Standardbreds stepped onto the Northlands' track for the last time Saturday, Feb. 17, as the Edmonton oval concluded its final season of harness racing.
The finale on the 10-race program, a $6,600 conditioned pace, saw horses spread across the track heading to the line, with Tolly Ho, the 6-5 favourite, rushing through the center of the track to win.
Owned, trained and driven by Kim Dressler, the five-year-old gelding by Yankee Cruiser, from the Hi Ho Silverheels mare Hi Ho Molly, was positioned towards the rear of the field while Sudden Storm took control in :28.3.
Secrets Mystery, positioned third, pulled first over moving into the second turn, tracked by Mr Peterman, who inherited fourth after Mr Prominister lost stride through the stretch first time. Sudden Storm lost the lead narrowly to Secrets Mystery through a :59 half.
Through three-quarters in 1:28.1, Sudden Storm reclaimed command as Secrets Mystery lost ground first over. Mr Peterman edged three wide, with Dream Chase moving four wide and Tolly Ho rushing five wide into the stretch.
Sudden Storm drifted off the rail in the stretch, leaving room for pocket-sitter Navajo Jack to shooting through the inside to take a short lead. Tolly Ho lunged towards the rail rider in the final strides to grab victory in 2:00.3. Navajo Jack finished second, with John Md splitting horses for third ahead of Sudden Storm.
Winning his sixth race in 16 starts, Tolly Ho, compiling $22,907 in earnings, returned $4.50 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.
Saw my first horse race at
Saw my first horse race at Northlands Park back in the early 80s, and was hooked! Saw some of the sports best, On The Road Again, Cam Fella, Exclusive Canadian, Driving Home, only to say a few. On Sat, I had to be at the track to see my fav... Nick Hanover, who raced in the INV, for driver, trainer Pat Barr. Miss those days, and was happy to see Kim win the last race at the track. Kim has been a longtime horseman there. The tri would have been nice, Kim, Donnie Monkman JR, and Keith Clarke would have been great!
Does anyone know the progress
Does anyone know the progress of the new Edmonton track? Construction underway?
What date may the opening be?
Any cause for concern about a delay?