Windemere Skye joined the lofty ranks of Cam Fella and Firms Phantom as the undefeated sophomore filly again beat older mares for a record-equalling 28th consecutive win on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The daughter of Somewhere Fancy-Howmac Missy continued her remarkable run in the $6,350 Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace, going back-to-back against aged company with regular reinsman Marc Campbell in the seat. Windemere Skye ($2.10) secured command entering the first turn, controlled the tempo through :27.1, :57.4 and 1:27 fractions and powered down the backstretch before cruising home a three-length winner in 1:55.2. Brokeandoutofgas (Gilles Barrieau) was second again, followed by Windemere Saddy (Ken Murphy).
The historic triumph gives Windemere Skye a perfect 16-for-16 record in 2026 after winning all 12 starts during her rookie campaign, and lifetime earnings of $266,168. She is trained by Earl Watts for owners Windemere Farms of Springvale, P.E.I. and Matt Burke of Stratford, P.E.I.
Her 28 consecutive victories match the modern-era pacing standard established by dual Hall of Famer Cam Fella in 1983 and equalled by Maritime legend Firms Phantom in 2000-2001. The all-time pacing marks include Carty Nagle, who won 41 consecutive races in 1937 and 1938, and Bret Hanover, who captured 35 straight in 1964 and 1965. However, those streaks were accumulated largely during an era of multiple-heat racing, when horses could compete and win more than once on the same day.
The accomplishment was recognized with a special winner's circle presentation following the race.
The $6,050 Open Trot in the ninth race went to West River Jet ($2.20), who delivered a 3-1/2-length victory in 1:59.4 for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault. He came out of fourth after a :28.4 quarter to sweep to the lead past a :59.2 half, then resisted Rina Labelle (Marc Campbell) through three-quarters in 1:28.4 before pulling away to the victory. Rina Labelle finished second with Whole Nother (Colin Sheppard) third.
The winning four-year-old E L Rocket-Kaddys Angel gelding is owned by Haley MacDonald of Charlottetown, P.E.I. Thursday's win was his third of the year in 18 outings and 16th lifetime in 40 starts, raising his earnings to $141,365.
Arsenault completed his driving and training double in the 11th race as Watch Me Shake It ($28.60) rallied from third in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:59. The four-year-old Hes Watching-Dianna Santanna mare is owned by Maurice Coady of Charlottetown. Redland Peaches (Corey MacPherson) finished second with Mia (Adam Merner) third.
The biggest upset of the evening came in the fifth race as Wednesday ($45.60) delivered the highest win payout on the 13-dash program. Myles Heffernan Sr. guided the five-year-old Betterthancheddar-Eastern Shore mare to a 1-3/4-length victory in 2:00 for trainer Myles Heffernan Jr. and owner Jackie Heffernan of Summerville, P.E.I. Pop The Pin (Jason Hughes) finished second with Boca Chica (Zac Noye) third.
Live racing continues on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Red Shores Charlottetown.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores)