Marohn wins St. Paddy Pace at Monticello

Due to unforeseen circumstances Monticello Raceway’s St. Paddy Pace went to post nine days after its initial schedule, but the wait didn’t make any difference to Jimmy Marohn Jr. who guided Ya Gotta Belief to an easy 1:59.3 triumph in the race for drivers of Irish descent on Thursday.

That clocking established a new events record erasing the former mark of 2:00.2 set by Marohn’s dad, Jimmy Marohn Sr. in 2006 when he reined Fly With Action to a triumph.

“I’ve been racing here all winter long and  appreciate the opportunity to be included in these ethnic races,” Marohn told Eric Warner, the track's director of racing who was in the winner's circle for the trophy presentation. “But with my family background I think I can be included in almost all of the ones you’ve got scheduled this year.”

After being content to let Gary Messenger and Michelpangelo cut the early fractions, Marohn moved Ya Gotta Belief as the field approached the half and when they passed the three-quarter pole Ya Gotta Belief was on top and opening up daylight on the field.

Only the margin of victory was in doubt as Marohn’s charge scooted around the final turn. At the wire Ya Gotta Belief was four lengths ahead of second-place finisher, JD Green, who was driven by John Gilmour. Michelpangelo held on for the show dough. Marohn’s dad, Jimmy Sr., finished fourth with Pass The Light.

Asked how he felt beating his father in the race today, the younger Marohn quipped, “It’ll make good conversation at the dinner table tonight.”

The winner, owned by Michael Belardi and trained by Mike Forte, paid $5.10 for win

For Marohn, it marked his 38^th winner of the season here, some 16 more than his dad has registered thus far. But the elder Marohn, with 5,085 career driving victories, still has the upper hand.

“Hey, I’m real proud of my son. He’s a great driver and I never mind when he beats me,” the elder Marohn said with a smile before adding, “He’ll win plenty of races before he’s through and I’m just giving the boy something to shoot for.”

With his victory Jimmy Marohn Jr. has earned a berth in the Heritage Series final this fall and he’ll be joined by the winners of each of the other seven ethnic events in the All-America Pace at the Mighty M later this season.

Next up in the Heritage Drivers Series is the “Race for the Matzohs,” the 11^th Annual Passover Pace for drivers of Jewish descent slated for Wednesday, April 15. (Monticello)

« Back