ANDERSON, Ind.-September 26, 2015 – Bee A Magician made Hoosier Park history as she became the first mare to ever win the $210,000 Centaur Trotting Classic at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, September 26. With harness racing driver David Miller in the bike, Bee A Magician dominated a field of nine male counterparts to win by a length in 1:53. The World Champion mare was able to overcome a long, first over trip to score her second consecutive victory and first victory at Hoosier Park.
When the talented field of ten left the gate, Lindy's Tru Grit and Andy Miller fired from the wings to reach the opening panel in a snappy :26.4. Wind Of The North and Dave Palone grabbed the pocket seat while Bee A Magician let just enough to grab a spot next in line, third. Yannick Gingras pointed Gural Hanover to the front and they were in command just before the half in :55.3.
Miller gave Bee A Magician the green light approaching the final turn and she ranged up to reach the leader's wheel at the three-quarter clocking in 1:23.4. As the field turned for home, Bee A Magician began to put her talent on display as she found another gear to trot away from the field. Wind Of The North rallied gamely in the stretch but had to settle for second place honors while Gural Hanover held on for third. As the 3-5 favorite, Bee A Magician returned $3.20 at the betting window.
"She's an amazing animal," winning driver David Miller noted in the winner's circle after the victory. "She was able to overcome a bad post and unfavorable trip to win that race tonight. There was enough early speed that I didn't have to move her till late in the mile so I felt pretty good about it coming around the last turn. She raced great again."
"She really is something though," he continued. "To be able to continually dominate at this level and take on the boys week after week is pretty special. She's a pleasure to sit behind."
Trained by Richard 'Nifty' Norman, the five-year-old Kadabra mare scored her 41st career win and 10th seasonal victory from 14 starts. With the win, Bee A Magician pushed her career bankroll to $3.6 million for owners Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman and David McDuffee. The victory was also one of four wins on the 14-race card for driver David Miller.
Live racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will continue on Tuesday, September 29 with a 14-race card that is set to begin at 5:15 p.m. Following a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, live racing will be conducted through November 14. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.
Emily Gaskin