Morgan wins Harrah's Chester Driving Challenge

Tony Morgan won two races and was second in two others as he topped seven other drivers to capture the inaugural Harrah’s Chester Drivers Challenge on Sunday afternoon. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Challenge spanned eight events and offered total prize money of $60,000, with Morgan earning the top prize of $15,000.

Morgan’s performance garnered him 192 points, enough to best runner-up George Brennan, who notched 184 points. Tim Tetrick was third with 130 points, while Brian Sears (105 points), Cat Manzi (84 points), Yannick Gingras (78.5 points), David Miller (65 points) and Ron Pierce (52.5 points) rounded out the scoring.

Points were awarded in each race based upon final finish position as follows:  1^st place (50 points), 2^nd place (25 points), 3^rd place (12 points), 4^th place (8 points), 5^th place (5 points), 6^th place (4 points), 7^th place (3 points), and 8^th place (2 points).  If a driver’s horse was scratched, 15 points were awarded. Drivers were permitted to have their choice of one mount in one race, with their other drives being determined by random draw.

Morgan’s victories came with Tristate Hanover in the 2nd race and Answer Me This is the 7th event. Brennan and Tetrick also registered driving doubles, but it was the consistency of Morgan’s non-winning contest mounts that earned him the title.

“Some days you get lucky and everything goes right,” Morgan said afterward.  “This was one of those days.”

Participating drivers contributed their standard five-percent commissions to Operation Warm, a charitable organization that donates warm coats to children living in poverty nationwide. A total of $8,880 was raised. (Harrah's Chester)

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