Shiftyn Georgie and Eagle Jolt were adamant on ending their sparkling racing careers in the winner’s circle as they vanquished their foes in their final race before retirement on a special New Year’s Eve program Friday at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Shiftyn Georgie was sent sharply to the lead in Race 8 of the night as trainer-driver Jaycob Sweet laid down the tempo and won by a length in 2:01.3 over a track rated two-seconds off. The 32-time winning son of Rambaran faced mandatory retirement when he turns 15 on Jan. 1 when all standardbreds have their birthday for record keeping purposes.
Sweet co-owns the winner of over $116,000 lifetime with Susan Thomson, Allison Sweet and Brody Ellis.
The theme remained the same in Race 9 of the evening with retiring pacer Eagle Jolt also scoring victory by over four lengths in 2:00.1. It was the 14-year-old’s 72nd lifetime victory.
Marc Campbell trains and drives the winner of $461,000 for owners Marie MacDonald and Natasha Campbell.
Campbell had a pair of wins from his barn as Filly Forty Seven hung on for a 1:59.4 win in Race 10 in the New Year’s Eve Pace. Campbell also claimed the 2021 dash title for the 12th straight season as well as another top trainer title at the Capital oval.
The Rev captured the $3,400 Preferred pace in 1:56 for trainer-driver Gilles Barrieau, who also won with maiden Ods Amores in 2:02.1 in Race 6 from his Mount Herbert barn.
Oakwood Coral IR was strong winning the evening opener in her first North American start stopping the clock in 2:02.1 for her third straight win after scoring victories in Ireland and Wales her last two starts.
Colin Johnson trains the mare for owner Paul Johnson of Durham, England, with David Dowling handling the driving duties. Johnson and Dowling also won with Bayside Alexis in 2:04.2 in race 3.
The Saul Lanigan Stable was razor sharp with a pair of wins with Smart Official (Driven by Jason Hughes) in 2:00.1 and Melanies Magic (Corey MacPherson) 1:59.1.
The Jennifer Doyle Stable also doubled up with Elm Grove Mistress (Adam Merner) in 1:59.3 and My Land (Hughes) in 1:57.1. Doyle ended the season with 51 training victories.
Kenny Arsenault, Jason Hughes and David Dowling recorded driving doubles on the program.
(CDP)
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.