Launching off cover, Major Hill landed a narrow victory in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday night (Nov. 27) at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Outside of the featured race, Stephane Pouliot’s pupils powered over the Ottawa oval to win four of the card’s 10 races.
Major Hill settled in fifth to a :27.3 first quarter set by Jet Rock, who then endured first-over pressure form Bit Of Luck to a :56 half. Major Hill pulled off the pegs – circumventing Bit Of Luck as he faltered up the backside – and stalled as Jet Rock accelerated to three-quarters in 1:24.3. But Jet Rock’s strides shortened off the final turn and Major Hill lunged forward in the lane to grab a late lead while withstanding a furious rally from Dr Joe to win by a nose in 1:54.2. Jet Rock settled for third and Hes Got A Vendetta finished fourth.
A nine-year-old gelding by Art Major, Major Hill collected his 37th win from 266 starts while pushing his bankroll to $612,311. Yves Tessier trains the $6.80 winner for Francois Morin. Pascal Berube sat in the bike.
Stephane Pouliot’s training grand slam started earlier on the card with back-to-back victories. The first came with Sporty Deal (1:54.3 winning mile, $2.90 to win), who avenged his broken win streak. Shotgun Jerry (1:54.4, $2.30) romped in the following race, and then a pair of Pouliot trainees got their pictures snapped after the Preferred Pace. Time To Dancing (1:56.3, $4.70) closed to victory and then Stonebridge Beach (1:56.2, $5.40) pounced off cover to a win.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.