River Lass Is Back

Published: January 6, 2012 11:05 pm EST

River Lass, the 2010 Alberta Horse of the Year, recorded her first win since returning to her home province after campaigning on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit in Ontario for a large portion of the 2011 season

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The Kelly Hoerdt-trained and driven River Lass captured the featured $9,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace on Friday night at Northlands Park with an explosive backstretch brush.

The five-year-old As Promised-Brass Buttons mare was launched first up from third after opening fractions of :29.1 and :59, and quickly swooped to command before 1:27 three-quarters mark. She began to draw away from her five foes around the final turn to secure the 1:55.1 victory. Early leader Barona Josie (Bill Tainsh Jr.) finished over three lengths behind in second with pocket-sitter Minettas Nightstar (Jamie Gray) following in third.

River Lass paid $14.50 to win her third start back in Alberta. She now sports 17 wins in 40 starts on her career record with earnings totalling $253,426 for Hoerdt, who co-owns with fellow Beaumont, Alta. resident Blair Corbeil.

One race earlier, Manitoba native Tyler Grundy made his Alberta debut behind the Ryan Grundy-trained mare Caressable Hanover. The 25-year-old newcomer, who earned his first driving win last summer on Aug. 28 at Miami Fair, picked up a cheque aboard the 42-1 longshot.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Northlands Park.

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