Class hike no problem for Leap Day winner

WASHINGTON, PA, Feb. 29, 2024 — Leaping up in class on Leap Day, Hankscoltfortyfive (Western Trademark-Hank’s Chip) overpowered the field first over to spring an 11-1 upset — his second straight victory — in Thursday’s harness racing feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, an $11,900 Conditioned Pace.

Hankscoltfortyfive was jumping up from Conditioned Claimers, but owner/trainer/driver Brady Jenson did not hesitate to send him first up from fourth. The 5-year-old gelding gobbled up the leader, Take A Closer Look, and rolled home in a career-best 1:54.2, 3/4 lengths better than Colby Jack. A trapped-in Aintbluenomore found late racing room for show.

HANKSCOLTFORTYFIVE REPLAY

Elsewhere on Thursday’s card, The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association were pleased to welcome back driver Chris Shaw, who made his first purse start since suffering multiple serious injuries in a Sept. 28, 2021, race mishap at The Meadows. His return was successful, as he finished third aboard Yankee Gambol, a 3-year-old trotting filly trained by Shaw’s wife, Ashley Brown.

Aaron Merriman, Dave Palone, Ridge Warren, Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., trainer Michael Burke and Jenson each enjoyed a double on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 13-race program features an $836.03 carryover in the Pick 5 (race 9). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association