Coqui Coqui hops to victory

The six-year-old daughter of Sportswriter, Coqui Coqui (named after a species of a Puerto Rican frog), and harness racing driver Justin Irvine, leapt from the pocket in the lane to get up for the victory in the co-featured $10,800 Mares Open Pace.

From post position three, Irvine and Coqui Coqui shot to the lead in the opening turn, but faced immediate pressure from Princess Rougarou and driver Jason Merriman. After a couple of lead changes between the two teams, Princess Rougarou dictated the fractions in 27.1, 56.4, 1:26.1 until the stretch when Coqui Coqui stormed by to get up for a neck victory in 1:55.4. Princess Rougarou settled for the place and Shes Cruising Home took home the show.

The win was the 14th of Coqui Coqui’s career. She is trained by Gerald Malady and owned by John Turgliatto.

In the second co-featured event, the $10,800 Open Trot, Travlin Swan (Swan For All) and driver Art McIlmurray, took over at the 3/8s pole and never looked back to win in 1:58.0 over closers Celebrity Pegasus (Kim Pluta) who was second and I Get It (Bob Rowland) who flew up for third.

For Travlin Swan, it was his 19th career victory. He is owned by Staci Malady and trained by Art McIlmurray.

Art McIlmurray had a driving triple on the program while Jason Merriman had a driving double.  Jason Merriman, who is the current leading driver at Northville, is now just 27 wins away from career driving win 3000 following his double on the night.

Racing at Northville Downs resumes Saturday, May 27  at 7pm.  Live racing continues every Friday and Saturday evening now through September 30th. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Terpenning, for Northville Down