Ten-year-old trotter Lucky George defeated six rivals at Western Fair to capture the $8,000 Eldorado Max Memorial Trot (for senior trotters) to close the door on the 2011 Canadian harness racing season.
In victory, the son of Angus Hall captured the 55th win of his career in his 242nd lifetime start.
Driven by Jason Brewer and trained by Paul Taylor, the time of the mile was 2:02.3. The margin of victory was two lengths with 10-year-old Jazzy Justin second and nine-year-old Aerial Victory third. Lucky George was the race favourite and returned $3.00 to win.
Lucky George is owned by Taylor and Dawn Saxon of Harriston, Ont. Winning the Seniors Trot is probably not a surprise for a horse with longevity in his blood. His full brother, Unleashed Fury, has made 194 starts and is still going strong at age eight, while his half brother Davey My Boy, now 13 years old, raced 17 times this year, collecting four wins. He has made 306 starts over his career.
The race, which ran off as the very last race at any track in the country, was named after Eldorado Max, the beloved trotter who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 14.
Also on the card, Casimirbadmoonrisn won the "Old" Lang Syne Pace for senior pacers. The 12-year-old defeated 10-year-olds Blissed Out and Du Wah Diddy. The margin of victory was two lengths and the time of the mile was 2:00.2. The son of Make A Deal was making career start 310. The victory was his 35th. He returned $7.80 to win.
Casimirbadmoonrisn was driven by Bruce Richardson for trainer Ian Downey and owner Susan Downey.
John Drennan's Victom As won the evening's $15,000 Preferred Trot in 1:59.3 with Stuart Sowerby in the sulky. The four-year-old son of Striking Sahbra prevailed by three and a quarter lengths over pacesetter Chinnys Wings and Tommi My Girl. He paid $6.60 to win for the 13th time in his 50 race career.
For the full results from Western Fair, click here.