Mike Lachance took more than two seconds off the lifetime mark of seven year-old trotter Iroquouindianmagic to win the 12th annual Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge Gerry Memorial Trot at Goshen Historic Track
on Sunday.
In a field of trotters all driven by Hall of Famers, with the exception of top amateur driver Todd Whitney competing in the place of the absent Ron Waples, Lachance and “Magic” sat off the early fractions set by Wally Hennessey and Valcyon Days, who hit the quarter in :28.4, the half in 1:00.2 before going off stride at the three-quarter pole in 1:29
Lachance quickly moved to the lead and trotted away from the field to win in 1:58.1 by 2-1/2 lengths for trainer Raheim Strong and owner Alan Schwartz. The horse’s previous mark was 2:00.3, also on a half mile track. My Buddy Chimo (Bill O’Donnell) was second and Kriss Legacy (Jim Doherty) was third.
“It was fun to see all my friends but it was no big deal that I won the race. I just beat up on a bunch of old guys,” Lachance said with a smile.
Owner Alan Schwartz was pleased with the win and the drive, “He did exactly what I told him to do. He said I was right, the horse gets a little steppy in the first turn, but his best quarter is his last quarter. “
The lone non Hall of Famer, amateur driver Todd Whitney was consoled by the experience of driving with Hall of Famers despite his last place finish. “Fun isn’t even the word,” said Whitney. “This is a man’s dream, just to be able to be in the same post parade. I want to take back and just watch these guys,” he said laughing. “I learned these guys are really, really great drivers.”
After the race, all the Hall of Famers signed photos and met the public.