Golden Receiver returned to his former haunts to pick up a big victory in the Van Rose Memorial Pace on Saturday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried a purse of $50,000.
Golden Receiver (Village Jove-Royal Gold), who used to campaign at Pocono before becoming one of the sport's preeminent pacers, left from post position No. 2 in a field of six as the heavy 1-5 favourite. He sat third early as Sparky Mark cut out the opening quarter, but driver George Napolitano Jr. set him in motion on the front stretch to take the lead before the clubhouse turn. From there, Golden Receiver held the rest of the field at bay, winning by one and three-quarter lengths in 1:50. Sparky Mark finished second while Fred And Ginger was third.
The win gives Golden Receiver seven victories in eight races this season, as he bounced back after a month layoff following his only loss of 2013. He now has 56 career wins and lifetime earnings of $1,761,740.
The eight-year-old gelding is owned by Nina Simmonds and Our Horse Cents Stable and trained by Mark Harder.
The Van Rose Memorial is held each year at Pocono in honour of Van Rose, a longtime sportswriter and friend of harness racing in Northeastern Pennsylvania who passed away in 2011.
In trotting action, Beatgoeson Hanover won the $25,000 Preferred in 1:53 by three lengths over favourite Blacktuxwhitesocks and Waiting On A Woman. Tyler Buter drove the five-year-old mare, who is approaching the million-dollar earnings mark, for trainer Richard 'Nifty' Norman and owner Neven Botica.
(With files from Pocono Downs)