Driver Stephen Durand, the 23-year-old son of trainer Tom Durand, earned his first career win at Woodstock Raceway on Friday, pulling off a 26-1 upset in the ninth race aboard his own gelding Ratings Hanover

.

While making just his 12th appearance in the sulky, Durand got away sixth with the six-year-old son of Mach Three-Razzle Hanover and rallied wide past the three-quarters mark to come on for the milestone victory in 1:58.3. Hustle And Flow (Ken Oliver) finished three lengths behind in second while the popular pacesetter, Its Yours (Alex Lilley), finished third.

Ratings Hanover paid $54.20 for the upset while notching his second victory of the season in seven starts for the Puslinch, Ont. resident.

The win was Durand’s second as at trainer. Ratings Hanover’s last victory on July 1 at Woodstock with Robert Shepherd in the bike provided the young horsemen with his first training tally.

For results from Friday’s harness racing card, click on the following link: Friday Results – Woodstock Raceway.