Two years ago Tom Hill shelled out $90,000 to buy an Artsplace yearling named Lucky Man out of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in Kentucky, and earlier this evening the pacer hauled home a $90,000 payday thanks to his 1:52.1 victory in the OSS Gold Series Final at Windsor Raceway.
It was the biggest cheque ever picked up by the gelding, who has really rounded into form in the final half of the 2008 season for trainer Casie Coleman.
Brad Forward tucked Lucky Man into the three-hole in the early going while Keystone Horatio rolled the field through early fractions of :26.4 and :55.2. Forward angled Lucky Man off the rail as the field moved into the backstretch, and it didn't take him long to get up alongside Keystone Horatio.
Lucky Man poked a neck in front as the field zipped by three three-quarter pole in 1:23.2, and he used a :28.4 final frame to draw away to one and one-half length decision in 1:52.1. Keystone Horatio was second best with Deuce Seelster picking up third prize.
Trade Editor and Amillionpennies, who were fourth and fifth respectively, took home the final cheques. The Mohegan Pan, who was sent off as the 2-5 favourite, worked out a second-over trip, but lacked fire and finished last in the seven-horse affair.
Hill, of Lancashire, GB, has watched the sophomore improve to 4-4-4 in 18 starts this season. Lucky Man has potted $239,757 to date.
To view Tuesday's results, click here.