Wally Hennessey guided Major Battle to a thrilling victory in the featured $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open at Tioga Downs on Saturday (August 6).
In the feature Prairie Westerngal (Mike Simons) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.2. Major Battle ($2.90) went by and took control as they headed for the stands for the first time. She used a :29 second quarter and led to the half in :57.2. Georgie Martin (Mike Simons) came first-over to challenge heading to the final turn, with Major Battle still on top at the 1:25 third marker.
As they made the turn for home Georgie Martin went all out after the lead but Major Battle was too strong and won in 1:53. Georgie Martin had to settle for second, with Dont Chip Me (Aaron Byron) finishing third.
Major Battle is a five-year-old mare by Art Major. She is trained by Jenny Melander for owners Melander Racing Inc., John Devito, and Robert Bernaski. It was her fourth win this season, and she now owns 14 career victories.
Hennessey combined with Melander for another win with Original Smokey ($3.20) and finished the night with four scores. His other victories came with Anchors Away ($2.70), and Silverhill Misty ($8.50).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (August 7) with a 13-race card starting at 1 p.m.
(Tioga)