Haythornthwaite leads Brits vs Americans

Monticello Raceway hosted the opening day of the “British Invasion” amateur harness racing battle on Thursday, Nov. 5, and Britain’s Richard Haythornthwaite stole the show by piloting both winners in the two-race competition.

This competition, conceived by many of Britain’s leading amateur drivers, including Richard Haythornthwaite, Lee Morris, Grant Cullen, Jaimie Davies and Marc Jones. It came to fruition with the help of David Yarock and Dein Spriggs, two amateur drivers who have championed the cause for so many worthwhile charitable and good will organizations over the years.

Spokesperson Lee Morris said, “We wanted to celebrate the 70-year reign go Queen Elizabeth II and, when she passed, that’s when things came together at a 2:00—make that 1:50—pace. The Queen really loved her horses, you know!”

Haythornthwaite, a native of Barnoldswick, Lancashire, England propelled the “Brits” to a 46-38 advantage over their American cousins by scoring with two long-shots—Ravishin Ruby (Dali) ($59.50) and Twin B Shadow (Shadow Play) ($27.80).

Ravishing Ruby used a ferocious rally from post seven beginning on the backside to nail Betabcool N (Grant Cullen-Britain) right on the wire in 1:57.2. Prophet Blue Chip (David Dziengiel-USA) finished third as the British took a 26-16 lead in round one.

Haythenthwaite’s charge in the second event was much closer throughout and used a :28.4 finale to nail the pacesetting Constantlysidewys A (Chris Petrelli-USA) in 1:59.4.

Giddyallyougot, driven by Grant Cullen (Britain) finished third with he scorecard reading in Britain’s favor 46-38 after Thursday’s final event.

In a post-race interview, Haythornthwaite lamented, “In the first one, the trainer (Al Annunizata) said it’s a tough post to overcome on this track so let him follow and then see what he’s got on the backside. I had some live cover and he responded really nicely.

“The second one (trained by Raheim Strong) was a bit easier, although I was concerned with the very slow half, but I found some room on the inside in the stretch and he showed he’s still a tough veteran.”

Haythornethwaite is no stranger to the winner’s circle in America as he won with Cabo Real on his first visit here at Pompano Park in 2016.

The British Invasion continues at The New Meadowlands on Friday and concludes with a single event at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Berry, for Harnesslink