Anvil Raider N crossed the finish line in 1:55.3 on Saturday at Northfield Park, winning for the 21st time in 2013 and matching the most wins by any horse this year in North America.
Despite being tied for the winningest horse, this year will mark the final racing season for Anvil Raider N. The 14-year-old pacing gelding faces mandatory retirement on December 31 per the rules of the United States Trotting Association.
Anvil Raider N (In The Pocket-Motu Sweet-Great Mann) is owned and trained by Will Johnson of Monroe, Michigan. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. was in the sulky for the winning drive.
Anvil Raider N has 93 career victories and has earned a bankroll of $345,522 with a lifetime mark of 1:51 taken as an eight-year-old at Mohawk Racetrack.
“It is amazing how good he still is for his age,” commented Wrenn. “Most horses aren’t still racing at 14, and the ones who make it to 14 are just not as solid as him.”
Despite 10 wins in 2012 and 21 so far this year (tying eight-year-old pacing mare Tracys Song), Anvil Raider N is still camera shy. He seldom gets his picture taken in the winner’s circle.
“He hasn’t had a win picture taken for over two years,” Wrenn explained. “He is the worst kicker I have ever seen.
“I have learned to be really quick when taking the bike off after the race. You would think by age 14 he wouldn't be over kicking like he does, but that’s just how he is.”
Wrenn said that as bad as he is off of the track, Anvil Raider N is not always a terror.
“He is wonderful to drive," he said. "I love driving him. He has a ton of gate speed and steers with two fingers.”
Wrenn has been the customary driver for Anvil Raider N the last several years and is a combination that has proven results on the racetrack.
Anvil Raider N was one of five winners for Wrenn on Northfield Park's 14-race program. Wrenn’s other winners included Lima Seduction ($11.60) in race one, Masters Sweetie ($4) in race five, Passionateprincess ($2.20) in race nine and Masked Lover ($2.80) in race 12. Anvil Raider N was Wrenn’s biggest price of the night, returning $54.80 to win the finale.
Wrenn, 27, began driving in 2008 and has since garnered 1,250 career victories and has earned $4,417,433 in purse earnings.
Northfield Park has announced the addition of a $20,000 Pick 5 total pool guarantee to Monday’s (December 2) program. Beginning in race three, the $20,000 Pick 5 guaranteed total pool includes a carryover of $3,194.01. Northfield’s Pick 5, Pick 4 and the Pick 3’s offer a reduced takeout rate of 14 percent. Monday’s post time is 6:30 p.m.
(With files from Nothfield Park)