A past Prince Edward Island award winner, Up Helly Aa launched his seven-year-old campaign with a victory in the $22,297 Open Handicap Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Jaymes McAssey currently trains Up Helly Aa, who was one of the nominees for Trotter of the Year in 2025 at Saratoga, for owner Ian Fromowitz of Richmond Hill, Ont. 

On Tuesday, Up Helly Aa powered out early before yielding to the favoured Ordained (Larry Stalbaum) in a first quarter that went in :28.1. The 6-5 bettors' choice rattled off a half in :57.4 before driver Chris Long pulled Up Helly Aa from the pocket and cruised right by in the backstretch. Long mildly urged Up Helly Aa as he drew away to take a lead of close to six lengths before stopping the timer in 1:56.1 to record the victory. Ordained, though overpowered by Up Helly Aa, held strong to be a clear second-place finisher while Memorynimagination (Matt Athearn) closed to be third. 

Up Helly Aa paid $9.72 to win as the 7-2 second choice.

The Armbro Barrister-Burnt With Finesse gelding now boasts 38 career wins and lifetime earnings totalling $385,226.

McAssey scored a training double on Tuesday when Send It In Hanover won the following race.

Live harness racing resumes on Saturday, Feb. 7 with a first post time of 12 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)