LLOPEZ SCORES DRIVING/TRAINING TRIPLE AT FREEHOLD

FREEHOLD, NJ -- September 7, 2024 -- Three sets of hot hands took control of Freehold Raceway’s 11-race Saturday (Sept.7) card. Vinny Ginsburg, Ivan Llopez, and Austin Siegelman all visited the winner’s circle three times on the program.  A hat trick is not a terribly uncommon feat for Siegelman and Ginsburg who currently rank first and fourth, respectively, on the leading driver list at Freehold for 2024. 

However for Llopez (who typically only drives the horses he trains), scoring a driving or training triple is not something that is often on his radar. It is rare that he gets an opportunity to even attempt a hat trick, limited by the number of horses out of his modest sized stable that race on the same card. 

Llopez sent out four starters at Freehold today. His first winner wasn’t too much of a shock; he piloted Tin Roof Raider A to victory as the 4-5 favorite in race two. The pair left from post two and moved two-wide in the first turn to go around; they cleared to the lead by the time they reached the quarter pole. It was smooth sailing after that for team Llopez as they fended off outside pressure and went on to open up and win by 4- ½ lengths in 1:55.3.

It’s Miki’s World was next up for Llopez. He started from post one and got away third behind the two 8-5 co-favorites. The 4-year-old gelding seemed to be under constant urging by Llopez to keep up with the early leaders. Approaching the three-quarter pole, It’s Miki’s World was gapped off from the leaders and things didn’t seem promising. Reaching the three-quarter mark in 1:27.1 may have been just a bit too fast for the NW $1000 last 5 pacers and the co-favorites began to tire. Llopez’ horse then found a second wind and brushed passed them in the stretch to win in 1:57.2 at 4-1 odds.

In the final race of the day, Llopez sent out his fourth starter, hoping for better results than he had in race six where he finished last.  When the wings folded he left hard from post six and managed to clear to the front relatively easily. No one was able to catch him after that and the 5-1 shot prevailed to put an exclamation mark on the day for Llopez. This was the second win in three starts for the 5-year-old gelding that Llopez co-owns with Tony Mancini. 

Fans in the grand stand couldn’t miss Llopez’ entourage of friends and family- they cheered him on in every race and joined him in the winner’s circle.

This was the first time in his career that Llopez scored a triple- training or driving. When asked about the big day he had, Llopez said, “I’m thankful. Great job by my grooms, Ashley and Chris, for always being there for me. I don’t know what to say… I’m still shocked.” 

Llopez wasn’t the only one celebrating at Freehold Raceway today, though. Nick Sodano celebrated his 36^th birthday in the winner’s circle as he sent out two winners (Claytons Bettor N and What The Luck) for a training double. 

Driver/trainer Irish Joe Hanney celebrated his recovery from a life-threatening injury last October by returning to the bike and having a safe trip around the track for a sixth place finish in race six. Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring sixth place finishes in harness racing history.

Freehold Raceway will race three days next week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) for the first time this year with a 12:30pm post time. The $50,000 Garden State Trot takes place on Thursday (Sept. 12) along with New Jersey Sire Stakes Standardbred Development Fund action kicking off on all three days. Don’t miss the action!