First driving win since 2022 for McKnight

Harness racing horseman Gorden McKnight took his first driving win in a year-and-a-half as he piloted Livingitlarge (Wheeling N Dealin) to a maiden-breaking victory at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday (Jun. 8).

McKnight, in his second pari-mutuel mile behind the gelding, ordered him to the top in a :30.3 first quarter on a track rated a second slow. The middle panels went in 1:02.2 and 1:33.2 with Best Wishes Only (Donny Rankin) providing first-up pressure to three-quarters. Livingatlarge held him at bay around the final turn and resisted three chasers down the lane to win by three-quarters-of-a-length in 2:03.4.

Livingitlarge was winless in 11 starts prior to Saturday’s victory. The sophomore has now earned $17,745 for trainer Lorne House, who co-owns him with Chantal Ruijs. McKnight has driven 1,067 winners in 7,458 starts since his debut in 1984 but has made fewer than 100 total starts over the past three seasons. His last win came on Oct. 7, 2022 at London.

Andy Moore drove three winners on the card.

Racing continues at Hiawatha Horse Park on Saturday, Jun. 15.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink