T C I Cruises in Peter Haughton Memorial at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

ANDERSON, Ind.—September 15, 2023—Two of the richest and most prominent two-year-old Grand Circuit trotting events -- the Peter Haughton Memorial for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings and the Jim Doherty Memorial for two-year-old trotting fillies—were contested at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino for the first time ever on Friday, September 15. The legendary trotting affairs did not disappoint as they produced two standout performances. 

Sent off as the heavy betting favorite, T C I delivered the type of performance a 1-2 favorite should. Stopping the timer in 1:54.2, T C I and driver David Miller held Amazing Catch and Yannick Gingras at bay and powered to the wire nearly two lengths to the good. 

Leaving from post four, T C I left sharply but so did Amazing Catch off the rail. T C I gained control just before the half in :57.2 and lead the field to the three-quarters in 1:27. Spaaaanzano and Aaron Merriman were the first to take aim at the leader but they would have their work cut out for them as T C I’s lead was widening with every stride. Utilizing a :27.2 closing quarter, T C I kicked home impressively and finished nearly two lengths in front of Amazing Catch. Security Protected and Tim Tetrick closed from well back to round out the trifecta. As the heavy betting favorite, T C I returned $3.00 to his backers at the betting windows. 

With the victory, the Ron Burke trainee recorded his eighth straight victory and has now won eight of nine lifetime starts. Owned in partnership by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables & Knox Services & Weaver Bruscemi, the son of Cantab Hall—Nicole’s Promise pushed his lifetime earnings to $677,470. With the victory, T C I stamped his ticket to the Breeders Crown Two-Year-Old Colt trot final set to be contested at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday, October 27. 

The inaugural Peter Haughton was raced in 1981 and was created and named in honor of the sport's rising star, 25-year-old Peter Haughton, who tragically passed away the year prior. It quickly became one of the biggest events for 2-year-old male trotters with superstar winners include such names as Donato Hanover, Muscle Hill and King Of The North.