Muscle Hill wins World Trotting Derby

Despite a six-hour delay and driver change, Hambletonian champion Muscle Hill scored a convincing victory in the $540,000 World Trotting Derby for three-year-old trotting colts Saturday evening, September 5 at the Du Quoin State Fair. Driven by Luke McCarthy, a substitution for Brian Sears, who had commitments in Canada, the sophomore trotter easily held off Southern Rocketop and Dave Magee in a time of 1:52.3. Photoforwin and trainer Rick Beinhauer were third.

 

“Luke did a beautiful job with him,” trainer Greg Peck said afterwards. “What Luke did was keep a good hold of him.”

 

Starting from post six, McCarthy directed the 1-9 favorite out third at the onset as Magee sent Southern Rocketop to the lead, clicking off an opening quarter in :28.2 with the world champion ranging up on the outside. The Aussie wasted little time sending Muscle Hill to the lead, taking command on the way to a :57.2 opening half. Once on the front, the duo cruised to three quarters in 1:26.1 over the “Miracle Mile” and opened up on the field. In the stretch, Southern Rocketop popped out from the rail to challenge, but Muscle Hill kicked home in :26.2 for a comfortable win, his 15th consecutive coming in 16 career starts.

 

“I’ve driven a lot of nice horses in Australia, but that’s the most nervous I’ve ever been,” McCarthy said in a winner’s circle interview, “I spoke with Brian this afternoon and he told me to get away handy. We had a lot left. I just wanted to keep him together and make sure he finished the race.”

 

The son of Muscles Yankee is owned by Jerry Silva, TLP Stable, Southwind Farm and Muscle Hills Racing and increased his seasonal bankroll to more than $1.3 million.

 

Regular driver Brian Sears was set to drive Muscle Hill, but when rain earlier in the day pushed back the start of the program, a conflict arose. Sears was slated to compete at Mohawk, driving Delmarvelous for trainer George Teague in the $1 million Metro Pace and Fancy Filly in the $810,000 Shes A Great Lady final. He was also set to drive Mister Big in the $685,000 Canadian Pacing Derby. Peck was set to drive Muscle Hill in Sears’ absence when McCarthy was suggested.

 

“Brian wanted me to drive the horse because I know him so well,” the conditioner said.

 

Instead, he called upon McCarthy, whose brother, Andrew, guided the trotter to a victory last fall at The Red Mile. The driver delivered, keeping Muscle Hill’s perfect 2009 campaign intact and adding yet another impressive victory to his credentials.