Oliveira upsets in Yonkers match race

The New Zealand bred pacer and the UFC star have combined to beat Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick in their much-anticipated match race at Yonkers Raceway in New York.

UFC Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira combined with Provocative Prince, who was bred by Gavin Chin (of Lazarus fame) and trained by David Mitchell in this country. He won six races here from 44 starts before being exported to North America in 2016.

Oliveira, who is mixed martial arts royalty at home in Brazil, started from barrier two in the 1609 metre battle with Tetrick and the US bred Sumthinboutim on pole.

Tetrick is North America’s third all-time leading stakes-winning driver with $US232 million in prizemoney. He has nearly 12,3000 victories.

Tetrick took the early lead with Oliveira in the trail until, with a lap to go, Sumthingboutim paced roughly for a stride or two. Oliveira took the opportunity to scoot up on the inside and take the lead.

Tetrick ranged up on the home turn but couldn’t get to Provocative Prince, who won in 1:56.4.

Oliveira is actively involved in all aspects of harness racing when not training for UFC bouts. He has a career record of 30 wins from 41 fights.

“A friend of mine brought me to the racetrack … and the first time I went to the races, this is my passion for sure,” he said through a translator in a recent interview.

To check out Oliveira's UFC video on his passion for harness racing click here