Pinkman wins Hambo

AT SATURDAY’S $1 million Hambletonian, driver Yannick Gingras got to choose between the top two horses heading into harness racing’s marquee event.

His decision suited Brian Sears just fine.

Sears won his third Hambletonian by guiding Pinkman to a ¾-length victory over Mission Brief, Gingras’ choice, in 1:51 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

“To get the opportunity to drive a horse like that, I feel so lucky,” said Sears. “What a wonderful horse. He did all the work, deserves all the credit, I just got lucky and found the right spot.”

Sears and Pinkman had never teamed up until the Hambletonian. Sears didn’t even find out he was driving the horse until he spotted trainer Jimmy Takter in the paddock less than an hour to post time. Earlier in the day, both horses had won their respective eliminations.

“Jimmy looked at me and said ‘You’re driving my horse in the Hambo,” said Sears. “And I said, ‘That’s all right, I’m fine with that’.”

Clearly, after watching the 90th edition of harness racing’s classic event, one would have concluded that the winning team had good chemistry.

After early leader Uncle Lasse had yielded the top to The Bank (another Takter trainee), the race took shape as Pinkman took over the top spot at the half in :55.2.

It was then that 3-5 favorite Mission Brief began her march toward the top while parked out in her quest to become only the third filly to win the Hambo since 1966.

But as the field reached the head of the stretch, it was clear that Pinkman had put away his main foe. As the 9-5 second choice, Pinkman paid $5.60 to win and upped his lifetime record to 14 wins in 17 starts, good for lifetime earnings of just over $1.7 million. Uncle Lasse, The Bank and Jacksons Minion finished third through fifth, respectively, to grab the remaining checks.

For Takter, who continued his domination of the sport’s top events for trotters, it was his fourth Hambletonian win and second straight after taking home the trophy last year with Trixton, whom he also drove.

“Brian is very good, and of course Yannick has been driving this horse every start,” said Takter. “And I understand he had a tough decision, but I was very, very surprised that he chose the filly because to me, (Pinkman) looked stronger and better than her in the (eliminations). But I’m so happy that Brian drove the horse. It’s such a great feeling.”