A veteran harness driver and a veteran trotter teamed up to make history on Friday as 64-year-old Leigh Fitch piloted the 14-year-old Another Lindy
to victory at Scarborough Downs. It was the 62nd lifetime win for the trotter and the 7,500th career victory for Fitch.
Respectfully known as 'The Fox' for his caginess on the racecourse, Fitch worked out a pretty crafty front-end strategy to grab the milestone win, tripping the timer in 2:04 on the bone-chilling southern Maine afternoon.
“It felt real good to get the win today,” Fitch explained, “Especially since it was with a 14-year-old; I’m partial to the aged horses. That made me even happier having a 14-year-old in the winner’s circle with me. It’s a good connection too because it’s a Bartlett horse, trained by Jason’s grandfather. Jason was watching from New York today and he’s already sent along his congratulations.”
Jason Bartlett wasn’t the only one to offer congratulations to The Fox on Friday as the cagey veteran teamster was joined by a throng of well-wishers in the Scarborough Downs winner’s circle following the historic win.
“Truthfully, it made me cry to see all those people come out to the winner’s circle with me,” a visibly emotional Fitch explained. “People don’t realize - they see one side of me, the tough guy, or whatever. But I do have a heart and today it’s pretty full.”
Forty-seven years separate Fitch from his first driving win, a 2:12 score in 1962 with Miss Marie Pointer at the Windsor (Maine) Fair. How did that win compare to Friday’s benchmark score?
“You know, I can’t remember!’ Fitch responded. “I’m sure I was tickled then, I just know I was, but it’s been so long I can’t remember!”
One thing is certain though, harness fans will long remember and never forget the exploits of the fabled Fox and will continue to look forward to his future achievements.
“I have hit my goal and whatever I get from here on in is fine,” Fitch mused following Friday’s races. “As long as my health stays good I’ll continue to drive. I’ll back off to some extent. I ache every morning from all the accidents and aches and pains, but I do love the game. I’ll take life as it comes.”
Leigh Fitch has done more than merely love the game. He has effectively defined its terms for an entire generation. And while Fitch takes life as it comes we take the Fox as he comes - crafty, cagey and often a curmudgeon - but always a master on the raceway.
(Scarborough Downs)