Upset Winner in Hambletonian

Vivid Photo pulled away in the stretch Saturday and won the $1.5-million Hambletonian at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Vivid Photo, trained and driven by Roger Hammer, went off at 7-1 odds. He came from off the pace for the first time this year and defeated favorite Classic Photo by 2 3/4 lengths in harness racing’s biggest event.

Hammer won the Hambletonian on his first try.

Hammer, who also co-owns the 3-year-old gelding, campaigns most of his horses on smaller circuits in Pennsylvania. He rarely shows up for big races, but believed Vivid Photo was capable of winning the Hambletonian. Vivid Photo returned $16.40, $4 and $3.40.