by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was ladies first at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon (April 26) as Gracious Triumph ($4.80) was a 'gracious winner' against the gentlemen. The 5-year-old mare defeated the boys in the featured $9,200 trot in a seasonal best 1:59.1 over the fast track. She beat Bridge Works by 2-1/2 lengths while Red Hot Sun was third.
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| Photo by Barnstormer Images |
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| Gracious Triumph is 'gracious' in victory. |
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Bridge Works (David McNeight III) set the early fractions as he posted splits of :30.3, 1:01.1 and 1:30.2. Drafting along in the pocket, Gracious Triumph was itching to go at the top of the stretch and when driver Shawn McDonough gave her the cue to go, she responded perfectly.
Using a final panel of :28.4, Gracious Triumph easily breezed past the tempo-setting Bridge Works while Red Hot Sun (James McNeight Jr.) took third place honors.
Owned by Harry Wortzman and trained by McDonough, it was the third victory in 10 appearances for Gracious Triumph (Triumphant Caviar-Sweet Touch). The win increased her 2024 bankroll to $14,868 and $196,744 in her career.
Mike Baumeister and Kyle Swift each produced a pair of victories on the card while McDonough notched a double on the training side of the ledger.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with an 11-race card set.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to
www.buffaloraceway.com
