For the second consecutive day the Hungarians and the NAADA members competed in inclement weather in round two of their international amateur driving competition, which was presented at Yonkers Raceway on Tuesday, April 16. And like in the contest yesterday at Monticello Raceway, each country emerged victorious in the two event races.
In the first contest - race two on the betting card - the Hungarian's Ferenc Leanyfalvi rallied Multitaskr Hanover to a come-from-behind neck victory in 1:59.2, while in the other division — race four - Dr. John Kokinos traveled overland from the half with Lucky Colby and held on for a nose victory in a 1:58.3 clocking.
In his contest, Leanyfalvi ducked to the pylons as the wings of the mobile gate folded and was content to follow the leaders until they approached the back stretch the second time. He moved Multitaskr Hanover to the outside and they began to progress. Fifth, as they passed the third-quarter, Leanyfalvi and his trotter were in third place as the field headed for home.
In the lane, under mild urging, Multitaskr Hanover passed the race leader Im Fabulous and at the wire. They collared Powerful Yield, driven by Hungary's Krisztian Takas, for a neck score. I'm Fabulous faded and finished third.
The winner, a five-year-old Explosive Matter gelding, is owned and trained by Jennifer Lappe. He paid $11.80 for win. It was Multitaskr Hanover's sixth win in just 11 starts this season.
For Doctor John the Medicine Man his journey was similar to Leanyfalvi's, in that he had to also come from behind.
After starting from post seven, Kokinos angled Lucky Colby to the pylons and was in fourth position as the USA's Joe Lee showed the way with Springback Sam N.
As the field approached the half, Kokinos moved his charge first-up and they ground their way forward, picking up horses until they had command as the fielded home.
In the deep stretch, Dr. John was after his tiring trotter and looking for the wire. It came just in time as Hungary's Ferenc Leanyfalvi was charging with Madhatter Blue Chip only to fall short of victory by a nose.
“I wasn't much more than a passenger behind Lucky Colby tonight,” Kokinos said. “Actually, he knows how to win more than I do.”
Andrea Fazekas, a division winner yesterday at Monticello, finished third with Cresurrey.
Lucky Colby, an eight-year-old Jailhouse Jessie gelding, is owned and trained by Gilbert Garcia-Herrara. He returned a $13.60 win mutuel.
The final event in the Hungary versus NAADA competition will be at Saratoga Raceway on Thursday, April 19.
(With files from the NAADA)