Driver Wally Hennessey and trainer Mike Deters had a night to remember at Tioga Downs on Friday (Sept. 2). Hennessey drove six winners with four of them trained by Deters, including the feature winner.
Hennessey drove Prairie Westerngal ($7) to easy win in the featured $15,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace.
Prairie Westerngal went right to the front and led to the quarter in :27.4. She slowed things down using a :29.4 second quarter to hit the half in :57.3. Alta Madeira N (Mike Merton) was first to make a move heading for the backstretch, but Prairie Westerngal fought off the challenge and led to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
As they made the turn for home, Alta Madeira N came all out after the leader and started to get a little closer. Prairie Westerngal found another gear and cruised home in 1:53.1. Alta Madeira N settled for second and Georgie (Aaron Byron) finished third.
Prairie Westerngal is a six-year-old mare by Western Ideal. She is owned by Deters, Joel Warner and Patricia Fritz. The win was her fourth this season from 19 starts and he now has 26 career victories.
Hennessey and Deters also combined for wins with Alabama Hannah ($2.60), Donegalartchokin N ($3.30) and American Delight N ($2.30).
Hennessey also finished first with Defcon Seelster ($3.40) for trainer Marc Major and Hypnotic Racer ($9.60) from the Lee Morris stable.
Live harness racing continues at Tioga Downs on Saturday with an eight-race card, featuring New York Sire Stakes filly trotters, starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)