Hugh Heston and Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey took the $14,583 featured pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Wednesday, April 16.
Hennessey made his return to Saratoga Casino Hotel this week, picking up right where he left off. Closing in on 12,000 career wins, Hennessey teamed up with the Jaymes McAssey-trained pacer in Wednesday’s feature. McAssey acquired the four-year-old last month, and the gelding has hit the board in all three of his local starts heading into this week’s try.
Wasting no time, Hennessey powered Hugh Heston to the front early, as the Spa newcomer looked to notch his second win of the season. The 3-2 betting favourite rattled off a :27.1 opening quarter before backing things down to a :58.2 half. From there, it was smooth sailing. Hugh Heston never faced a serious challenge and cruised home in 1:56, prevailing by a length and a quarter. Village Blue Chip (Jay Randall) finished second, while Lets Go Jude (Aaron Byron) rounded out the top three.
Hugh Heston (Heston Blue Chip-Morenci) is owned by Morrison Racing Stables of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Live harness racing resumes on Monday afternoon with a matinee card beginning at 12 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)