With a career moment within reach, ‘The Blue Knight’ Jason Hughes wasted no time on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 9) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Hughes went into the day with 1,999 career driving wins and broke the goose egg in his first mount of the day with a 2:03.2 maiden-breaking score with the Todd Weatherbee-trained Czarspieceofheaven in race three.
The Stratford, P.E.I. driver recorded his first lifetime victory in his first career drive on June 17, 1993 with Sample Girl at the Charlottetown Driving Park. After win number 2,000, Hughes went on to win three more on the day with Lock Her Up (2:03.1) for trainer Kenny Arsenault followed by the Jennifer Doyle-trained pair of Chelski (1:59.3) and Elm Grove Mistress (1:59.1).
Hughes sits second in the driving standings at the capital oval with 133 wins, four back of leading driver Marc Campbell at 137 heading into Sunday’s card.
Arsenault had two winners from his Charlottetown barn as Incredible Two was a 2:01.3 victor in the $2,600 trot class with the veteran trainer/driver in the seat.
Tobins Brownie won the $3,500 featured Fillies and Mares Preferred in a 1:57.3 head decision for trainer/driver David Dowling and owners Brittany Dowling, Sandra Weeks and Erroll Burgoyne, all of Springvale, P.E.I.
Dowling also won with Shes Rockandfame (2:01) for his brother, trainer Mike Dowling, and with newcomer Two Points (2:02.1) from his own stable.
Eighteen-year-old Zac Noye garnered his first career training win on the program with Freedom Delight winning in 2:03 over the muddy track in line to Mark Bradley.
Its Model Time extended her winning streak to four straight with Ken Murphy in the driver’s seat for owner/trainer Robert Phillips in 2:01.1.
Live harness racing continues on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 10) at 12:30 p.m. at Red Shores Charlottetown.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)