Western Fair hosted the $6,000 Auld Lang Syne Trot and Auld Lang Syne Pace on the New Year's Eve card Sunday, December 31, with 14-year-olds Weskey and Pacific Oaks claiming victory in their final start.
Weskey took the Auld Lang Syne Trot going wire to wire by a length in 2:03.4.
Trained and driven by Tyler Borth, who co-owns with William Borth, Weskey went an uncontested quarter of :30.2 and a half in 1:03 before enduring a minor first-over challenge from Victorys Peanut passing three-quarters, timed in 1:33.1. Weskey turned for home in front by two lengths over Hoorayforthewinner chasing in second, while Victorys Peanut held on for third.
Winning his 60th race in 293 starts and earning $329,633, Weskey, a gelding by Wesgate Crown out of the Super Pleasure mare Key To Pleasure, was sent the odds-on favourite, returning $3.60 to win.
Pacific Oak, sent the 6-5 favourite, brushed to control moving towards the final turn, kicking away to a four-and-three-quarter length victory in his 1:59.3 swan song.
Positioned fourth at the quarter, Pacific Oak stalked a quick pace set by Comback Matt, posting a quarter in :28.2 and slowing to a :59.1 half as Pacific Oak edged first over moving into the clubhouse turn. The favourite powered to control heading to three-quarters, timed in 1:29.3, and drew clear of Thaline, who rode his cover to finish second, and Stir And Serve, who came from third over for third.
A gelding by Pacific Rocket out of the Beach Towel mare Yankee Delray, Pacific Oak, owned by Shirley House and Kerry House, won his 57th race in 340 starts, earning $456,407. Trained and driven by Kenneth Oliver, he paid $4.40 to win.
Both Weskey and Pacific Rocket were profiled in the December 2017 issue of TROT, looking back at their careers as they readied for their final start.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Western Fair.