Delaware County Fair: Atlanta goes gate-to-wire in Miss Versatility final

One thing that Atlanta hadn't done in her career is win a race on a half-mile track, but she was able to change that in the $115,500 Miss Versatility Series final for trotting mares on Thursday at the Delaware County Fair, scoring in 1:53 2/5.

Driven by Yannick Gingras and starting from post one, Atlanta went right to the front and set easy fractions of just 28 1/5, 58 1/5, and 1:26 3/5. When Dovescry (David Miller) tried to mount an offensive out of the pocket in the last quarter, but Atlanta closed in 26 4/5 to defeat When Dovescry by a length and a quarter. Refined (Mitchell Cushing) came in third.

"There was never a doubt in my mind she'd get around here. I think she'd get around Monticello if she had to," said Gingras. "She's very good-gaited, and that was not one of my worries.

Atlanta has only a few starts remaining before she retires to broodmare duty, and Gingras said that they're hoping to add more signature victories to her list.

"It's tough when you get to the end of a horse's career like this. Like today, it's not about the money, it's you want to put that one her resume. Every race now is you want to try to put one more big one on her resume because she deserves it," he offered. "She's been great for five or six years, and we're sure going to miss her."

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A 7-year-old Chapter Seven mare, Atlanta is trained by Ron Burke and owned by Crawford Farms Racing, Bradley Grant, and Howard Taylor. This was her 36th career triumph, and she has now banked $3,352,279. She paid $4.20 to win as the favorite.

"She's going to be a mom soon, and I think that's going to her next accomplishment," remarked Michelle Crawford. "I'm sure she's looking forward to that, but she's just the most amazing horse I've ever owned."

Howard Taylor added, "She's just a special thing. Every race she puts out, she gives her best. She's been a miracle."