Grand slam including feature for Hennessey

Wally Hennessey earned a harness racing driving grand slam including a win with Major Battle in the featured $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open at Tioga Downs on Saturday (August 6).

In the feature Prairie Westerngal (Mike Simons) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.2.  Major Battle (Art Major) ($2.90) went by and took control as they headed for the stands for the first time.  She used a :29.0 second quarter and led to the half in :57.2.  Georgie Martin (Mike Simons) came first-over to challenge heading to the final turn.  Major Battle led to three-quarters in 1:25.0.

As they made the turn for home Georgie Martin went all out after the lead but Major Battle was too strong and won in 1:53.0.  Georgie Martin had to settle for second.  Don’t Chip Me (Aaron Byron) finished third.

MAJOR BATTLE REPLAY

Major Battle is a 5-year-old mare by Art Major.  She is trained by Jenny Melander for owners Melander Racing Inc., John Devito, and Robert Bernaski.  It was her fourth win this season.  She now owns 14 career victories.

Hennessey combined with Melander for another win with Original Smokey (Possess The Will) ($3.20).  His other victories came with Anchors Away (Whom Shall I Fear) ($2.70), and Silverhill Misty (Proven Lover) ($8.50).

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Sunday (August 7) with a 13-race card starting at 1 p.m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race entries, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs