Mini Champion Crowned At Flamboro

Flamboro Downs' second annual Mini Horse Championship, sponsored by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp., wrapped up on Saturday night with miniature pony Chester and driver Carl Dawson topping the point standings after the third and final leg of the series.

Chester, who had scored a pylon-skimming victory in the series on Feb. 21, was honoured as the overall series point-earner with a miniature blanket presentation on Saturday night after completing a top five finish in the final leg.

Mullingar and Emma Vare just held off Simba and Maria Flink in a tight finish to win the evening's quarter-mile race by a head, while Norton and Alexis Bandy came in third. Prince Charming and Katie Gangell were fourth over Chester and Dawson.

The non-wagering series for miniature horses was comprised of one leg each month from January to March with points awarded based on order of finish. The minis were also involved in meet and greets and photo ops with fans following each race.

On the nights of the mini races, Flamboro Downs also hosted the Wanna Drive program, giving fans the chance to sit in the sulky behind a standardbred on the track while accompanied by an experienced driver.

During Saturday's regular harness racing card, Dragin The Wagon ($5.40) and driver Anthony Haughan took the $7,500 Preferred 3 Trot in a photo finish after being challenged the entire mile. The favourite turned back Massive Muscles, the eventual third-place finisher, and then held off Holy Molie Maggie to prevail by a nose at the wire in 2:00.1. Jeff Byron trains the homebred Angus Hall gelding, who scored his first win of the year after a narrow loss last week, for owners James, David and Michael Cantelon.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.