18-1 longshot kicks off Harrington’s opening day feature

Harrington Raceway kicked off its 78^th season of harness racing in grand style on Monday (April 8) with racing fans treated to an 18-1 longshot name Lou’s Beach (Sweet Lou) taking down the opening feature race.

The 6^th race $22,500 Open Handicap Pace saw Trojan Banner N (Tyler Davis) leave from the rail and take early command with Lou’s Beach and driver Jim Morand grab the two-hole trip as they went by the opening quarter mile in :28.

Then it was the race favorite, Sprocket (Pat Berry) coming first-over from fourth place and he came after Trojan Banner N by the half mile marker in :57.2.

The dogfight for the lead continued down the backstretch as Sprocket had the lead on the outside over Trojan Banner N by the three-quarters in 1:24.1. Around the final turn Sprocket could not keep up and by the top of the stretch it became a three-horse race to the wire.

Trojan Banner N was not giving up on his lead, but getting the perfect two-hole trip was Lou’s Beach as he came on in the stretch and also joining the fray was Mack (Montrell Teague). As they hit the wire, Lou’s Beach scored the upset by a neck in 1:52.4 with Mack second, a whisker in front of Trojan Banner N.

LOU’S BEACH REPLAY

Off at nearly 19-1, Lou’s Beach returned $39.80 in winning for the second time this year. The five-year-old gelding is trained by Chuck Crissman, Jr. for owners David Hamm and EVM Racing.

Tony Morgan led all drivers with four winners while Art Stafford, Jr. had three winners.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink