Rob Sparling Jr. achieved a career milestone on Friday night at The Raceway at the Western Fair District in London, Ont. as he guided Rock N Roll Xample to his 1,000th driving win during the 12-race program.
The favoured filly -- a first-time starting daughter of Rocknroll Hanover -- had post one in the night’s fourth contest and Sparling wasted no time in establishing command in the opening eighth. Once on top, the pair carved all the fractions of :29.4, 1:01 and 1:30.3, en route to a three length tally in 2:00.
Rock N Roll Xample is trained by Al Hohner for owner Robert Hamather of Exeter, Ont.
Sparling later went to work on his next 1,000 wins as he guided four-year-old pacing mare Rubber Belly to a 24-1 upset victory in the 11th race for trainer and co-owner Randy Parish.
The Raceway also hosted Ontario’s final Racing Under Saddle (RUS) event of the season on Friday night.
A full field of eight went postward in the non-wagering event and when the dust settled it was Lady Is A Pirate and rider Evelyn Harms prevailing narrowly in 2:03.3 over a hard-closing Katla and rider Riina Rekila, who were last minute substitute entrants in the field.
The RUS made stops all across Ontario all season long. To find out more about the series, which is rapidly growing in popularity, visit www.rusontario.com.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(With files from Western Fair District)
Congrats Spar!
Congrats Spar!