Rooney bags five as career year nears end

Harness racing driver Garrett Rooney picked up five wins on the Boxing Day matinee card at The Raceway at the Western Fair District with a few days remaining in his best year to date.

The driver rattled off a natural hat trick in races two through four, winning with Scarlet Dragon (Betterthancheddar, 2:00), Staying Fresh (Stay Hungry, 2:02.4), and Better Off Single (Bettors Delight, 1:59). He tallied his fourth with Punchesinbunches (Dali), driving the gelding to a 10th consecutive top-three finish. Marzannk Hanover (Mach Three) completed Rooney’s account with an exclamation point, cruising to victory by five-and-a-half lengths in 1:56.2. It was the mare’s 100th lifetime start.

MARZANNK HANOVER REPLAY

Rooney has surpassed all previous bests in starts, wins, and earnings this year with 1,294, 260, and $1,389,689 respectively. He reached 1,500 wins and $8 million in career earnings earlier this month.

The Raceway at the Western Fair District will host its penultimate card of 2023 on Dec. 29. The 10-race card will kick off at 5:50 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink