River Lass, the 2010 Alberta Horse of the Year, recorded her first win since returning to her home province after campaigning on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit in Ontario for a large portion of the 2011 season

.

The Kelly Hoerdt-trained and driven River Lass captured the featured $9,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace on Friday night at Northlands Park with an explosive backstretch brush.

The five-year-old As Promised-Brass Buttons mare was launched first up from third after opening fractions of :29.1 and :59, and quickly swooped to command before 1:27 three-quarters mark. She began to draw away from her five foes around the final turn to secure the 1:55.1 victory. Early leader Barona Josie (Bill Tainsh Jr.) finished over three lengths behind in second with pocket-sitter Minettas Nightstar (Jamie Gray) following in third.

River Lass paid $14.50 to win her third start back in Alberta. She now sports 17 wins in 40 starts on her career record with earnings totalling $253,426 for Hoerdt, who co-owns with fellow Beaumont, Alta. resident Blair Corbeil.

One race earlier, Manitoba native Tyler Grundy made his Alberta debut behind the Ryan Grundy-trained mare Caressable Hanover. The 25-year-old newcomer, who earned his first driving win last summer on Aug. 28 at Miami Fair, picked up a cheque aboard the 42-1 longshot.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Northlands Park.