The 2010 Maritime harness racing stakes season was launched on Thursday evening, as the Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old pacing fillies were the feature event at Fredericton Raceway

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In the first $8,360 “A” division event of the night Elm Grove Ella, with driver Clare MacDonald in the bike, took home first place honours in a time of 2:03 for owners Ian Banks, Susan Karrel and Charles MacDonald. Woodmere Sandollar and driver Stephen Trites placed second and Emily Putnam finished third for driver Gilles Barrieau.

Bettim Laura and driver Jeff Lilley won the second “A” division event in a time of 2:00.1 for owner Danny Purcell of Newport, NS. Oceanview Connie and driver Mike Stevenson came home second and Scootingforsuccess and driver Darren Crowe finished third.

In the lone $2,500 “B” division event of the race card Last Winn Down placed first for driver Stephen Mason and Downey Stables of Saint John NB, in a time of 2:03.

Points earned in each Atlantic Sires Stakes “A” division event go towards earning a spot in the season-ending Atlantic Breeders Crown Championships which will take place at Truro Raceway in October.

Atlantic Sires Stakes racing action continues May 30 at Inverness Raceway, when the three-year-old pacing colts meet for competition.

(Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association)

To view Thursday’s results, click here.