The drivers of Flamboro Downs showed their Canadian pride on Sunday night donning Team Canada hockey jerseys for the evening's first race in a tribute to the Canadian Olympic gold medalists in Sochi.
All nine drivers in Flamboro's opener were decked out in red and white, including Billy Davis Jr., David Duncan, J Harris, Jody Jamieson, Lyle MacArthur, Anthony MacDonald, James MacDonald, Bruce Richardson and Nick Steward.
The race was won by Steward and the front-striding Zebs Cam Bo ($7.40) in 1:56.1.
The reinsmen changed back into their own driving colours for the remainder of the card.
A few races later, Flamboro's Announcer Idol competition continued featuring a new local broadcast media personality calling the third race. Andrew Gerrior, Weekend Announcer on FreshFM 95.3, took the mic for the call with track announcer Gary Guy assisting.
RG Queensmagic ($6.90) rallied three-wide off cover down the backstretch and moved up to take over command around the final turn.
"RG Queensmagic has come on to take the lead," called Gerrior as the nine-year-old Magical Mike mare cleared.
The favourite held off late-closers Mobro Flirt and Beauty Princess down the stretch to score her 20th career win by half a length in 1:58 flat for trainer Sean Melenbacher and owner/breeder Alex Sinclair.
The victory was the first of five on the 12-race program for her driver, Jamieson.
Announcer Idol continues through March 23 at Flamboro Downs. Fans and patrons will get to vote for their favourite race call following the competition and the winning announcer will receive a donation to the local charity of their choice, courtesy of Flamboro Downs and Great Canadian Gaming.
Sunday's featured Preferred 3 events were won by 12-year-old pacer Bolero Charles ($22.20) and seven-year-old trotter Kashs Caviar ($5.60). James MacDonald steered Stephen Charlton trainee Bolero Charles to his 40th career win in 1:55.1 while Trevor Henry worked out the winning trip aboard the Craig Yates-trained Kashs Caviar, who stopped the teletimer in 1:59.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.
(photo courtesy Davandra Cribbie)
Yay, that's my photo at top.
Yay, that's my photo at top. Not bad for a cellphone capture. You guys rocked it out in Canadian colors. Awesome tribute to our Canadian athletes who competed and brought home the GOLD.