It was a proud day for harness racing in Ireland as Trotter Francaise, Vichy De Moem, and driver Alan Richard put in a last half-mile in :57.7 to rewrite the world record on a half-mile track for two miles at 4:05.7 on Sunday at Portmarnock Raceway.
The race was for the Barney Richardson Memorial Cup with five of the best trotters in Ireland going for the world record that was set by Ake Svanstedt’s Clear Sign at 4:06.8 in Sweden in 2013.
Sunday was closing day at Portmarnock for the 2016 season and the world record attempt was the fifth race feature on the program. A huge crowd was in attendance to see if Ireland could own its first world record.
Silvano Bello and driver Donal Murphy took early commend and led the field for the first three laps, unofficially going to the first quarter in :31 as they raced Indian style to the half-mile in 1:05 and the three-quarters in 1:33.4.
Then at the one-mile marker in 2:35.7, the thought was that the record was out of reach, but once they passed the teletimer at the 1.5-mile mark in 3:08, Alan Richardson came charging to the front with Vichy De Moem for the final lap.
Looking strong on the lead, Vichy De Moem was then challenged in the backstretch the final time by Twist Du Layon and driver Patrick Kane Jr., of Miraculous fame, who came after the race leaders up on the outside. Those two made it a race to the finish as Vichy De Moem kicked into another gear coming down the stretch to win by one and one-half lengths. Twist Du Layon was second with Scoops Team and driver Brenda Hudson grabbing third-place.
Richardson was beside himself as he brought Vichy De Moem back to the winner’s enclosure amidst a roaring crowd cheering the world record holders on. There were nearly 100 family members, friends and well-wishers crowding the track.
“What an amazing day,” Richardson said as he got off the race bike. “He [Vichy De Moem] is a super horse and what a huge day this is for Ireland. We finally own a world record.”
A seven-year-old gelding by Viraldi De Chanu, Vichy De Moem has been one of the top Trotter Francaise in the Le Trot Series in Ireland and the UK this year.
(With files from Portmarnock Raceway)