Three for Hangman McGee

The Muscatine County Fairgrounds in West Liberty, Iowa, hosted a 16 race harness racing card for an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday (6/12).

The first race at West Liberty, featured Iowa titans, Minnie Vinnie and Roland N Rock, meeting up for the second time this season in the 4yo and Older Pace. As the gate folded, Minnie Vinnie (Chad Svendson) shot to the lead from the four hole. Not willing to take the pocket trip, Roland N Rock (Duane Roland) took over before the quarter. With nose to helmet, Minnie Vinne followed Roland N Rock around the track, waiting to make his move. As they rounded the last turn, Minnie Vinnie pulled to the outside and charged down the lane. It was all Minnie Vinnie as he crossed the finish line in 1:59 flat.

Chad Svendson had the lines on CR Valentine in race two, 4yo and Older Trot. Al Mar Bonbon (Adam Hauser) left quickly from the rail and took command. CR Valentine tracked second, until the three-quarter-pole. Taking over the lead, CR Valentine trotted to the finish, holding off a late move by First Gunner (John Hendricks), winning in 2:04.1.

Faithfulfilly (Adam Hauser) trotted the fastest division of two-year-old trotters. Cutting the mile, she trotted in 35, 1:03.1, and 1:39.4. Cruising home for the win, Faithfulfilly trotted the mile 2:08.4.

In race five, two-year-old pacers lined up behind the gate. From post position four, Hangman McGee (Cary Sturtz) pushed the gate out of the way for the lead. As horses reached the quarter-pole, Garzilla (Chad Svendson) pulled past Hangman McGee to take over. Past the half, Garzilla still had the lead, with Hangman McGee hanging tough for second. The real race began when Sturtz pulled Hangman McGee alongside Garzilla on the back stretch. Matching stride for stride, the two battled as they rounded the last turn. Racing for the line, Hangman McGee stretched a nose in front, winning for the third time this season in 2:03.2, the fastest division of two-year-old pacers.

Iowa harness racing resumes for two days of racing at Eldon, Ia. Join us on Wednesday (6/16) post time is 6pm and Thursday (617), post time is 12:30pm CST.

For full race results, click here.

by Tara Spach, for the IaHHA