Shawn Gray began the day on Saturday five wins removed from his 2,000th career victory. Listed to drive eight times on the Scarborough Downs card, Gray would have to produce a Herculean effort to reach that driving milestone. And Herculean he was
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Starting from the get-go, Gray put on a clinic at Scarborough Downs, winning his first five races in succession to become the latest incarnation of “Mr. 2000.” The 36-year-old native of Windsor, Maine, who currently resides atop the Leaders’ board at The Downs, sealed the deal driving Kevin Gee’s latest import, Pictonian Leo, to the pacer’s first State-of-Maine win.
“The Scarborough fans were certainly jazzed by Gray’s performance this afternoon,” said Scarborough Downs’ spokesperson, Susan Higgins. “They got right into it, cheering each of his victories, and when he drove off the track after that big win, the applause was thunderous.”
“Shawn Gray is a perennial contender for the State of Maine driving title,” said track announcer, Mike Sweeney. “And this season we are so pleased that he has decided to showcase his talents here for the hometown fans. He has picked up plenty of live mounts and has contributed to the excitement created at Scarborough Downs this season.”
Gray’s lucky day continued in the $12,000 Dirigo Pacing Series final -- not as a driver, but as a trainer -- when one of his three entries Franco Catapult N, recovered from an early mis-step to secure the stakes victory; Heath Campbell doing the catch driving duties.
Gray’s six wins on Saturday’s 12-race card cements his status as leading driver at Scarborough Downs with 55 wins through just 23 racing sessions.
(Scarborough Downs)
Franco Catapult N never
Franco Catapult N never missteps but at least he was able to recover from the early Post Position misque. Also, at the first 1/4 the equipment broke and Franco and two other horses interefered with. Franco was stuck outside the duration of the mile and went 3 wide to win by a nose. Does that tell you just how great he is? Any other horse would not have finished.
I am so glad Franco won the Dirigo Finale and knew he could win it all. He is one fine pacer and I never miss watching him and playing him over the past 6 years.
Congrats to Shawn Gray and I do hope Franco will return to racing soon. He's been absent for a few months. I love this horse and wish him well.
Janelle Scherbik