Trainer Jamie Copley took over the top spot in the Rideau Carleton Raceway standings on Sunday, teaming up with driver Stephane Gendron for a triple.
Two months into the 2013 racing season, the trainers' race at Rideau is a close one. With his training triple on Sunday, Copley established a one-win lead over Rene Allard (19-18). Brenda Spence sits just one more win back in third.
Copley earned his first Sunday score when his five-year-old pacing mare Dirt Track Momma ($3.50) cruised to an 1:59 triumph, her second in a row, in race three over the 'good' surface. Five-year-old pacing mare Giddy Up Bella ($3.50) later rallied off cover to capture the sixth dash in 2:01 for owners Saverino and Graziano Spagnolo of Ottawa, Ont. The season-debuting Salute ($5.80), an eight-year-old pacing gelding, completed the Copley hat trick when he romped to a 1:57.4 three and a half length victory in the 15th race finale for owner Gestion Marc Lemay Inc. of Quebec City, Que.
Copley currently ranks among Canada's top 10 trainers for wins and win percentage in 2013.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.