Monticello Raceway paid tribute to long-time horseman Jim Taggart Sr. by hosting a memorial race in his honour during Tuesday afternoon’s card of racing.

Clooney Drummond captured the $4,400 affair for pacers, and he did so in a time of 1:55.4 for owner/driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. and trainer Jose Godinez.

Aldrich rolled the even-money favourite to the lead and together they sliced out splits of :27.2, :57.4 and 1:26.2 before cruising home in :29.2 to win by 1-1/4 lengths over KJ Erich. Steuben Patriot was third in the eight-horse affair.

It was the 13th win of the year – and the 56th to date – for the 12-year-old son of Clowns Tears-Counterglow. He’s closing in on $550,000 in lifetime earnings.

Twenty of Taggart’s proud family members and close friends were on hand in the winner’s circle in remembrance of the late horseman.

(With files from Monticello Raceway)