Covered Bridge having greatest year ever

It took the photo finish camera to declare Covered Bridge (American Ideal) a nose harness racing winner over Desperate Man in the $32,000 Open Handicap Pace Monday (Dec. 18) at Yonkers Raceway. It was the 18^th win of the year for Covered Bridge.

The 4^th race feature first saw Covered Bridge and driver Jason Bartlett leave from post four and take command of the race with Sonny Weaver N (George Brennan) grabbing the two-hole spot as they sped to the opening quarter mile in :27.4.

Desperate Man (Brent Holland), who was on a four-race winning streak, came first-over from third place, coming on to challenge Covered Bridge for the lead as they passed the half mile marker in :57.

Down the backstretch and Covered Bridge continued to park out Desperate Man at the three-quarters in 1:23.1. Covered Bridge came off the final turn with a slight edge over Desperate Man but Desperate Man, despite parked first-over from the quarter mile, came back in the stretching, collaring Covered Bridge at the wire but losing by a nose. Sonny Weaver N was third. The teletimer was tripped at 1:50.3.

COVERED BRIDGE REPLAY

For Covered Bridge, it has been a career year for the seven-year-old gelding. Not only was it his 18^th win, but he has now earned $525,000 for trainer Jeff Gillis and owner Mark Ford. His wins and earnings are more than twice the amount of any other season. Covered Bridge competed either in stakes events or Opens. This year he won the Camluck Classic, Gold Cup & Saucer and Kane Invitational. He paid $4.00 to win Monday.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink