Due to unforeseen circumstances Monticello Raceway’s St. Paddy Pace went to post nine days after its initial schedule, but the wait didn’t make any difference to Jim Marohn, Jr., who guided Ya Gotta Belief to an easy 1:59:3 triumph in the race for drivers of Irish descent on Thursday, March 26.

That clocking established a new record for the event, erasing the former mark of 2:00:2 set by Marohn’s dad, Jim Marohn, in 2006 when he reined Fly With Action to a 2:00:2 triumph.

“I’ve been racing here all winter long and appreciate the opportunity to be included in these ethnic races,” Marohn, Jr. told Eric Warner, the track's director of racing who was in the winners circle for the trophy presentation. “But with my family background I think I can be included in almost all of the ones you’ve got scheduled this year.”

After being content to let Gary Messenger and Michelpangelo cut the early fractions, Marohn moved Ya Gotta Belief as the field approached the half. When the field passed the three quarters pole, Ya Gotta Belief was on top and opening up daylight on the field.

Only the margin of victory was in doubt, as Marohn’s charge scooted around the final turn. At the wire, Ya Gotta Belief was four lengths ahead of second place finisher JD Green, who was driven by John Gilmour. Michelpangelo held on for the show dough. Marohn, Jr.’s dad finished fourth with Pass The Light.

Asked how he felt beating his father in the race, the younger Marohn quipped, “It’ll make good conversation at the dinner table tonight.”

The winner, owned by Michael Belardi and trained by Mike Forte, paid $5.10 for the win.

For Jim Marohn, Jr., it marked his 38th winner of the season at Monticello -- some 16 more than his dad has registered thus far. But the elder Marohn, with 5,085 career driving victories, still has the upper hand.

“Hey, I’m real proud of my son. He’s a great driver and I never mind when he beats me,” the elder Marohn said with a smile and then added, “He’ll win plenty of races before he’s through, and I’m just giving the boy something to shoot for.”

With his victory, Jim Marohn, Jr. has earned a berth in the Heritage Series final this fall and he’ll be joined by the winners of each of the other seven ethnic events in the All-America Pace at the 'Mighty M' later this season.

Next up in the Heritage Drovers Series is the 'Race for the Matzohs,' the 11th annual Passover Pace for drivers of Jewish descent, slated for Wednesday, April 15.

(Monticello)