Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Blue York Yankee wins Haughton Memorial

August 3, 2007

In the $467,000 Peter Haughton Memorial for colts, Blue York Yankee emerged the winner of a lengthy stretch duel with Surtees Hanover for a two-length win in 1:57.2. Keystone Blitz, Surtees Hanover's entrymate, held third.

"I had to be a little careful with him on the first turn," said winning driver, Brian Sears. "I was just hoping there would be enough speed on the outside that Dave [Palone and Surtees Hanover] would have to leave and use his horse coming back, and it was just enough to help me out to get him across. I thought he might have let me go [at the half]. My horse was coming pretty strong, but we took a shot and we raced from there. My horse held game and got the job done."

Trained by Trond Smedshammer, Blue York Yankee has now won three of five career starts. The colt is a full-brother to Blue Mac Lad, who finished third in the 2006 Hambletonian. The son of Muscles Yankee-Vernon Blue Chip was a $180,000 yearling purchase at the Harrisburg Sale. He is owned by Einari Kalle Vidgren of Iislami, Finland.