Chris Long makes memorable homecoming at Skowhegan State Fair

Skowhegan, Maine … From Saratoga Springs to Skowhegan, Chris Long made the journey home to his native-born state on Thursday (Aug. 17), showcasing the harness racing talents that have made him a fan favorite ever since he first burst upon the Pine Tree circuit back in 1988.

Under the bright lights of Skowhegan, Long wasted precious time in claiming prodigal son status, winning the very first race on the card with Twin B High Tech (1:59.1-$4.00, Lazarus N), powering past a compact field with a brief first-over barrage which resulted in a five-length jiggy-jog for the Jamie Gerard trainee.

The win was the first of the season for the sophomore.

Long’s next Skowhegan score came with Readyfortheladies (1:56.1-$7.00, Always A Virgin) who diligently rallied into a stern :57.2 back-half before out-kicking the competition through a :28.4 final panel en route to the 2-1/2 length margin.

Owned and trained by Eric Bickmore, he secured his second win of the season in the $5500 mid-level condition event.

Long capped his hat trick performance in the evening’s closing event, enduring a seemingly eternal overland grind with Eternal Ring (1:59.2-$9.20), maneuvering through a second-over journey from the midway point home, while posting the 2-1/2 length victory. The win represented a seasonal mark for the Dalton Lee trainee who won for the 39th time in her career.

The Skowhegan meet will culminate with 1:00 p.m. cards on Friday and Saturday (August 18 and 19). Saturday’s card will feature the $15,000 Hight Memorial Invitational which annually attracts the finest horses in New England.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Sweeney, for Skowhegan State Fair