Hennessey picks up where he left off

Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey made his return to Saratoga Casino Hotel this week and the veteran sulky star picked up right where he left off from last season. Hennessey, who is closing in on 12,000 wins for his harness racing career, sat behind the Jaymes McAssey-trained Hugh Heston (Heston Blue Chip) in the Wednesday feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

McAssey acquired the four year old pacer last month and saw him hit the board in all three of his local starts heading into Wednesday’s try in the $10,500 feature for colts and geldings.

Hennessey wasted little time powering Hugh Heston out to the front-end while the Spa newbie pursued his second victory of the season. The race’s 3-2 betting favorite rattled off a fast first quarter in 27.1 before backing it down to get a half in 58.2.

From there, the McAssey trainee never faced an anxious moment before reporting home in 1:56 to prevail by a length and a quarter. Hugh Heston is owned by Morrison Racing Stables of Pennsylvania.

McAssey, who sits in second place in the trainer standings at the Spa this season, recorded a double on the card when his Crunchberry De Vie scored in an $8,800 pacing event with Brett Beckwith at the controls. 

HUGH HESTON REPLAY

Live racing resumes on Monday with a matinee set to begin at 12pm.  

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway