Horse Play: Lachance wins fifth Jug

Millstone resident ties record for most victories in prestigious event.

By: Ken Weingartner
   Michel Lachance knows many harness drivers who would give just about anything to win the Little Brown Jug.
   So even after winning a record-tying fifth Jug last week, Mr. Lachance remained extremely appreciative of the accomplishment.
   "I’ve been very fortunate to land behind horses that have had a chance to win the Little Brown Jug," said Mr. Lachance, who drove Bettor’s Delight to victory Sept. 20 in the 56th Little Brown Jug, contested before 52,025 at the Delaware (Ohio) County Fair.
   "It’s something special. How fortunate can one man be?"
   With the triumph, Mr. Lachance tied the late Billy Haughton for the most Little Brown Jug wins. Earlier this year, Mr. Lachance was named the 17th member of the Little Brown Jug Wall of Fame.
   "Winning a race like (the Jug) never gets old," said Mr. Lachance, a native of Quebec who now lives in Millstone Township.
   After winning his opening heat earlier in the day, Bettor’s Delight came back to post a 1¼-length victory over Real Desire in the final heat to win the Jug.
   Mr. Lachance said he felt confident after Bettor’s Delight won his first heat, which was the second of three flights contested to gain entry into the final heat. Running Start and Exquisite Art won the other opening-round heats.
   "He was tremendous in the first heat," Mr. Lachance said. "He gives only what he’s asked to, he’s a little bit lazy, so I knew he would be in good shape coming back for the final heat."
   Mr. Lachance called the final heat "the best Little Brown Jug I was in." He said many fans who witnessed the race called it one of the all-time classics in the event’s history. There were several lead changes early before Bettor’s Delight took control.
   "There was a lot of action," said Mr. Lachance, who felt assured of victory when the horses reached the turn at the top of the stretch. "Real Desire put in a tremendous race. But turning for home, it looked like my horse was going to pull away."
   Mr. Lachance won his first Little Brown Jug in 1988 when he piloted BJ Scoot to victory. A year later, he was back in the winner’s circle with Goalie Jeff.
   Magical Mike (1994) and Western Dreamer (1997) also were guided to victory by Mr. Lachance, a Hall of Famer who ranks second on the list of all-time money-winning drivers, trailing only John Campbell. The 50-year-old has won more than $130 million in purses during his career.
   Oddly, drivers who live in Millstone Township have won six of the last eight Little Brown Jug races. Jack Moiseyev won in 1996 with Armbro Operative and Ron Pierce had back-to-back winners with Shady Daisy (1998) and Blissful Hall (1999).
   Bettor’s Delight, by Cam’s Card Shark, was voted the sport’s 2-year-old pacing champion last year. This season, he has won eight of 13 starts, including the $1.1 million North America Cup. His career earnings stand at $2.3 million.
   Mr. Lachance said Bettor’s Delight had his problems entering the Little Brown Jug, and that the win was "a surprise."
   "I didn’t expect him to do as good as he did," Mr. Lachance said. "That’s probably his best race so far. Coming in, he had some equipment problems, made some breaks. There was a lot of work that had to be done. I give all the credit to trainer Scott McEneny."
   Although there are races with larger purses, the Little Brown Jug retains its spot among the most prestigious events in the game, Mr. Lachance said.
   "It’s in front of 50,000 people who are really fans," he said. "You get there three or four days in advance of that one race. Even if it was for just $50,000, it would still be special.
   "Some things," he added, "you can’t explain."
   It doesn’t seem any explanation is necessary.
Driving clinic
   A carriage driving clinic will be held at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold on Saturday, Oct. 13.
   Mickey Bowen, registered American Driving Society judge and driver of singles to four-in-hands, is available for lessons from beginner to advanced level. Each session is $50.
   Renowned driving horse trainer from Massachusetts, Jeff Morse, will work with all levels of horses, in harness or long lines. He also will do an assessment of suitability of your horse for driving. Each session is $40. Auditors are welcome to watch and listen at $5.
   These clinics are offered in conjunction with the Garden State Horse & Carriage Society Pleasure Driving Show benefiting the Handicapped High Riders on Sunday, Oct. 14. This is the largest all-carriage driving show in New Jersey and is in its 11th year.
   Divisions include open, novice, and green with a variety of obstacles, cross country and ring classes. A junior championship will be awarded if there are enough entries. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the elegant carriages, vendors, food and silent auction. No charge for admission or parking.
Horse Park events
   Oct. 13 — HRH of New Jersey. Contact: Ellen Weisfeld (732) 928-7477.
   Oct. 14 — Garden State Horse & Carriage Pleasure Show. Contact: Ellen Weisfeld (732) 928-7477.
   Oct. 20-21 — New Jersey Horse Trials. Contact: Gary Maholic (215) 489-1557.