One of differences between standardbreds from their thoroughbred counterparts is their racing longevity, and Cog Hill is a perfect example of how the pacers and trotters are often in it for the long haul.
Still posing for pictures at age 13, Cog Hill got the job done last weekend for the combination of owners Richard and Marlene Thomas, conditioner George Reider and driver Luke Plano. The victory put the pacer, who has a sparkling 1:50.4 decision in his scrapbook from a 2004 tour, over the $360,000 earnings plateau.
“I’ve had this horse about six months now,” Reider said. “The Thomas’ actually bought him off the internet when he was racing at Buffalo, because they remembered him from when he was at Hoosier Park. They saw him win a couple of late-closing series there and knew how good a horse he was.
“He’s a very nice aged gelding and that back class shows each and every time he goes to the track. A horse doesn’t win that much money by accident and even though it would have been nice to have him when he was a three-year-old, he’s been a welcome addition to the stable.”
With the mandatory retirement age for harness horses being 15 in California, Cog Hill still has a good year and a half to add to the resume and Reider related that the plan is turn him out for the summer and then point for a fall return when things start up again at Cal Expo.
“With some TLC, I think this horse wants to race for another year,” he added.
Cog Hill heads to post for the 295th time in his career, seeking his 43rd win in the 11th race at Cal Expo on Friday night. A pair of $10,000 California Sire Stakes, headed by Strings and More Tequila, and a $6,000 Open Pace, featuring Lloyd Arnold winner Cycle Power, are the main events on the card.
(With files from Cal Expo)