Back class came to the forefront Friday at Scarborough Downs as the ageless wonder, Mattnifesto, romped down victory lane for the 51st time in his illustrious career. Driver Drew Campbell called the shots during Mattnifesto’s two-minute score for owner Greg Tulloch of Gorham, Maine.

Two minutes may sound pedestrian for a horse like Mattnifesto, who holds a 1:51 lifetime mark and who boasts career earnings in excess of $600,000. But his connections could not have been more pleased than if this win had been one of his scores at the Meadowlands in his heyday.

“He’s an old classy horse,” said owner Greg Tulloch, “and he raced at the Meadowlands for years. He used to hold the record at the Big M for the most years winning in under 1:52. He’s gotten a little slower and a little older but we’re real pleased to have him racing from our stable. He’s just a nice old horse.”

Mattnifesto’s career earnings came the old fashioned way - racing mostly as a claimer throughout most of his career and changing hands by way of the claim box an astounding 22 times.

Far from the bright lights of big league racetracks, older pacers can still prove productive at smaller venues such as Scarborough Downs, and some of these veteran campaigners are fortunate to find themselves cared for by compassionate trainers such as Tulloch.

“He’s made over $600,000 lifetime but only $2,000 of that was with me,” said Tulloch, “but we have a farm for him and when he can’t go anymore, we want to have him at home. He likes being turned out with the mares and he’ll be a good riding horse when his racing days are through. He’s real friendly, and people just like him.”

At 12 years old, Mattnifesto remains a vital force at the raceway. And while he’s far from the end of his racing career, it’s good to know that his prospects for an enjoyable retirement are secured.