Grand River Raceway hosted the finals of its popular $10,000 Winter Wednesdays Handicapping Tournament on

March 30.

Two hundred finalists from the track and its two teletheatres were determined over the 10-week qualifiers. Weekly prizes and monthly wildcard draws in the free contest awarded $5,000 to 65 handicappers, while another $5,000 was reserved for the finals.

Longtime racing fan Wilma Patteson was crowned the victor with a bankroll of $144.60 over six races from her track of choice, Flamboro Downs. The Kitchener, Ont. player secured the lead after a 52-1 zinger with Worth Remembering in Race 3. The sophomore pacing filly left from Post 7 for driver Anthony MacDonald and trainer Carmen Auciello and broke her maiden at first asking.

The top finishers of the 2011 Winter Wednesdays Tournament are as follows:

1 – Wilma Patteson – Site: KW OTB • Bankroll: $144.60 - wins $2,600
2 – Nick Persin – Site: Bettor Club • Bankroll: $116.70 - wins $1,300
3 – Frank MacNeil – Site: KW OTB • Bankroll: $102.90 (tie) - wins $475
4 – Rudy Pahlad – Site: KW OTB • Bankroll: $102.90 (tie) - wins $475
5 – Jim McMahon – Site: Bettor Club • Bankroll: $91.30 - wins $150

The first of five upcoming handicapping tournaments worth more than $15,000 will kick off on April 25 — opening night of the 2011 live harness racing season at Grand River Raceway. First-race post time is 7:15 p.m.

(GRR)