But Why, Saratoga Raceway's 2025 Horse of the Year, made his return to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2026 when he scored a wire-to-wire win in the $22,917 Open Handicap Trot on Monday, April 13 at the New York half-mile oval.
Jimmy Devaux was the regular driver for But Why last year for trainer Scott Mongeon and has piloted him in all three of his seasonal tries. Following a third and second-place finish, respectively, in his two Open starts back, the five-year-old Crazy Wow-Porque gelding was the even-money favourite in Monday’s edition.
Devaux powered the track’s defending champ out to the top between rivals, clearing past a :28.1 first quarter with a wide 6-5 second choice Send It In Hanover (Kyle Swift) left parked out for the long haul while early leader Dewey Arnold (Jacob Cutting) tracked in the pocket. But Why held firm through a half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:27 before holding off the upset-minded Dewey Arnold at the inside to win by a neck in 1:56.4. There was a three-across finish for show 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner with In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) and Malibu Kid (Leon Bailey) dead-heating for third just ahead of Send It In Hanover.
A 14-time winner in 2025, But Why is owned by Steve and Laura Stewart of Petersburgh, New York.
Live harness racing continues on Tuesday with a first post time of 12 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)