Marvin Hagler and driver Garrett Rooney established a new track record in the featured $6,000 Preferred 4 Trot named in honour of the late Hall of Fame horseman Bob McIntosh during the Sunday, Aug. 25 afternoon program at Leamington Raceway dedicated to commemorating the esteemed local trainer's significant contributions to harness racing and his lasting impact on the community.
Sent postward as the 1-5 favourite, Marvin Hagler ($2.60) romped to an 8-1/2-length victory in the Robert McIntosh Memorial Trot, stopping the clock in 1:57 flat over the 'good' track for trainer Mark MacQuarrie and co-owner Mary Pedden of McGregor, Ont. The winning time was a new all-age trotting track record, besting the former mark of 1:58.2 set in 2018 by Costantino.
Marvin Hagler secured the lead by the :28.2 quarter mark over last week's Preferred winner Workinitonbroadway and Don Rankin Jr. From there, the five-year-old Crazed gelding raced to the half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:27.4 before trotting away through the stretch for his 22nd career win. Workinitonbroadway followed in second and Hot Fudge Sundae completed the top three for Alfie Carroll.
"I thought he was the best in there and he's a real nice horse, I just thought they could follow me and that's how it worked out," said Rooney of the front-end trip. "When I saw the half in :57.3, I said 'wow,' but it didn't really feel like I was at the half in :57.3, and I just said, 'Well, let's just keep going.'
"It meant a lot to me [to win this race]," he added. "I started driving for Bob maybe eight years ago, and it was always a great compliment to get put down on a Bob McIntosh horse and it always gave you a great feeling."
Marvin Hagler was a fitting winner of the memorial race as MacQuarrie and his wife Nicole Pedden-MacQuarrie previously worked for McIntosh.
Friends and family of McIntosh joined the winner's circle for the blanket presenation. In addition to hosting the memorial race, Leamington Raceway paid tribute to the horseman who passed away last month with a memorabilia and photo display, along with a special video presentation.
"He had so many great horses and his consistency year after year after year of bringing forward great horses, I think that's what added to his legacy. It brings back a lot of memories," said Doug McIntosh of being at the track where he and his late brother started their harness racing careers. "I really want to thank Leamington Raceway and the staff for the honour they've given my brother. It's been overwhelming and the family does appreciate it."
Leamington also hosted a $8,000 leg of the Prospect Series for two-year-old pacing fillies during Sunday's card won by trainer Jason Libby and co-owner Ronnie MacLean's Splash Of Lemon ($11.80) in 2:02.2 by a head between Gabiella Sasso trainees Miss Baby and Gabby Seelster. Robert Doyle drove the Dancin Lou-Summer Thriller filly to her maiden-breaking victory in just her second start.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)