DeCosta equals mare record

Nick DeCosta demonstrated why is considered as one of the best in the business during the last round of harness racing at Vesey Street.

The former Driving Horse and Pony Club (DHPC) president’s form has come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks.

And last week proved to be no exception as the harness racing stalwart continued on in the same vein competing on three different horses.

DeCosta achieved one of his goals for the season when he equalled the mare’s track record (1:04) with Abbey’s Dream.

The Inwood Stables owner was also a double heat winner with Brona’s Mike and Brona’s Blaze.

Reflecting on his record equalling performance with four–year-old mare Abbey’s Dream, DeCosta said: “She can be a bit unpredictable at times but she’s very talented, and, when she’s on, she’s on.

“My goal at the beginning of the year was to try and do a four flat or better, and so I have reached my goal for the year.”

Also basking in the limelight was Jason Lopes who recorded last week’s fastest time (1:03/2) at the helm of Captain Progress in the four to five–year-old best of three.

Lopes was also a double-heat winner with the same horse.

Last week’s other double heat winners included Andy Stoneham (What a Sensation),

Charles Whited (Skyway Rocket) and Jason Peniston (Crown’s Jewel).

Going one better was the evergreen Johnny Paynter.

The late bloomer picked up three wins with Sure Grand, Ribbons and Pearls and Real Lady Like, who ran the fastest time (1:06) of the season by a three-year-old.

Paynter said: “I got three wins and so I was very happy with the way things went.”

Real Lady Like made a triumphant return to the race -track after losing an eye in an unfortunate accident.

Paynter added: “She was out in the road and she shied away from a truck and ran into a fence and busted up her eye. We started training her about five weeks ago and she has come back very strong after having her left eye removed. She is doing very well.”