-1:50 mile paced at Harrington, as well.

Betterthancheddar was hustled to the lead from the pole position by driver George Brennan, who wound up chopping out splits of :27.1, :55.1 and 1:22.1 with the son of Bettors Delight-Lady Ashlee Ann. The Casie Coleman pupil uncorked a :27.1 closing quarter to seal the deal by a comfortable margin over Foiled Again and Feel Like A Fool. The remaining cheques went to We Will See and Flipper J.

“He’s such a great horse,” said George Brennan afterwards. “We drew great and that always helps. He’s a terrific horse to drive.”

“Everything worked out,” said trainer/co-owner Casie Coleman. “I didn’t think he’d have any trouble handling the track because he trains on a half-mile. We are really happy with the way he raced. He’s just a special horse.”

Steve Calhoun of Chatham and West Wins Stable of Cambridge, ON share ownership on the 19-time winner, who now boasts a 9-2-0 record from 11 starts this season. The lion’s share of the purse lifted this year’s earnings to $800,750 and his overall cash stash to $1,577,866.

It was the 13th sub-1:50 victory for Betterthancheddar. Only Lis Mara (16), Golden Receiver (15), We Will See (14), Mister Big (14) and Admirals Express (14) have more sub-1:50 wins to date.

The race is named in honour of long-time Delaware legislator Bobby Quillen, who passed away in 2004. Quillen was a popular member of the community who always had horsemen’s best interests at heart.

(With files from Harrington Raceway)

Comments

Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.