Nuttin But Finesse wrapped up the 2025 harness racing season at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, N.B. on Saturday, Nov. 1 with another top class score to clinch seasonal honours for his trainer and driver.
Driver Mike Downey positioned the 1-5 favourite fifth and last early in the $2,000 Winners Over feature as Chuck You Farlie (Mark Haig) cranked out early panels of :29 and :58.4. Downey flipped the switch on Nuttin But Finesse in front of the grandstand to make a bid for the lead.
Chuck You Farlie couldn't muster a stern challenge to the first-over favourite, allowing Nuttin Butt Finesse to clear back down to the pylons through a 1:29.1 third station. Longshot Bet On Lucas (Sam Hodgin) offered a late rally, but fell three parts of a length short of Nuttin But Finesse, a winner in 1:58.4. Whats In The Esky A (Colin Decourcey) completed the top trio.
Ellen Stevenson trains Nuttin But Finesse, now a 39-time winner with more than $392,000 in earnings, for owner Dr. Mitch Downey of Saint John, N.B. The son of Art Major - Nuttin But Trouble returned $2.30 to win.
The win marked Stevenson's 13th of the meet to earn top trainer honours for the 2025 season. Stevenson topped Catherine Davies (9) and Robert Kitchen (7) in that category.
Mike Downey doubled on the Saturday card to break his tie atop the driving leaderboard with another Maritime legend — Gilles Barrieau. Both drivers came into Saturday's card with 12 wins, but Downey doubled to tally 14 victories to best Barrieau (who wasn't in action at Connell Park on Saturday) and Colin Decourcey's 11.
To view the full results from Connell Park on Saturday, click the following link: Saturday Results - Connell Park Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)