Threatening skies and humidity didn't stop race fans from arriving in droves to celebrate the opening of the 2019 season at Clinton Raceway, and J J Powerball ($6.90) withstood an uncovered journey to take Sunday's (May 19) $5,200 Rick Forgie Memorial Pace in 1:59.2 over sloppy going.

The four-year-old Image Of Dawn gelding advanced steadily in the breeze while in rein to trainer Austin Sorrie, engaging early pacesetter Good Eye Hawkeye (Garrett Rooney) through a :57.1 half. The pair duelled through the second circuit, with J J Powerball taking a narrow lead en route to three-quarters in 1:28. While they decelerated considerably off the home turn, J J Powerball dug in to hold sway by a half length. Alphabet Queen (Ryan Desroche) held third after stalking comfortably throughout.

Sorrie co-owns J J Powerball with fellow Maritimer Tammy Collings. The win was the first of the season for J J Powerball and the ninth of his career.

Over $42,000 was wagered on the nine-race card, making it the best Opening Day at Clinton in recent years. The Central Huron Secondary School was the beneficiary of the trackside fundraiser, racing over $3,000 for the local high school in one of 15 scheduled Day at the Races events for the 2019 season.

Following each race, fans had the chance to win a bicycle as part of the season's Super Sunday Show giveaways.

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

(with files from Clinton Raceway)