The Canadian-campaigned Sports Fan rallied late to score in the $13,698 featured conditioned pace and complete a training hat-trick for Blake MacIntosh at Tioga Downs on Sunday, June 23.

Stewardoftheland (Jim Taggert Jr.) went to the front and led to the quarter in :26.4 as Sports Fan and driver Greg Merton settled into third.  Mayhem Hanover (Tyler Miller) made a brief bid for the lead from the pocket before being re-seated by Stewardoftheland just before the half in :55.1. Sports Fan came first-up heading down the backstretch as Stewardoftheland continued to lead to three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Stewardoftheland made the turn for home 2-1/2 lengths clear of Sports Fan at the top of the lane. Refusing to be denied with a :28.1 last quarter, Sports Fan steadily gained on the leader to nail Stewardoftheland by a nose on the line in 1:51.2. Mayhem Hanover finished third. Sports Fan paid $67.50 to win.

The five-year-old son of Sportswriter-My Ideal was bred by Leanne Murphy, who co-owns along with Stuart McIntosh. Sports Fan is now a three-time winner in 14 tries in 2024 and has now banked $154,518 lifetime.

MacIntosh also secured victories on the card with Spring Blake and Choice Is Yours, each with Merton doing the driving. 

Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday, June 28 at 6:15 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)