Trainer Jamie Copley put on a training clinic while Nocturnal pulled off a 5-1 surprise in the feature race on Sunday evening at Rideau Carleton Raceway
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Despite a first-over trip, Nocturnal rallied to a narrow score in the $12,100 Preferred Pace for driver Stephane Brosseau. The five-year-old son of Real Artist wore down pacesetter Mild Mannered and held off a late-charging Match Bayama to win this week’s main event in 1:56.2. Runner-up Match Bayama missed by a half-length margin, and Mild Mannered rounded out the top three.
Trained by Lesley Newland, who co-owns the gelding with Gary Leach of Dunrobin, ON, Nocturnal picked up his ninth win of the season and his 16th of his career. The lion’s share of Sunday’s purse lifted his lifetime earnings to $179,341.
Trainer Jamie Copley, who is in the midst of his best season to date, add to his impressive 2009 totals by racking up a three-win performance with starters from his outfit.
The Greely, Ontario conditioner clicked with Trishas Beauty (2:01), Skivvies (1:58.1) and No Escape N (1:56.2) to bring this year’s win total to 80 – which is 53 more than his previous best of 27 set back in 2007. His stable has banked more than $370,000, and that has helped push his lifetime earnings over $770,000.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.