Succumbing to defeat in the top class last week, The Light Speed returned to the winner’s circle of the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday night (April 16).
Trainer-driver Guy Gagnon grabbed command with The Light Speed past a :27 first quarter and pocketed Lovemyrockinbird by the stands first time. Strolling towards a :56.3 half, The Light Speed accelerated up the backside as National Debt moved first over to three-quarters in 1:25.1 and inched nearer to the leader through the turn. National Debt continued grinding along the rim spinning for home but couldn’t work past The Light Speed, who kept three-quarter lengths in front at the end of a 1:52.4 mile. Montysgonemarble finished third and Lovemyrockinbird faded to fourth.
A homebred for Michelle Nolette, The Light Speed won his 30th race from 75 starts and has now earned $222,379. The five-year-old Moon Beam gelding paid $4.20 to win.
Trainer Mandy Archer scored a hat trick on the Sunday card. Her wins came with Getyourlicenseliam (1:54 winning mile; $3.60 to win), Speak Of War (1:55.2; $2.30) and Smilingbillythekid (1:54.2; $3.20).
Nine of the evening's 10 races were won in wire-to-wire fashion. Catch The Spark briefly yielded the lead in the night's second race at the half, preventing a clean sweep for fraction-setting victors.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.