Veteran pacer Dark Horse reached a career milestone on Sunday, Aug. 16 as he scored his 50th career victory.
The 13-year-old gelding landed in a new winner's circle at Skowhegan State Fair for the milestone moment, marking the 14th different racetrack he has conquered stateside over the course of his career.
Confidently piloted by driver Aaron Hall in a $5,278 claiming pace, Dark Horse settled comfortably into the garden seat after Reys N A Ruckus (Joey Mosher) served notice of his intentions to take point. Tracking even fractions throughout, Dark Horse, who appeared hopelessly pinned in as the field bunched together entering the final turn, miraculously escaped the clutches of that crowded bend, split foes to finally find daylight and doggedly drove on to eke out the win a three-way photo.
Dark Horse, who returned a reasonable $14.40 to win, was timed in a seasonal best 1:57.2 while recording the milestone score. St Lads Thriller (Heath Campbell) made it into the mix and took second over Reys N A Ruckus.
Dalton Lee currently trains the son of Im Gorgeous out of the Western Hanover mare Be Bad Girl for owner Lori Bateman of Norton, Massachusetts.
Dark Horse won for the fifth time in 18 starts this season and now boasts career earnings of $400,036.
(With files from Skowhegan Fair)