Lexington, KY, September 27, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling race at The Red Mile, driver Andy McCarthy steered Signal Caller to a noteworthy victory in the $298,500 Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace. The race showcased impressive maneuvering and strategy as McCarthy timed his move perfectly to clinch victory over the favorite, Ubrute. This win marks Signal Caller’s fourth victory out of eight starts and pushes his career earnings to $103,439.
Lexington, KY – Driver Andy McCarthy achieved a significant victory in the $298,500 Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace at The Red Mile with his horse, Signal Caller. The event took place on Friday, September 26, showcasing some of the best young harness racers in the region.
McCarthy skillfully executed his racing strategy, timing his maneuver perfectly after following closely behind competitors Thai Hanover and Captain Apple. Signal Caller crossed the finish line with a winning time of 1:48.4, narrowly defeating the favorite, Ubrute, by a length. The timing not only highlighted McCarthy’s tactical prowess but also the horse’s potential in the competitive racing scene.
Initially, Thai Hanover set a brisk pace, clocking a quick first quarter of 26.1 seconds, but faltered in the final stretch, allowing McCarthy’s Signal Caller to surge ahead. In addition to Signal Caller’s impressive win, Ubrute, driven by Yannick Gingras, finished in second place after being boxed in during the race. Captain Apple, with driver Dexter Dunn, concluded the race in fourth position.
The Bluegrass series featured four divisions that were sponsored by Brittany Farms, adding excitement and competition to the evening. In the first division, Melillo, also driven by Gingras, won with a time of 1:50.1, finishing 2-3/4 lengths ahead after overtaking Up In Place early in the race. The second division saw Brandon Blvd, driven by Dunn, secure victory with a time of 1:49.1, claiming the lead after the first quarter and successfully fending off competition from Funky Buddha. The final division concluded with Be Sting, also driven by Dunn, taking home the win in a time of 1:50, demonstrating superb performance by overtaking the lead horse, Drink To That, in the closing moments of the race.
With this victory, Signal Caller marked his fourth win out of eight starts, bringing his total career earnings to $103,439. The success of Signal Caller did not go unnoticed as he paid $15.16 to win, a reflection of both the horse’s and McCarthy’s capability on the track.
Live harness racing at The Red Mile is set to continue on Saturday, September 27, featuring a total of 12 divisions in the Bluegrass series. This exciting card will encompass 3-Year-Old Filly Trot, Colt & Gelding Pace, Colt & Gelding Trot, and 3-Year-Old Filly Pace events. Additionally, a $7,500 guarantee is offered on the Early Pick 4 betting option, further enticing fans and bettors alike.
Event Highlights
| Race | Winner | Time | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace | Signal Caller | 1:48.4 | Andy McCarthy |
| 1st Division | Melillo | 1:50.1 | Yannick Gingras |
| 2nd Division | Brandon Blvd | 1:49.1 | Dexter Dunn |
| Final Division | Be Sting | 1:50 | Dexter Dunn |
Background
The Bluegrass series is an annual event held at The Red Mile, which is known for showcasing young harness racing talent. This year, the series featured multiple divisions and a diverse lineup of participants. With extensive breeding and training programs in place, horses like Signal Caller are rapidly gaining recognition and success within the harness racing community.
FAQ
What is the Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace?
The Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace is a harness racing event specifically for two-year-old colts and geldings, part of the Bluegrass series at The Red Mile.
Who won the race?
Signal Caller, driven by Andy McCarthy, won the 2023 Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace.
What was the winning time for Signal Caller?
Signal Caller won with a time of 1:48.4.
What are the upcoming events at The Red Mile?
The Red Mile will host additional races on Saturday, September 27, featuring 12 divisions in the Bluegrass series.
What is the total earnings of Signal Caller after the race?
After his latest victory, Signal Caller’s career earnings now stand at $103,439.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Harness Racing Update: John Duer’s Family Foundation
- Wikipedia: Harness Racing
- Kentucky.com: Sports Article
- Google Search: Harness Racing
- Harness Link: Red Mile Opening Weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harness Racing
- USTrotting News: Burke Collects Win
- Google News: Kentucky Harness Racing
- Paulick Report: Upcoming Training Center
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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