Over a year after an infection threatened to end his life, Crawdad returned to the Meadowlands in triumphant fashion Wednesday night as he crushed the competition in the $10,000 ninth race.
The Illinois-bred pacer shipped to the Meadowlands in early 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite as he piled up nine victories that winter, including sweeps of the Four Leaf Clover and Fox Sports Net Series. After a deserved respite, Crawdad was set to return to the races that summer when he was struck with an injury and subsequent infection in his leg that kept him sidelined for a year. The five-year-old gelding resumed training this summer and made his first few starts at Balmoral Park before landing at the Meadowlands this week.
Crawdad had his regular driving partner Andy Miller in the sulky as he drew off to a 1:52 victory. He paid $4.40 as he improved his record to 16 wins in 42 career starts. The son of Arts Conquest-Smiling Fantasy has earned more than $220,000 for trainer Erv Miller and the Red Barn Stable of Morrison, Illinois.
(NJSEA)