It was a great night for Hazel Park, the fans, and of course Pete Wrenn who broke the record for wins on a Hazel Park card with 8 on this night. Afterwards, I made my way down to the Bridge Lounge to have a few words with Hazel Park's leading driver. Reverting back to my radio interviewing days, I started the impromptu session with these words.
Mike: Pete, I don't know what to say. Pete: I don't know what to say either.
In all seriousness, I asked Pete how it felt to be the new record holder, and in typical modest form, Pete deferred the credit to the trainers that work their rears off to have the horses ready to roll. However, the professional that Pete is, he talked more about the dissapointing effort of Dynamite Diva, who broke stride in the sixth race just as she was about to make her move. "She was in position and I was ready to swing her to the outside", said Pete. "As things cleared up, she made a break just as she did last week."
Pete watched the replays on the bridge that night after the races, critiquing every one of his drives. Even in victory, Pete was asking himself what he could have done better.
"What really touched me the most was the response I got from the crowd during the post parade, during the race, and after the race," said Wrenn. "People who weren't even betting on me were wishing me good luck and cheering me on, it's great to see people here cheering on the sport."
Bingo Pete, people standing on the track apron of a Michigan Harness Racing track cheering and screaming for a superstar in our sport. What happened last night was good for the business, and it proved that harness racing is as an exciting of a sport as there is anywhere. Thank you Pete. You made the sport some new fans last night.
