The New Year’s Eve program at The Raceway at Western Fair District finished on a unique note as an eight-pack of salty veterans faced the starting gate – some for the final time in the respective careers – in the $10,000 Auld Lang Syne pace.
The field, which consisted of horses ranging from age 11 and up, saw 14-year-old Leafs And Wings take command early for driver Marc St. Louis, Jr. Together they led the field through fractions of :29, :59.3 and 1:28.2 before getting picked on by the pocket-sitting Another Great Pick and driver Donnie Rankin, Jr.
The son of Charms Shark-Uncovered found late clearance and stormed home in :29.2 to win by a neck over race favourite Leafs And Wings in a time of 1:58. The 13-year-old Hidden Potential was third best in the featured affair.
Also making their finals starts at age 14 were Stonebridge Scout, who finished fourth for trainer Robert Mawson, the Debi O’Brien Moran-trained Ciona Bromach, who was fifth after making a first over bid, and Lawmen Reign, who was seventh for trainer/driver Ross Battin.
Clockwise from top left: Ciona Bromach, Lawmen Reign, Rainbow Gold and Leafs And Wings.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.
A long and happy retirement
A long and happy retirement to all 14 yr olds. God bless you.