Sears wins Hambletonian and Oaks
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Brian Sears has solidified his throne. Driving Royalty For Life, Sears won the 88th edition of the $1 million Hambletonian on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands Racetrack after decisively taking first with Bee A Magician in the Hambletonian Oaks earlier in the day. The pair of victories replicated his performance in 2009, when he became the only driver to win both events in the same day.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Brian Sears has solidified his throne.
Driving Royalty For Life, Sears won the 88th edition of the $1 million Hambletonian on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands Racetrack after decisively taking first with Bee A Magician in the Hambletonian Oaks earlier in the day. The pair of victories replicated his performance in 2009, when he became the only driver to win both events in the same day.
The Massachusetts-born Royalty For Life started from the rail and held control for most of the race before cruising down the stretch to finish in 1 minute, 52.1 seconds, beating Smilin Eli by 3¼ lengths. Corky finished third.
"I thought that I had the opportunity to have a really good day, but it could also be a bad day if you don't have any luck," Sears said. "Things just could go wrong."
Sears said the George Ducharme-trained horse had some disappointing results earlier in the year while the driver learned how to handle the horse. That paid off as the 11-time career winner went a fast opening quarter to seize control in 26.2 seconds.
The 3-year-old trotter returned $3.60.
The eliminations and final format made a return to the Hambletonian for the first time since 1996. The top three finishers from each of the three eliminations and the fourth-place finisher with highest lifetime earnings advanced to the final.
Royalty For Life won the first elimination by 1¾ lengths.
"He needed a few more starts, a little more consistency, a little more work," Sears said. "That's why I thought with the two heats he would really fare well."