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.

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.