Clarke Steacy earned his first career training victory as Midnight Mood made two moves to win a $5,300 claiming event on Wednesday, April 29 at Flamboro Downs.

Midnight Mood ($3.60) moved forward to lead on the first turn for Brady Galliers, then gave up command to the pocket-popping Sees The Bay (Samuel Fillion) past the quarter in :27.2. The field, strung out by the early action, condensed as they travelled to the half in :57, and Midnight Mood remained in the pocket as Im Victor (Austin Sorrie) pushed up first-over. Midnight Mood briefly shifted onto the back of Im Victor at three-quarters in 1:26, then went three-wide into the final turn and out-finished Im Victor for a 1:57 victory. Babbling Billy (Damian MacLellan) soared for second, missing by a half-length. Im Victor was third. Midnight Mood, an eight-year-old son of Jk Endofanera-La Diabla, is owned by Crystal Johnston of Russell, Ont.

Steacy mainly competed as a driver since making his sulky debut in 2010, winning the Coville Cup at Rideau Carleton Raceway in 2012 and earning a Future Star Award nomination in 2015. The son of O’Brien Award-winning trainer Mark Steacy, Clarke Steacy now has a 1-0-2 record from 13 training starts this season. He made his debut as a conditioner in 2020 with Shiloh Seelster at Woodbine Mohawk Park and recorded three starts that season. The 36-year-old has also won 393 races at the lines from 4,224 drives.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Flamboro Downs.

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Clarke Steacy driving on July 7, 2015)