Batterup Hanover pounced from the pocket to win his season's debut in the top pacing class featured on Opening Day of the 2023 harness racing meet at Truro Raceway on Sunday, May 7.

Truro Raceway opened its season on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon. Despite there being no grandstand access for another four weeks, a large contingent of fans came out to enjoy live harness racing returning to the Bible Hill, N.S. oval.

The eight-race card was highlighted by a standout performance from favourite Batterup Hanover and driver Paul Langille in the featured $2,500 Winners Over Pace. The duo enjoyed a two-hole trip behind two-time defending Truro Horse of the Year American Risk and Todd Trites, who flew off the gate from post seven and sped through fractions of :27.4, :58.3 and 1:28.2, then escaped from the pocket turning for home and sailed on by, winning by a length in 1:57.1. St Charlesfireball and Ernie Laffin went first-up down the backstretch the final time to finish third and complete a 2-3 finish for trainer George Rennison.

A winner of the Cecil Ladner Memorial Invitational at Charlottetown Driving Park last year and multiple top class events at Truro, Batterup Hanover entered Sunday's race off a eight-length qualifying win in 1:58 last weekend and returned $2.80 to his backers.

The five-year-old son of Betting Line earned his 13th career win and bumped his bankroll to $56,368. Langille, Truro's defending driving champion who is coming off a career year in 2022, also trains the winner for owners Debbie Francis, Rosanne and Chantel Langille, and Douglas Lowthers.  

While Rennison settled for the minor awards in the feature event, Truro's 2022 leading trainer doubled up on the program with Privilege ($8.50), the fastest winner of the day in 1:57 flat, and The Generals Pride ($2.30). Trites was in the bike for both victories.

Truro newcomer Little Taggs ($4.90) brought a crowd out to the winner's circle after he swept through the passing lane by pacesetter Imalookertoo to a career-best 1:58 victory by 1-3/4 lengths. Trained and driven by Bruce McGean, the seven-year-old Betterthancheddar gelding is one of the horses owned by the Hubtown Horse Owners Club, a fractional ownership group organized by Truro Raceway.  

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It certainly was a sunny start to the season with Sunny Billion ($12.10) winning the first race by a nose over Tymal Charmer. After going winless in 31 starts last season, the seven-year-old Sunshine Beach gelding broke through with a 2:01.2 score with Darren Crowe driving for trainer Gardner McCallum and the Wont Back Down Stable.

Fans responded to the many positive changes to the wagering menu and bet $43,119.20 for the eight-race card. In comparison, a very modest $10,530 was wagered on Opening Day last season. 

The 2023 harness racing season continues next Sunday, May 14 and runs through Nov. 5. Click here for a complete race date schedule.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Truro Raceway.

(With files from Truro Raceway)