Lets Leavem took the lead at the quarter pole and left his rivals behind en route to victory in Racing Under Saddle Ontario's $6,500 season finale on Friday night (October 6) at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Callie Magoo and Stacey Reinsma took the lead into the first turn of The Harlequin Finale, but while crossing in front of Pukka and Maggie Jones they caused interference that sent Pukka off stride and later prompted a rider's objection and judges' inquiry ultimately costing them a podium position.
Sent postward as the 3-5 favourite, outside post seven starter Lets Leavem and Sarah Town progressed outside to take command by the first quarter mark in :30.1 and opened up an early three-length advantage.
Lets Leavem continued to lead the field past the half in 1:01.4 and three-quarters in 1:32.4. Meanwhile, Precious Phoebe and Marielle Enberg moved into second-place, but broke stride in the final bend leaving Lets Leavem with an expanding lead turning for home.
Lets Leavem won by three and a half lengths in 2:03.3 with Majestic Mystic and Natalie Elliott crossing the finish line in second-place, but set back as a result of a another judges' ruling. All Out Henry and Karoline Nielsen inherited the runner-up honours and Precious Phoebe was bumped up to third after the two placings.
Lets Leavem paid $3.30 to win.
"My plan coming out here was if he could make front I would go for it," said Town, who rides and owns the seven-year-old Angus Hall gelding. "The other races I was watching tonight, I thought I'd maybe follow along, but he was keen."
A career winner of 18 races and $172,470 lifetime, Lets Leavem earned his fourth win under saddle this season for trainer Shane Arsenault.
"Right from day one he's been awesome," said Town. "He's getting better and better. Shane's made some changes with him that's helped. He's just a happy horse."
"I think once we switched him into this RUS program, he took to it pretty good and it bravened him up quite a bit," said Arsenault. "Like Sarah said, a few adjustments and it really helped him.
"The RUS program has worked out really good for us."
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair.