Despite the intensifying rain, the state's top standardbreds put on a stellar performance at the Night of Champions program at Hawthorne Race Course on November 9th. The richest of the 12 races for Illinois-breds was the $226,545 Incredible Finale for 2-year-old male pacers, where Cash Money Twenty emerged victorious for the 11th time in his 12-race career.

Standardbreds Shine Bright on a Rainy Night

Cash Money Twenty Dominates Incredible Finale

Cash Money Twenty, a gelding trained by Steve Searle and driven by Casey Leonard, showcased his exceptional talent in the Incredible Finale. The 1-9 favorite overcame a three-wide position to edge out Dialogue and Battlin Bob in a thrilling finish, clocking a time of 1:52.1 on the still-fast track before it was designated as sloppy for the remaining races.Leonard, who also piloted two other winners on the card, praised Dialogue as Cash Money Twenty's "No. 1 competitor" and acknowledged the close battle to the finish line. The victory marked the 11th win in Cash Money Twenty's 12-race career, with his lone loss being a second-place finish.

Leonard Shines with Multiple Winners

In addition to his triumph with Cash Money Twenty, Casey Leonard drove two other winners on the Night of Champions program. He guided Lou's My Number to victory in the $144,637 Fox Valley Flan, setting a new track record for a 2-year-old filly trotting race with a time of 1:56.4.Leonard also piloted Whiskey Lou to a dominant four-length win in the $109,658 Beulah Dygert Memorial for 3-year-old filly trotters, equaling the second-widest margin of the night. Trained by Curt Grummel for owner/breeder Randy Witt, Whiskey Lou is a daughter of the state's leading sire, Lou's Legacy, and has now won 13 of her 14 starts this year.

Miller Family Dominates with Multiple Winners

The Miller family also made their mark on the Night of Champions, with Marcus Miller taking three trips to the winner's circle, two of which were with his father, trainer Erv Miller.Marcus' most lucrative victory came with Gorgeous Big Guy, the 1-5 choice in the $155,244 Robert F. Carey, Jr. Memorial for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. Gorgeous Big Guy, trained by Erv Miller, won for the 11th time in 12 races this year, cementing his dominance in the division.Earlier, Marcus and Erv teamed up to win the $132,858 Kadabra for 2-year-old male trotters with Louise's Legacy. Marcus also guided Marvelous Mystery, a daughter of Lou's Legacy, to victory in the $80,000 Carl Becker Memorial for older mares.

Wilfong Pilots Multiple Winners, Including Upset by Fox Valley Tessa

Kyle Wilfong was another driver who found success on the Night of Champions, winning three races, including an upset victory with 11-1 longshot Fox Valley Tessa in the $180,701 Plum Peachy for 3-year-old filly pacers.Wilfong also guided the veteran pacer He'zzz A Wise Sky to victory in the $60,000 Phil Langley Memorial for older pacers, defeating last year's Carey Memorial winner, Fox Valley Landen. Wilfong's other triumphs came with Scorecard Dandy in the $60,000 Tony Maurello Memorial for older pacing mares and Niko Man in the $60,000 Plesac for older male trotters.

Noteworthy Performances and Upcoming Inductions

The Night of Champions program also featured several other noteworthy performances, including Thebeautifulthings' dominant four-length win in the $224,623 Incredible Tillie for 2-year-old filly pacers and Tru Cash's 2¼-length victory in the $134,744 Erwin F. Dygert Memorial for 3-year-old male trotters.Additionally, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association announced the individuals and horses that will be inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame on March 1st at its annual banquet in Springfield. The honorees include Terry Leonard, Freddie Patton, Jr., Bill Wright, Tom Tetrick (posthumous), Mucho Sleazy, Fox Valley Tribal, and King Johnny. Tom and LeeAnn Shinn will also be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Night of Champions program at Hawthorne Race Course showcased the exceptional talent and determination of Illinois' top standardbreds. The victories, records, and upcoming Hall of Fame inductions serve as a testament to the state's vibrant harness racing scene and the dedication of its horsemen and horsewomen.