Celtic Merchant wins 'Over The Hill Gang' Trot

The popular "Over The Hill Gang" series continued on Tuesday night at Pompano Park featuring a field of seven with combined harness racing career earnings of over $2.3 million and, in a photo, it was the senior citizen of the group, 13 year-old Celtic Merchant, handled by the senior citizen of this group of drivers, Rick Plano, a winner in 1:56.4.

Trained by owner Steve Oldford, Celtic Merchant left alertly from the five post and settled in the garden spot as Illusionsndreams, with Andy Santeramo in the bike, clicked off panels of :27, :57 and 1:26.2 before grudgingly giving way to Celtic Merchant in the final few strides.

The official margin was a head with Savthelasdancforme and Steve Condren teaming up for show honors. Flashy Lady finished fourth while On The Tab picked up the nickel.

Celtic Merchant won for the third time this semester in six starts and pushed his 2016 earnings to $11,792. Lifetime, Celtic Merchant has 45 wins career-wise, good for $354,616 to go along with his mark of 1:54.4 as a 10 year-old.

Off as the 3 to 2 favorite, Celtic Merchant paid $5.00 to his many investors.

Racing continues at Pompano Park on Wednesday night with the first of 10 races scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

by John Berry for Pompano Park