Thirteen of the top Ontario-sired three-year-old trotting colts and geldings paid a visit to the nation's capital on Sunday night (Aug. 26), and Stormont Ventnor ($2.90) and Run Director ($2.10) both lived up to favoured billing in their Ontario Sires Stakes Gold events at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

In the $94,800 first division (race four), Phil Hudon took his time with Stormont Ventnor, rating patiently from third while Joey Bats (Bob McClure) strode out to a :29.1 first quarter. Stormont Ventnor commenced his first-over ascent from third nearing a rated :58.4 half and forced Joey Bats to accelerate through a :28 third split. Stormont Ventnor took the lead away on the far turn and drew off boldly by 6-1/4 lengths in 1:55.4. Joey Bats held second while Perfetto (Trevor Henry) made late gains to take third.

Kevin Benn trains five-time winner Stormont Ventnor, an Eric Baker homebred by Justice Hall.

In the $95,600 division (race 10), Sylvain Filion and Run Director took full advantage of second-over cover before vaulting past longtime pacesetter Henderson Seelster (McClure) to prevail in 1:56.4. The son of Kadabra emerged from midfield to follow Mister Magic (Trevor Henry) in the outer flow while Henderson Seelster controlled middle fractions of :59.3 and 1:28.1. As Mister Magic faltered a quarter from home, Filion angled Run Director three-wide, and the pair chased down Henderson Seelster with a sixteenth to go. Say You Do (Richard Simard) stayed on for third from the pocket.

Run Director, a four-time winner, is trained by Benoit Baillargeon for owners Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin.

Two Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots events for sophomore male trotters buoyed the undercard, with Levitation ($5.60, Louis-Philippe Roy) and Majestic Fire ($2.30, James MacDonald) recording identical 1:57.3 tallies.

In the sub-featured $8,100 top-level overnight trot, Gerard Demers trainee Neon Lights ($12.40) lifted off cover under Jonathan Lachance to upend 8-5 favourite Flying Isa N (Roy) in 1:56.1.

The corresponding pacing event saw National Debt ($3.00) power away to a dominant 1:51.3 score, 6-1/4 lengths better than Stonebridge Beach. Louis-Philippe Roy drove the 35-time winner for trainer Yves Tessier.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.