Hennessys Dominate Century Opener
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The father and son, training and driving team of Rod and Mike Hennessy got off to a successful start as Century Downs Racetrack and Casino's 2017 harness racing season began on Saturday afternoon (March 18) in Calgary, Alta.
Authentic Pizzazz ($23.90) scored a double-digit upset in the opener for Team Hennessy, circling a field of maiden pacers in the final quarter, including her front-striding stablemate Murder Mystery, for the 2:06.3 win over the off track. The three-year-old Bunkmeister filly, who is owned by Rod Hennessy and Lorne Duffield, gave Mike Hennessy his 500th career driving victory.
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The Hennessys won three of the first five races to start the meet atop the leaderboard, also scoring with three-year-old filly Thats It ($10.20) and popular older mare Mach Away ($3.80). The duo also finished 1-2 in the ninth race with Rod driving Blue Star Maverick ($6.50) and Mike aboard Outlaw Deacon Jim.
"I just try to have a clean slate every race and go out and try to do my job," said Mike Hennessy, commenting on the 500-win mark in an interview heading into Saturday's program.
Putting up his best numbers yet in the race bike last year, the 34-year-old Calgary horseman was victorious in 89 races and drove winners of more than $690,000 in purses -- the bulk of his success coming at Century Downs and earning him the #2 spot on the leaderboard.
"There's been highs and lows a lot in my career," he said. "Last year was pretty special because it was the first time since I got through some turmoil personally and stayed at it for a whole year. You know, and it showed, it showed if you do things right it will pay off and I had a career-year and hopefully I can continue that this year."
Live harness racing returns to Century Downs next Saturday and Sunday with post time both days set for 1:10 p.m.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs.
Congratulations to the
Congratulations to the Hennessy's crew. Nice start to the season. Great group of students racing under a very talented Driver and Trainer. Way to go.