Heza Handy Man powered home off a final-turn three-wide move to capture the $5,500 optional-claiming feature pace on Sunday, May 31 as Clinton Raceway kicked off its 2026 season.

Mike Horner had the gelding away quickly from post six and dropped him in a three-hole gap left by the early clash of Big Sir (Damian MacLellan) and Filly Watcher (Brady Galliers). Heza Handy Man was gapped off by seven lengths at the quarter in :27.2 as Big Sir pushed to the lead, but the Horner-trained nine-year-old reeled in the top two as they went by the half in :57.4. With Sportsline (Ryan Guy) moving up first-over, Heza Handy Man angled off the pylons approaching three-quarters in 1:27.2 and swung three-wide as Filly Watcher left the pocket. Those two chipped away at Big Sir around the final turn, and Heza Handy Man glided by his two rivals down the lane to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:57.2. Filly Watcher went by Big Sir for second, and Land Of Paradise (Louis Gregg) rallied for third.

Heza Handy Man tallied his fourth win this year in 16 outings for owner Mark Horner of St. Marys, Ont. The son of Big Jim-Cassidy Seelster is now 45-for-201 lifetime and has earned $249,633. He paid $18.30 to win.

Veteran driver Lorne House delivered a strong performance, winning four of his 10 drives while finishing in the top three an outstanding nine times. He opened his winning account in Race 2, guiding Blackcreek Rosebud ($12.70) from post three to victory in 2:00.3 for trainer Kris Haskell. In Race 3, House teamed up with Anchor So Reel for a thrilling upset. Sent off at 14-1 odds, the mare returned $31.60 to win ticket holders as she captured the race by a neck for owner-trainer Pat Bissett. The House winning streak continued in Race 5 as he completed the hat trick aboard Harpers Hat Trick ($4.30), once again for trainer Haskell. The reinsman capped off his remarkable afternoon with a grand slam victory in Race 9, steering Esquire ($2.10) to a convincing 2:03.1 triumph for trainer Pam Forgie.

Clinton welcomed record crowds under ideal weather conditions for a memorable Opening Day celebration. Fans packed the historic half-mile oval and wagered more than $80,000, marking a strong start to the season. The day also served as a successful fundraiser for Central Huron Secondary School, whose students and volunteers raised more than $5,000 through their trackside efforts.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the 2026 season,” said Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan. “The combination of beautiful weather, tremendous community support, strong wagering and exciting racing created an atmosphere that showcased everything that makes Clinton Raceway special.”

The successful Opening Day sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season of harness racing in Clinton, with fans already looking forward to the upcoming race dates throughout the summer. Racing takes a week off next Sunday for the Clinton Spring Fair and will resume on June 14. The track will then host cards every Sunday until Sept. 6.

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

(Standardbred Canada & Clinton Raceway; photo of Heza Handy Man winning on Sept. 13, 2025)