Marc Campbell won the annual E.F. Acorn Memorial Driver’s Championship by two points over Ron Matheson Saturday afternoon at Red Shores Charlottetown.
Matheson had the hot hands early winning three of the first six races on the program to take the lead of the annual competition, presented on Horseperson’s Day by the PEI Standardbred Horse Owners Association. But Campbell came roaring back in the second half of the program notching his own driving triple to tie Matheson at the top of the leader board going into the final leg of the eight-race contest. Campbell grabbed third place points in the last race giving him 62 points while Matheson settled for fifth-place ending his day with 60 points. The advantage gave Campbell the title and the E.F Acorn Championship trophy.
Matheson received the runner-up presentation by the Hon. Ron MacKinley. Gary Chappell was third with 52 points followed by Kenny Arsenault in fourth with 51 and Mike Stevenson fifth with 48. Danny MacDonald (44), John Holmes (44), Jason Hughes (43), and Willie Murphy (36) completed the standings.
The 27-year-old Campbell, who is enjoying a career-year on track, finished the day with his fourth winner on the card when he guided Kaitlyn Rose to victory for owner Ralph Sweet of O’Leary, P.E.I. in 1:59.1.
In other action, longshot Pembroke Fella captured the afternoon feature in 1:57.1. The pacer held off Capitalism by a length to reward players with a $50.60 win ticket. Arsenault engineered the trip for owner Don Sweet of O’Leary, P.E.I. It was Arsenault’s second winner of the day.
Scarlett Patti and driver Darryl MacLean won the trot division in 2:05.1. Gordon MacLean of Winsloe, P.E.I. is the owner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores)