Another big day for Hennessy

Harness racing driver Wally Hennessey swept the features and had six wins in all at Tioga Downs on Sunday (May 8).

Hennessy came from last to first with Sea Shadows ($4.00) to capture the $12,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap.

Talk Show Chica (Cory Braden) got the first call, but Donegalartchokin N (Tyler Jones) took the lead before hitting the first quarter first in :27.0. The two mares went shoulder to shoulder all the way to the half. Donegalartchokin N held a slight lead to the half in :56.0. The two of them continued to battle down the backstretch with Talk Show Chica grabbing a short lead hitting three-quarters first in 1:24.1.

Brilliant Beauty (Braxten Boyd) blew on by to take the lead as they reached the stretch. Sea Shadows made he move flying down the lane like she was shot out of cannon and wore down the second-place finisher, Brilliant Beauty to win in 1:53.1. Talk Show Chica held on for third money.

Sea Shadows is a 7-year-old mare by Shadow Play. She is owned by Paul O’Neil and trained by Hennessey. It was her seventh win of 2022. She now owns 38 career victories.

Prairie Panther ($4.80) cruises to easy win in the $12,000 Open Pace.

Keystone Tenacious (Mike Merton) went straight to the front. Prairie Panther then made his move and grabbed the lead and led to the quarter in :27.2. He used a :29.3 second quarter to hit the half in :57.0. Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) was first to make a move going first-up down the backstretch but he stalled and watched Prairie Panther hit three-quarters first in 1:24.3.

As they made the turn for home Keystone Tenacious popped the pocket and went all out after the leader but Prairie Panther had plenty in the tank and won easily in 1:52.0. Keystone Tenacious had to settle for second. Hard Rock Hulk (Brandon Parker) finished third.

Prairie Panther is an 8-year-old gelding by Royal Millennium. He is owned by Laurie Poulin and trainer Mike Deters. It was his seventh win this season and his 54th career victory.

Hennessey got his other wins with Lori’s Rock Star ($4.90), Mach West ($6.30), Lucid Dreams ($7.40), and Hot Rod Dylan ($3.30).

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (May 14) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs