In a rarity for North American harness racing, a horse imported from the United Kingdom is poised to make a splash here after an impressive debut at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday night
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Pacing mare Laneside Lexus has enjoyed some solid seasons across the pond with stakes-winning performances in Wales, England and Scotland, and in her Canadian debut she took over right where she let off – in the winner’s circle.
Owned by Neville Bainbridge of Barnard Castle, ENG, Laneside Lexus rallied to an impressive victory in an $8,200 conditioned pace for driver William "Rocker" Laidler. The eight-year-old daughter of Hopping High-Goldilocks, who went 6-for-9 in 2011, landed in the three-hole before making a first-over assault on the lead. She used a :28.4 final quarter of :28.4 over a track rated “good” with a one-second allowance to secure the victory in a career-best clocking of 1:55.3.
Laneside Lexus hadn't raced since August 31, 2011, when she defeated the UK's best pacers - including former OSS standout and O'Brien Award-winning pacer Doonbeg - in the 2011 Crock Of Gold final. During her campaign in Canada she is racing under the guidance of English-born trainer Colin Johnson.
To view results for Sunday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.