Driver Paul MacKenzie and trainer Gerard Demers are certainly glad to see racing back at Grand River Raceway, as they joined forces to win a pair of races on the 11-dash card that kicked off the 2021 harness racing season on Friday (June 11).

Captain Ray provided them with a victory in the $8,200 featured tilt, and he did so in front-stepping fashion.

MacKenzie hustled the gelding to the lead from Post 1 and together the sliced out fractions of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:27 before using a :29.1 final frame to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Dance Machine in 1:56.1. Third prize went to Dreaming Out Loud.

Jean Roch Marois of St-Joachim-de-Shefford, QC owns the four-year-old son of Captaintreacherous-On The Glass. The win was the pacer’s first of the season and the third of his career.

Earlier on the program that trainer/driver duo struck with Norwegian Dad, who also used front-stepping tactics to secure a 1:57.2 triumph in his $5,500 assignment.

MacKenzie added another victory with Saltwater Savage to bring his nightly win total to three on what turned out to be a productive night at the office.

Harness action returns to the Elora oval Monday, June 14. The 11-race program is schedule to get underway at 6:30 p.m.

To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Grand River Raceway.