The $9,000 Auld Lang Syne at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Sunday (Dec. 31) evening completed the 2023 card finale and the year at the London, Ont. oval with Rye N Clyne topping the action off a pocket trip.
As the sole 14-year-old in the field, Tomitta Bayama (Tyler Borth) designated himself as the pacesetter. He set panels in :29, :59.2 and 1:28.2. Throughout the mile, Rye N Clyne (Garrett Rooney) followed on the veteran pacer's helmet. Rye N Clyne achieved the upper hand in the stretch and kept going to win in 1:59 by two lengths. Derby Dylan (Dan Clements) grabbed second, A Sham Of Amber (Preston Shaw) finished third and Tomitta Bayama ended in fourth.
Rye N Clyne (Vintage Master-Undone Hanover) is owned by Cecilia Richardson and trained by Cameron Mcqueen. The nine-year-old gelding won his 13th seasonal race and 48th career race. He moved his career sum to $215,006. Rye N Clyne returned $4.20 to win.
With 2024 on the horizon, Tomitta Bayama met his retirement after the final start in the Auld Lang Syne. The 14-year-old Camluck-Korinna Bayama gelding made 56 trips to the winner's circle in his career and banked $301,838. Owned by trainer Thomas Hamm and Jordan Hamm, Tomitta Bayama took his career mark of 1:52.2 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Leading out the post parade in the finale was Oldfriendskentucky (Whosurboy-Patties Fame). The 14-year-old gelding was honoured for his retirement. He made 39 winner's circle appearances with $228,470 put in the bank. He earned his mark of 1:52.4 at Georgian Downs.
Tyler Borth led all drivers with 192 wins over the 2023 meet to take the Leading Driver title. Garrett Rooney finished second in the standings with 145 wins while J Harris completed the top three with 80 victories.
Cassidy Schneider earned the 2023 Leading Training title with 53 victories achieved this season at Western Fair. Mike Timpano finished second with 37 wins and Lindsey Kerr took home third-place honours with 35 tallies.
Racing resumes at Western Fair on Monday, Jan. 1 and will continue on a Monday through Wednesday and Friday schedule with a 5:50 p.m. first post time each night.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - The Raceway at Western Fair District.