Gimblett Celebrates First Driving Victory

Carter Gimblett is no stranger to the Flamboro Downs winner's circle; however, for the first time, the track photographer was on the receiving end of the win photo as he notched his first career driving victory aboard Always Been Crazy on the 11-race Sunday (March 10) card. 

Gimblett was a man on a mission from the outset, launching Always Been Crazy to the front immediately off the wings of the gate from the outside post six. Always Been Crazy dashed through the snow with a four-length lead up the backstretch, reaching the first quarter station in :29.1. Gimblett reeled in the pace on the way to the halfway point, leading the field to that point in 1:00.1 while Travis Cullen urged pocket-sitter Carson Star Choice within two lengths of the leader. Cullen popped that pocket just beyond the half, reaching the leader's wheel on the third turn before Gimblett countered and quickened on the way to three-quarters, holding Carson Star Choice at bay at by a length in 1:29.4.

Gimblett began to go to work in the bike on Always Been Crazy on the final turn, turning for home a length in front of the field. Always Been Crazy drifted off the cones spinning off the final turn, leaving room for Just A Poor Boy and Samuel Fillion to pounce up the inside. Just A Poor Boy surged up the rail to head Always Been Crazy; however, under Gimblett urging, Always Been Crazy began to re-rally when Just A Poor Boy jumped it off just before the wire as Always Been Crazy secured the victory by a neck in 2:00.4. Just A Poor Boy was disqualified to fourth due to the lapped-on break at the wire, leading to Boots N Brian (Larry Small) to be moved up to the place spot, while Shadow Warrior (Austin Sorrie) was moved to third. Always Been Crazy paid $20.20 to win for his backers at the betting windows.

The victory was the first in as many pari-mutuel drives for Gimblett, who also owns and trains Always Been Crazy. The victory was the second career training victory in 18 tries for Gimblett, who broke his maiden on that front in 2022, conditioning Wine Tyme to victory at Kawartha Downs. Always Been Crazy is a six-year-old gelded son of Sunshine Beach-Notable Beauty who now sports a career bankroll of $90,150 with the addition of his 18th career victory.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)