‘There’s no doubt that the horses in our St. Paddy
Pace aren’t top stock but any way you size it up it figures to be very
competitive because any one of the eight starters can be a winner,” noted
Eric Warner the track’s director of racing.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the betting favorite goes off at
odds of 3-1 or even 7-2 ” added race announcer Howard Oil. “It’s true the
field isn’t high class but it is what every bettor likes; (that being) a field
so evenly matched that any horse can win it.”
For the first time in the event’s history two real honest-
to- goodness Irishmen will be competing. “Irish” Joe Hanney, will handle the
Tidewater Moses (8-1) from the pylon position while his friend and fellow
countryman, Anthony Haughan has drawn Quiet Hero (5-2) and post position
seven.
Both gentlemen left together from their native Dublin,
Ireland and traveled to North America to pursue a career in harness
racing. Initially they settled in Canada but in recent years Hanney moved
to the States and has put together a public stable while Haughan stayed
on north of the border where he has produced some impressive stats over
the past few years.
Both Irishmen will be up against some former St. Paddy Pace
winners in Jimmy Taggart, Jr. (2012); Jimmy Marohn, Jr. (2009 & 2011); John
Mc Dermott (2005) and Mike Doherty (2001).
Taggart will handle Song Of The South (7-2) from post two;
Marohn has Best of Times (9-2) from post six; McDermott will drive Syncro’s Z
Tam(10-1) and start from the five hole, while Doherty has Sempre Ribera
(12-1)and will leave post three.
Joining the aforementioned will be Cory Stratton with
Eusebio (3-1) from the eight hole and Rick Harp with Greystone Matt (4-1)
from post position four.
“Don’t be afraid of the morning line odds “added Howard Oil.
“The horse that you think will get the best trip will probably be the winner.
And that can be anyone of the starters.”
Even though it’s certainly an oddity to have two “real”
Irishmen competing in this year’s race, but then again, so was John Gilmour’s
victory in the 2002 St Paddy Pace when he won with a pacer by the name of Irish
Lad!
This year the St. Paddy Pace is sponsored by Mary and Peter
Grandich who own horses in “Irish” Joe Hanney’s public stable. They will be on
hand to make the trophy and blanket presentation to the winner of the race.
The St. Paddy Pace is presented this year on March 13th
because St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th is a Sunday and the Mighty M
is dark on the weekends.
The St. Paddy Pace, the second leg of this year’s Heritage
Drivers Series, will be the eighth race on the 11-race Wednesday card on
March 13 with approximate post time at 2:55pm
