It was déjà vu last night during the opening card of the Du Quoin State Fair in Illinois, as 93-year-old driver Leo Burns again became the oldest driver in harness racing history to pilot a winner, Winsome Wyoming.
Afterwards, the horseman tossed out a quip to The Southern, saying: "I ain't got no secret about winning. I've been racing for more than 50 years. This is one of my favourite tracks."
After having started from the disadvantaged Post 9, Burns settled into fourth early before grabbing the lead prior to the three-quarters station.
Maintaining a one-length lead through the stretch, Burns and the four-year-old Wilson Wyoming mare stopped the clock in 1:59, three-quarters of a length the best.
Burns and his chestnut mare have been finding much success on the Illinois fair circuit this year, notching four wins and four seconds from eight starts.
In Winsome Wyoming's 29-start career, the $39,644 earner has amassed a solid 19-7-1 record.
To read The Southern article in its entirety, click here.
Click here to view the charted lines from Du Quoin.
(With files from The Southern)
McDreamy Is Now 'McTrack' Record Holder
The fictional character 'McDreamy,' of television's Grey's Anatomy fame, has a solid weekly following. And now his equine counterpart may have as well, after the freshman colt defeated World Record holder Southern Rocketop last night at the Du Quoin State Fair.
Steered by trainer Homer Hochstetler, Dr McDreamy sat third through the mile as Southern Rocketop and pilot Brian Carpenter did all the work on the front end.
After acquiring the two hole near the three-quarters pole, Hochstetler called on his American Native colt in the lane. Dr McDreamy responded, trotting a :27.3 final quarter to stop the clock in 1:56. Southern Rocketop broke before the finish, but hung on for second, one and a quarter lengths in arrears.
The 1:56 clocking, which came in an elimination for the Darn Safe Stakes, set a stakes and track record.
To read an article in The Southern regarding the race, click here.
Click here to view the charted lines from Du Quoin.