BY MIKE
FARRELL
EAST
RUTHERFORD, NJ – August 5, 2017 -- Perfect Spirit was the winner by
disqualification in a chaotic Hambletonian Saturday afternoon at the
Meadowlands Racetrack.
It was a
first time a horse first under the wire had his number taken down in the 92
editions of the $1 million trotting classic for 3-year-olds.
What The
Hill squeezed off the pylons in deep stretch and sprinted past the pacesetting
Perfect Spirit as the crowd cheered what appeared to be the first Hambo winner
for trainer Ron Burke and driver David Miller.
But then
the inquiry sign flashed on the tote board.
The
judges studied the replay and detected contact between What The Hill and
Guardian Angel AS, who broke stride.
After a
lengthy review, the Hambletonian had it first DQ.
“It was a
tough break,” Miller said.
What The
Hill was placed ninth and Perfect Spirit was stunningly on his way to the
winner’s circle.
“Your
horse raced great both heats,” said Hall of Famer John Campbell, presiding for
the first time as president of the Hambletonian Society as he handed the
connections the cherished trophy. “It’s unfortunate circumstances, but you
can’t take anything away from his performance today.”
Winning
owner Lennart Agren, who races as the SRF Stable, chalked the victory up to the
breaks of the game.
“I know
you have to be very lucky like we were today,” he said. “It can end very
quickly, so you have to live in the moment right now.”
The win
gave international trotting master Ake Svanstedt, 58, his first Hambo win as
both a trainer and driver in only his fourth year in the U.S.
“It’s
very big,” the Swedish horseman said. “I’m very happy.”
Perfect
Spirit paid $17, $6.40 and $5.40 for his fifth win in nine starts this season.
In the
revised order of finish, Devious Man ($3 and $2.40) moved up to second and
Enterprise ($4) was placed third.
It was a
tough race for the favorites. Devious Man, the 2-1 choice, had dead aim turning
for home but could not sustain his bid.
International
Moni, the 5-2 second choice, broke stride in the first turn.
