Old & Young Headline 'Champion' Opener

Veteran Daibin N and youngster Officernagentleman kicked off the Champion Series, winning their respective $15,000 divisions on Saturday night at Sudbury Downs

. The series is for non-winners of $75,000 in 2011 as of Oct. 22.

In the first division, 10-year-old Daibin N and trainer-driver Mike MacNeill converted from the pocket and pulled off a 9-1 upset over the popular pacesetters, Part Shark and Scott Young, in a season's best 1:54.3. Deuces And Jacks and Paul MacLean finished third.

The son of Iraklis has won 11 times in 38 starts this year while banking over $60,000. Daibin N is owned by Chelmsford's Yves Belanger. He paid $21.10 to win.

Three-year-old Officernagentleman, with trainer David Dowling in the sulky, delivered on his pari-mutuel promise with a 1:56.2 front end victory in the next division. Donegal Mac and MacNeill finished one length behind in second off a three-hole trip while Willies Place and Young came on for third.

The son of Royal Mattjesty, who was recently purchased by 1721009 Ontario Inc. of Sudbury, Ont., competed in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Series this year where he banked nearly half of his $52,570 seasonal earnings. He paid $4.80 to win for the fourth time in 21 starts this year.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Sudbury Downs.