The late great As Promised was fittingly the leading stallion at Northlands Park on a night named in his honour with his offspring winning four of Saturday's 11 races.
The As Promised Day program was staged as a tribute to the keystone sire in the province of Alberta, who passed away this summer.
The evening proceeded despite snowy conditions and frosty -12 degree temperatures and featured numerous promotions, including an autograph session with As Promised's trainer and driver Keith Clark. Some of As Promised’s top progeny -- Weekend Bernie, Dudes Leaving Town, River Lass and Skip To My Mjjz -- also took part in a meet and greet session with fans and led the post parades for races donning their names.
The first of those races was won by the five-year-old As Promised mare Big Bang Theory. She held off the pocket-pulling Eternal Grace by three-quarters of a length to win the opener, which was named the Weekend Bernie Pace, in 1:58.2 over the frozen track. The 18-time winner was making her first start for trainer/driver Travis Cullen, who had a Saturday night grand slam.
Other As Promised offspring earning victories on the night were seven-year-old pacing mare A Special Lady, sophomore filly Blue Star West and four-year-old gelding Im A Wildcat.
This week's $9,000 Open went to Blue Star Admiral, who rallied home from mid-pack to score in 1:57.3 with Bill Tainsh Jr. aboard. The three-year-old colt by Camystic out of the As Promised mare Movin Uptown is trained by Glenn Lutz for owners William and Dianne Neish.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.