On a dark Saturday afternoon, rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending Leamington Raceway, who watched driver Alfie Carroll win four races to lead all drivers with 19 wins in the first nine days of the 2014 meet for the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association.
Carroll started his run in the third race when he wired the field with Hanover invader Kendal Gucci ($12.50), winning by eight lengths in 2:00.2. The five-year-old Life Sign-Sweetie Gonzalez mare is owned and trained by Dennis Jewitt of Wingham, Ont.
It was another mare in the fifth race that got Carroll into the winner's circle as Gizmo Girl ($7.90) was victorious in 2:01.2 for owner/trainer Gord McDonnell of Essex, Ont.
When it came to Carroll’s third win of the day in the sixth race with Coffee Black ($2.30), the crowd was treated to a double thrill as the race was called by guest announcer, “The Bruiser,” Rocky Wray. Rocky called it like he drives, forgetting where he was at the half. Coffee Black (SOS Lunar Eclipse-Its Witch Craft) picked up his seventh win in 38 starts this year for trainer Keith Cullen and owner James Morency of Windsor, Ont.
Carroll's fourth win on the 10-race card came aboard Conflict Diamond ($4.10) for owner/trainer Larry Johnson of London, Ont. This seven-year-old son of Badlands Hanover-Diamond Jubilee paced the mile in 1:58.4 in picking up his eighth win in 23 starts.
Racing continues next Saturday with post time at 1:30 p.m.
(Leamington Raceway)