Dover: Pat Matters shatters track record with 1:51 2/5 win

Pat Matters shattered the track record for older trotting mares at Dover Downs on Tuesday evening.

Leaving alertly from post six, Pat Matters took the field through a quick 26 2/5 opening quarter before Warrior One, who was parked from the start, motored up before the half to seize the lead. After a half in 55 seconds, Andrew McCarthy boldly pulled the pocket and brushed to the lead as Warrior One began to labor.

Jack Vernon challenged Pat Matters to the three quarters in 1:23, but at the top of the stretch, he and the fast-closing 7/5 race-favorite Scirocco Rob could not make up enough ground.

Pat Matters, the lone mare in the race, won by a half-length in 1:51 2/5, erasing the previous mark for aged trotting mares held by Buck I St Pat (1:53 in 2008).

Pat Matters (Explosive Matter) is owned by Patricia Stables and trained by the red-hot Nifty Norman.

Also on the card, owners George and Tina Dennis, trainer Joe Columbo and driver Mike Cole combined for a racing grand slam by winning four races.

World Champion Shartin N will lead the field in the post parade for the 11th race Mares Open pace on Wednesday night. There will be a brief retirement ceremony in recognition of her accomplishments in the winner's circle.

Live racing continues tomorrow at Dover Downs. Post Time is 4:30 pm.

-edited release (Dover)