Harness racing at the fair: Du Quoin trainer's horse surprises with victory

Opening day of the Du Quoin State Fair's brief, two-day harness racing card Tuesday was good. Not historic, but good.

However, one longtime Du Quoin resident, Shawn Nessa, may even challenge that appraisal. A longtime trainer of standard bred horses, Nessa's Party Belle was a surprise winner in a race for 2-year-old filly pacers with an estimated $33,000 purse and paid $40.60-$9.00-$2.00 at the part-mutuel windows.

Nessa was excited following the race.

"She's a late bloomer," Nessa said. "She's had a few health problems this season, but had a perfect trip for us today. Her driver, Jamaica Patton, did a great job and obviously it was a big win for us."

Party Belle came out of the pack in the stretch to win the exciting race. She was fourth most of the trip, but came from nowhere to win as a result of a :27.4 last quarter to edge out the early leaders.

And, as expected, there were several other surprise winners in the opening day card as well as some favorites claiming honors.

Driver Mike Brinks won the first two races of the almost-perfect-weather afternoon for racing as he piloted Real Peace to Victory Lane in the initial race with a 1:54.4 trip and Tookadiveoffdipper in 1:52.4 in the second.

Other winners included Fort Defiant (1:57) in the third, Watchcircuspace (1:55.1) in the fourth, Fox Valley Winnie (1:56.3) in the sixth, Maui Mama (1:56.4) in the seventh, Fancy Greek Jolene (1:52.3) in the eighth, Annas Lucky Star (1:55.1) in the ninth and Louscipher in a photo-finish over Picky Picky Valor (1:55.2) the 10th.

Wednesday's 12-race card is scheduled to start at noon.