Exotic Sand kept his perfect record at Rideau Carleton Raceway intact on the track’s closing night, winning the final race of the meet for his eighth straight victory on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The heavily favoured grey asserted himself on the engine early in the $8,400 conditioned contest, pacing the first quarter in :28.1 under the guidance of Marie-Claude Auger. He came under fire from Vino Louie (Guy Gagnon) approaching the half in :58.1 and was hounded by that rival through three-quarters in 1:27.2 before stretching his lead to two lengths on the final turn. Vino Louie relentlessly pursued the leader, but Exotic Sand reached the line a length in front for the 1:57.2 victory. P L Rinchenia (Robert Shepherd) finished third.
Exotic Sand is undefeated through eight starts since moving to Rideau and the barn of trainer John MacMillan in October. The seven-year-old American Ideal-Jus Chilln Out gelding recorded his 24th lifetime victory in 103 starts and upped his earnings to $178,850. MacMillan of Odessa, Ont. shares ownership with 2099551 Ontario Inc. of Greely Ont. The gelding returned $2.90 at the windows.
Familiar faces wrapped up the driving and training titles as Guy Gagnon concluded his ninth straight season as Rideau’s leading reinsman, and Mandy Archer made it five years in a row atop the conditioners’ standings. Gagnon finished with 195 wins, his best total since 2017, beating second-placed Robert Shepherd (117) by 78 tallies. Marie-Claude Auger finished third with 84. Archer racked up 109 wins in her best season to date, besting Gagnon (79) by 30. Vic Puddy had 48 wins, finishing third.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)