After having to settle for second each of his last three outings, The Light Speed returned to the winner's circle in the $10,000 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the 11-race Sunday, July 28 card at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, The Light Speed and driver Guy Gagnon wasted little time getting to the front, working past Aladdin (Stephane Brosseau) under Gagnon urging to lead to the quarter in a blistering :26.3. Gagnon grabbed in on the way to the half in :56.3 before being joined to his outside by Acapulco Sunburn (Dany Darveau). The Light Speed shook off the challenger as Gagnon stomped on the accelerator on the way to three-quarters in 1:23.2 and open up by two lengths.

The Light Speed turned for home a length clear but Early Action (Ryan Guy) slipped up the pylons to move into second on the turn before diving for the passing lane. The Light Speed dug in gamely in the stretch to hold Early Action at bay by three parts of a length in 1:51.4. Fellow Gagnon trainee, I Ama Rocket (Marie-Claude Auger), rallied for third.

The Light Speed has now won nine of 19 seasonal outings and 54 times in his career. Owned and bred by Michel Nolette, the six-year-old gelded son of Moon Beam-Jayma has built a career bankroll of $391,964.

The win in the feature was one of three as a driver for Gagnon, and one of two on the training side as Carson Star Choice notched his 10th victory of the year earlier on the card.

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

(Standardbred Canada)