Evan Stephenson will always remember the night of harness racing on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Flamboro Downs.

That is, unless, the old adage 'you never forget your first' doesn't apply.

Stephenson, a 20-year-old from Ancaster, Ont. with just six training starts heading into Saturday's card, picked up his first career training victory courtesy pacing veteran Bettors Victory and grizzled driving veteran Paul MacKenzie.

Bettors Victory got away in midpack for MacKenzie as Jims Big Thrill (Austin Sorrie) volunteered for the heavy lifting on the front end. After a :27.3 first panel, Bettors Victory angled from fourth to attack the pacesetter.

Applying pressure through a :57.3 half and 1:26.3 third station, Bettors Victory found himself with company in that group around the leader. From the back of the pack, Blakesagent (Colin Kelly) and favoured Speak Of War (Scott Coulter) started to activate around the far turn, with Jims Big Thrill, Bettors Victory and Speak Of War battling three across down the stretch. Jims Big Thrill gave way, but Bettors Victory prevailed to provide his trainer with the maiden-breaking tally in 1:57. 

Stephenson owns and trains eight-year-old Bettors Victory (Bettors Delight - Fillys Victory), now a 25-time winner with more than $173,000 in career earnings.

For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing outside Hamilton, click the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)