"I’m Just Happy To Be Back"

In his first drive back after having rebounded from taxing cancer treatments, Hall of Fame reinsman Steve Condren did what the man in green and gold does: win

.

After having been away from charted racing since May of 2011, Condren, a resident of Milton, Ont., had Monday, April 23 circled on his calendar. The day's qualifying session was the date that he had pegged for his charted return.

The career winner of more than 6,600 races slid up into the racebike ahead of the morning's fifth dash. A reduced field of five starters lined up behind the gate for a spin around the Campbellville oval.

The conditions during the session could've been better. Condren had been prepping for his return in balmy Florida, but Mohawk Racetrack proved anything but on Monday. Chilly, damp conditions with sharp wind gusts reminded all in attendance that 'Ole Man Winter is trying his best to go out like a lion.

After having lined up in Post 2, Condren and Barbie And Ken opted for a pocket ride through the fractions, which were hacked out in :29.3, 1:00.1 and 1:31.2 by Victoriacrest and driver Mike Saftic.

Up for a move in the lane, Condren tipped his three-year-old mount out, and the Ken Warkentin lass responded. Barbie And Ken was a doll as she marched to a three-length victory in 2:00.4.

“I’m just happy to be back,” the 54-year-old Condren told the Woodbine Entertainment Group afterward. “Six months ago, I didn’t know I was going to be here. This is what I’ve done all my life and it’s in your blood. When I was younger I tried to get out of the business a few times and that never happened. Once it’s in your blood, it’s almost impossible to get out of the game.”

To view the harness racing results for the Monday qualifying session at Mohawk, click the following link: Monday Results - Mohawk Racetrack (Qualifiers).