Lemoyne Svendsen Gets 2,500 Win

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Lemoyne Svendsen Gets 2,500 Win
Friday, March 4, 2011 - by Scott Ehrlich, Publicity – Cal Expo

It was very fitting that Lemoyne Svendsen was sitting behind a trotter for a momentous occasion.

It may have been the last race on a Thursday night (March 3) at Cal Expo, but for the 52 year-old Lemoyne "Mooney" Svendsen, it was one of his proudest moments as he guided the 18-1 shot trotting Mighty Kicker to his 2,500 career driving triumph.

For Svendsen, getting the victory with a trotter had to put a smile on a very special person.

"My father, Lorenz, when I was growing up in Minnesota, wouldn't even let me sit behind a pacer when I got into the business at 16," noted Svendsen. "As a matter of fact, the first time I drove a pacer was for another trainer at a Minnesota fair when it was late into my second year of driving when I was 17. I, however, had to arrange it that it would be a late driver change at post-time, plus I had to sneak to the draw-gate to have the trainer hand me the lines before my dad could realize what was going on. I was lucky enough to win the race, and when I came back to the paddock, my dad was waiting there with this very stern look on his face. When I got off the bike, he came up to me, then broke a smile and said, 'Good job son, I'm very proud of you.'"

For the current Cal Expo leading driver, he couldn't help but dedicate his 2,500-career victory to two people.

"I want to dedicate this race to my hero and mentor, my father. He is the person that started this run. I only wish he was still here to see this.

"There is another person I would like to dedicate this milestone to, my wife Jodi - - the strongest person I know. Keep the fight up Jodi; I know you are tough enough to beat this monster. I'll be here for you, I love you."

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (March 4) & Saturday (March 5) is at 6:00 p.m. (PST). On Friday and every live card, Cal Expo offers free parking & free admission after 4:30 p.m. Also on Friday, Cal Expo offers Happy Hour between 6:00-8:30 p.m., where $2 Beer, $2 Wine & $2 Buffalo Wings an order is offered.

On Saturday, Cal Expo offers a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on both the Early & Late Pick-4 wagers with both Pick-4’s having a $10,000 gross guaranteed pool. Additionally, on Saturdays, for winning wagers made on the Late Pick 4 online at TwinSpires.com or on track at Cal Expo, a bonus payout of 17.65 percent of the gross Late Pick 4 mutuel payoff will be paid.