Art I Special successfully defended his title in the Inverness Gathering Pace on Wednesday evening at Inverness Raceway.

Driver Mark MacQuarrie worked out a perfect pocket trip aboard the six-year-old Artsplace gelding in the featured $1,200 finale, tucking in behind the slight favourite Schooner (Myles Heffernan) during the opening panel.

Schooner carved out fractions of :28.2, :56.3 and 1:27.2 with Tropical Luck (Ryan Campbell) rolling up to take over the lead into the stretch.

However, Art I Special came on to steal the glory, winning by three-quarters of a length over Tropical Luck in 1:58 flat. Early trailer Major Dundee (Randy Getto) finished third with Bonnys Mac (Rodney Gillis) fourth and Schooner rounding out the order.

Redmond Doucet trains the winner, who returned $3.90 as the second choice in the wagering, for local owner Randy Copley.

The victory was Art I Special's third in a row and 37th lifetime.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Inverness Raceway.