Stormont Kate took the lead at the third-quarter pole and drew off down the lane for a wide-open victory in the $11,000 Preferred 2 Trot featured at Grand River Raceway on Friday night (July 7).

Trainer/driver/owner Bruce Richardson sent Stormont Kate on the attack from third down the backstretch to take the lead from front-stepper Muscle Matters (:28.3, :58.2, 1:27.1) and trotted away to win by six and three-quarter lengths in 1:55.4.

The six-year-old daughter of Kadabra notched her fifth win of the year from 17 starts and pushed her annual income to $44,352 while her lifetime earnings climbed to $253,293.

Sent postward as the slight second choice to favourite Muscle Matters, Stormont Kate paid $5.40 to win. Muscle Matters stayed for second and Happy Holidays came on for third.

Summit City Nate ($15.30) and driver Alfie Carroll won the $7,500 Preferred 3 in 1:57 by three and a half lengths for trainer Victor Puddy and owners Keith Cassell, Dr. John Tobin and Limco Inc. Ole Jack Magic finished second and the favoured race leader, Hldontghttoyurdrms, ended up third.

Mustard Relishes Victory In Ren’s Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races

Mustard spread-it-on-thick for a massive crowd during his winning effort at Grand River Raceway’s third annual Ren’s Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races contested between regular Friday night harness racing action.

Three elimination divisions featuring 30 wiener dogs were featured in the crowd-pleasing event. The top three finishers from each heat advanced to the final.

Owned by Kristi Gardner of Kitchener, Ont., Mustard the three-year-old Dachshund was third in the second elimination division, but dominated the final field of nine. The 2016 champ, Tank, was second, followed by Tank-A-Roo-Boo.

Mustard received more than $400 in prizes, including a hand-carved trophy, $100 gift card from Ren’s Pets Depot, and a deluxe gift bag from OLG Slots At Grand River Raceway.

The evening also offered a Small Dog Costume Contest. Eight adorable pooches sported fabulous ensembles. The top three were determined by popular vote.

Alley, a five-year-old Dachshund owned by Amy and Billy Davis, was the victor, sporting a harness racing ensemble, complete with bridle, head number, harness, racebike and driver. Bain was the runner-up as Batman and Penny the hotdog rounded out the top three.

The event is title-sponsored by Ren’s Pets Depot, and is also supported by Big Country Raw, the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway and Legendary Canine.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Grand River Raceway.

(With files from Grand River Raceway)