Grin To Wins wins memorial

Grin To Win and driver Kevin Wallis was able to hold off a late charge by Fox Ridge Eric (Sean MacAleese) and post a neck triumph Wednesday at Pompano Park in the $4,800 feature pace in 1:54.4. The race was named in memory of trainer Linda Pitre, who died Monday.

Pitre, 53, owned and trained harness horses for more than 30 years. She had suffered a brain aneurysm on Saturday. A memorial service was held at the racetrack earlier in the evening followed by a special double blanket presentation to the 7th race winner and to Pitre’s daughter, 15-year-old Jeanne Marie.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that any donations be directed to the Jeanne-Marie Pitre College Fund set up at the Wachovia Bank account #1010160627082. Any other bank can assist with a donation to this account. Jeanne-Marie’s father died of cancer in 2001.

In the Pitre Memorial Pace, Jolly Good Fella (Wally Hennessey) went right to the lead from post five with Time For Glory (Bruce Ranger) right on his back to the opening quarter mile in :27.3 and the half mile in :56.1. As the field entered the backstretch, Wallis came first-up with Grin To Win and Fox Ridge Eric tried to follow their cover on the outside. Grin To Win was able to collar pacesetter Jolly Good Fella by the three-quarters in 1:25.1, clearing to the lead on the final turn.

In a dramatic stretch drive, Fox Ridge Eric tried but could not catch Grin To Win at the wire. It was the sixth win this year for Grin To Win, a 5-year-old gelding by Grinfromeartoear who is trained by Linda Wallis and is owned by Yvette Prudenzano and Basil Kellis of Wells, Maine. (Pompano Park)

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