It may not have been Provincial Cup day, but they came in droves to Leamington Raceway on one of the nicest days of the year.

The atmosphere took one back to the days when racing was fun. The backstretch was bustling with opening day activity, the grandstand was full, and the punters came to play as over $30,000 was handled on the 10-race card.

On the track, Alfie Carroll, one of Ontario's winningest drivers, won the last three on the card with Taylorlane Fancy owned by Reg Westgarth and trained by Gord McDonnell; Nicole Lariviere's Sweet Colt Of Mine trained by Ray Farmer; and Lord Rave, for owner Diane Stephenson, and trainer Greg Horn.

Dave Woods drove his homebred colt, Asterism, to his fourth win of the year in eight starts in 2:01. The Astronomical colt has a record of 1:57.3 taken earlier at Sarnia.

When local driver Mike Hamlin drove his four-year-old mare Brenway Darbie to victory in 2:04.4, half the town of Essex showed up in the winners circle for the picture.

Mayors from Leamington, Lakeshore and Kingsville were on hand to add to the importance of seeing the sponsor Lakeshore Horse Racing Association get off on the right foot. The operators of the track are horse people, and all profits are kept within the group for racing improvements.

The 'little group that could' extends thanks to the many volunteers, the ORC for approving the sight with paddock, shipping barn, offices, and most importantly, the upgrades to the racing surfaces.

Special thanks to Dr. Paul Branton, Vet, Wayne Martiuik, manager, Tom Bain, and Mark Williams, president.

The afternoon was hosted Lynette Bain, who handled the winners circle chores.

Racing continues for the next six weekends, Saturday and Sunday with post time 1:30 p.m.

To view results and payouts for Sunday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Marty Adler; Photo courtesy of Cordell Green/Blackburn News)