HORSE RACING AT LOS ALAMITOS : Griswold Defeats Valiant Pete by 1 1/2 Lengths to Avenge Loss

Griswold, the 870-yard quarter horse world-record holder, won the $100,000 Marathon Invitational Friday night at Los Alamitos, avenging a loss to thoroughbred Valiant Pete in a match race at Santa Anita last April.

Griswold, owned by the Legacy Ranch, raced in tandem with Wings Of The Dove in the opening 100 yards, took the lead on the turn and held off Valiant Pete’s late rally for a 1 1/2-length victory. Henry Garcia rode Griswold and finished in 44.62 seconds, well off his world record 43.99 seconds set last February on this same course.

Valiant Pete, who finished fifth Nov. 9 at California Cup Day at Santa Anita, broke the slowest of the six quarter horses and two thoroughbreds but rallied in the stretch under David Flores.

Bailarin, another thoroughbred who won a stakes race at 87-1 odds during last summer’s Orange County Fair, finished third.

Griswold has won four of eight starts this year and next month is expected to be named the American Quarter Horse Assn. champion distance horse of the year. Griswold has won 12 of 41 races totaling $453,805 in earnings.

The remaining order of finish was: Sables Defender, Wings Of The Dove, Queen Auntie, Six Figures and Baychaino.