Hennessey recorded three victories

Without an Open Pace on the harness racing schedule, Carrythetorchman (American Ideal) emerged victorious in the featured $10,500 race at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday night. Wally Hennessey took the reins behind the Brett Derue-trained six-year-old, who drew the rail in his return from a recent start at Tioga Downs. Heading into this race, Carrythetorchman had finished first or second in four of his last five local outings, making him the 4-5 betting favourite.

Hennessey capitalised on the favourable draw, taking control early and guiding Carrythetorchman to the front through a first half in 57.4. The Derue trainee cruised wire-to-wire, stopping the clock in 1:53.1 for his sixth win of the season. Hunky Hanover (Matt Athearn) made a late charge to secure second place, while longshot Jay Bracken A (Brett Crawford) rounded out the top three.

Hennessey and Derue teamed up later in the evening for another victory with claiming pacer JK Lucky Charms, who went coast-to-coast in 1:56, extending his perfect record to four-for-four with his current connections.

In addition to these wins, Hennessey drove four winners on the night, including a decisive 1:53.3 triumph with Flag Party. Trained by Brett’s brother, Jordan Derue, Flag Party and Hennessey have now recorded three consecutive victories together.