The Matinee Championship Series started on Saturday at the Charles F. Willis Memorial Racetrack in O‘Leary, with one very important change

. Track directors at their annual meeting decided to institute a “no whip” rule for racing in the series.

It made for a more exciting afternoon, sounding like old-time racing, with drivers yelling as they urged their horses down the stretch. It was racing at its best, with a beautiful, sunny day, a well groomed track, brand-new ship in stalls, orderly post parades and families out enjoying the afternoon in the renovated grandstand.

Next series date is Wednesday, June 16 at Pinette, with post time at 6 p.m.

Here are the results from Saturday’s opening leg:

Race 1
1. Ellie May (Terry Shea) 2:22
2. Droppie Droppie
3. Windamere Dawn

Race 2
1. Fefifofum (Freeman Coughlin) 2:12.2
2. Sherwood Dexter
3. Jasperfriendlybear

Race 3
1. Millar Millar ( Erwin Neale) 2:10
2. Roslyns Lady
3. Blow Over

Race 4
1. Glengyle Cody (Freeman Coughlin) 2:12
2. Bunny Wabbit
3. J I S

Race 5
1. Lucky Northern Star (Devon Wallace) 2:06.4
2. PW Feisty
3. Southern Peewee

Race 6
1. Brace For The Chill (Freeman Coughlin) 2:04.1
2. Kaitlyn Rose
3. Rivervue Jameen