Saturday night kicked off the 48th year of harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering at Hanover Raceway

. Eleven races filled out the evening, which went off without a hitch, and the weather even co-operated as the summer meet began.

There was a large crowd on hand to take in the night’s festivities, and they were treated to some great racing action on the track. Terry Fritz started off the season with a win in the night’s first race as he drove Carscot Shalamar to victory in a time of 2:03.1.

The Hanover crowd was also treated to a rare appearance from one of the top female drivers and trainers on the planet as Finnish star Riina Rekila found the winner’s circle with Classic Belle, a five-year-old mare she trains herself. The win was her second of the 2012 season and afterwards, Rekila said she would race at Hanover Raceway every week if she could.

The night’s fastest mile came in the featured event, the Will Weatherall Birthday Pace in race seven. Travis Henry left the field behind as he urged Doug And Dude to run away win in 1:56.1. Ricky Bobby was the runner-up for trainer Ron Molendyk of Rockwood as he edged out local favourite Cams Best Bet with Dave Boughton in the race bike.

Hanover Raceway continues its 2012 season Saturday, May 12 with 'Ladies Night'. In honour of Mothers’Day, ladies in attendance will be eligible to win special prizes courtesy of Dolce Vita Spa, and The Flower Shoppe & Greenhouses, both located in Hanover. Post time as always will be 7:15 p.m.

(Hanover Raceway)