Fans packed the grandstand at Connell Park Raceway Monday afternoon celebrating New Brunswick Day festivities, but there was another reason to celebrate for a local horsewoman

.

Heather Hathaway of Keswick is the breeder, owner, and the trainer of Ace On The River, a five-year-old that rattled off his third consecutive victory in the feature race on a 12-dash card of harness racing. Ace On The River scored in the 11th dash of the matinee, kicking off Old Home Week racing at the Carleton County oval.

A son of Western Hanover, Ace On The River earned his third straight win on a third different track, pacing in 2:00.3 in the M&R Contractors Pace. Driver, Phillip Hodgson guided Hathaway's charge straight to the front, lighting up an opening half in a :59-second clip.

There were four sub-2:00 miles on the program, one of the most impressive of which was delivered by a locally-owned entry. Clark Bustard of Elmwood was holding the reins as three-year-old colt Gears Of War stopped the timer in 1:58.4. It was only the second career win for the colt, going in gate-to-wire fashion over Ultimate Faith and Windemere Nick. The clocking went down as a new track record for three-year-old pacing geldings. It erased the former standard of 1:59.4 set by P H Catman.

The fastest mile of the day was posted by Electra BG, owned by Richard Allaby of Saint John. It was the fifth straight win for the six year old mare, driven home by Gilles Barrieau in 1:58.1. It was one of four wins for Barrieau on the program. He also scored with National Angus in 1:59.4, Georgie Girl in 2:00.4, and Pondering Magic in 2:02.1.

Other winners were: Milt (Stephen Trites) in 2:04.3, Fundyanna (Todd Trites) in 2:01.4, Hello America (Mike Downey) in 2:02.4, Casimir Jocko (Sam Hodgin) in 2:01, Run Them Down (Kim Cameron) in 1:59.3, and Highjinx Benka (Todd Trites) in 2:00.4.

Racing resumes at Connell Park on Wednesday night with a 10-dash card, starting at 7:00 p.m. The Atlantic Sires Stakes for two and three-year-old trotters will be featured. Waiting On A Woman, a three-year-old trotter for co-owners Mitch and David Tierney of Cornwall, PEI, will attempt a tenth consecutive victory.

Racing during Old Home Week wraps up on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. The Kelti Burnett Memorial includes possible starters: Malek Hanover, All Out, Doubleshotofscotch, MD Hardlys Success, As Tuff As Nails, Ultimate Success, Sombrero Blue Chip and Joseph Michael.

(Connell Park Raceway)

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Connell Park Raceway.