Harpers Hat Trick led all the way in the featured $5,500 Preferred 3 Handicap Pace to close out an eventful Sunday afternoon (July 30) at Clinton Raceway.

With Lorne House catch-driving, Harpers Hat Trick was on top by two lengths at every call as he cruised through splits of :28.3, :58.3 and 1:27.3 on his way to the 1:57.3 victory. With a final late push from the pocket, Mach Jacobs (Daryl Thiessen) was only able to get within 1-1/4 lengths of the winner while Release The Baby (Ross Battin) finished third over the favoured trailier tier starter, Better Be Gouda (Travis Henry). 

Kris Haskell owns and trains Harpers Hat Trick, who paid $6.20 to win as the 2-1 second choice coming off a third-place finish in the Preferred class last weekend. The five-year-old son of Sportswriter earned his third win of the season from 19 starts and now has 19 career victories and a bankroll of $122,618.

Tyler Borth was Sunday's driving star, winning half of the afternoon's 10 races. He swept the first two races with Sir Lucknow ($3.70) for trainer Paul Roberts and Spun From Magic ($2.80) for Cassidy Schneider. Borth also scored wins with the Lori Lapage-trained Babys Piglet ($3.10) along with Head Honcho ($2.90) for conditioner Alvin Hamilton and Timewaitsonnoone ($3.10) for the George McClure stable.

Borth tops all drivers in Canada for wins this year and his five victories on Sunday bumped his seasonal total to 262.

Between the harness races, a different four-legged breed took to the track as Clinton Raceway hosted its annual Weiner Dog racing event with a field of nine eager (well, some more than others) lean, mean racing machines.

"This was the most dogs we've had registered so far," said Jessica Carnochan, Marketing Manager and Wiener Dog Coordinator for the track. "It was great to see so many dogs and fans come out to take part, and we look forward to hopefully hosting two races next season.

"It's really started to grow in popularity and it's such a fun day to host," she added. 

The dogs hit the track following the seventh race. The 2022 champion, Parker, left from the four-hole. The two-year-old, 21-pound pup was determined to make it a repeat in 2023, and he didn't disappoint, crossing the wire just ahead of newcomer Frankie and followed closely by Daisy for third.

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The Huron Manufacturing Association welcomed its business members on track for an afternoon of appreciation and fundraising. Through their sponsorships, 50/50 draw, silent auction and BBQ, they were able to raise just over $3,500. 

Bettors turned up at the windows with a handle just topping the $66,000 mark, making it the third highest of the 2023 season. 

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

(With files from Clinton Raceway)