by John Manzi for the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club
Monticello, NY—Gerry Fielding is celebrating, and
why not? After all, how many 78 year-old drivers still are able to drive much
less rein a winner in pari-mutuel contest as Fielding did this afternoon at
Monticello Raceway.
Up behind 13-1 shot Back On Board N from the pole
position Fielding floated away from the mobile gate and settled in fourth along
to pylons as Rock N Roll Legacy ( Joe Lee) led the field by the first stanza in
28 seconds. But when Lee began to back off the second quarter Fielding was out
and going and by the half he was challenging for the lead.
“When Lee began to back off the second quarter I
did not want tom get caught in so I moved first-up and when we headed up the
backside for the second time I had cleared to the lead,” Fielding explained.
In front by a solid length Back On Board N led his
competition by the third stanza in 1:28.1.
Once comfortably on top both Fielding and his
pacer were looking for competition which didn't come until McKenzie Sowers and
All Net took aim at the pacesetter as the field headed for home.. But their
late charge wasn't enough and as they headed for paydirt it was clear that no
one was going to catch Back on The Board N as he rallied to a 2-1/2 length
triumph over All Net in a time of 1:58.1. Third place went to Midnight Shark
(Chad Washington)
For Fielding, who doubles as the president of the
Catskill Amateur Drivers Club, it was his 65th career driving
victory and first one since 2018.
Back On Board N, an 11-year-old Christian Cullen
gelding, is owned by Michael Elia and trained by Veronica Merton. He paid
$29.20 for win.
