Grand River Raceway kicked off its 69-day season on April 13, and wagering on the 12-race card was up nearly 25 per cent over the 2008 season opener

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Spago Hall opened the season with a quarter-length win in the $12,400 feature pace.

It was the Blissfull Hall son’s second consecutive win for trainer Joe Stutzman and owner Donald Leschied. The 1:57.4 win marked back-to-back wins on the card for driver Garrett Whelan. Race favourite J M Hannibal finished second, followed by Kerrs Light.

J.R. Plante secured a hat trick with a photo-finish win in the featured trot aboard Zorgwijk Fortunate. The 18-1 shocker finished whiskers ahead of The Prowler and Apeachtoremember in 2:02.4. Zorgwijk Fortunate is trained by Jim King for owner Mario Delgobbo.

The Elora, ON track kicked off the night with the unveiling of its Somebeachsomewhere Tribute Wall, honouring the pacing phenom’s first two career starts in the 2007 Battle of Waterloo. The mural features photos by Dave Landry and Claus Andersen, design by Sportswood Printing and was printed and installed by Alpha Graphics of Fergus, ON.

To view Monday’s results, click here.

Racing continues at Grand River on Tuesday, April 14.