Trainer-driver Gerry Hudon made a triumphant return to the sulky Saturday at Alberta Downs after being sidelined for more than two months following a racing accident
in March.
Hudon started the day by winning all three qualifiers with his own trainees, the lightly raced Wyesone (1:59) and stakes competitors Hollywood Hotel (1:58.1) and Bachelor Pad (1:55.4).
During the afternoon racing program, the veteran horseman won his second pari-mutuel start back with Open pacer Timberline Court.
Hudon fired the seven-year-old With Held-Bon Temps gelding to command from the outside post eight in the featured $8,500 top class and opened up an insurmountable lead as he paced past fractions of :27.1, :55.4, and 1:23.4 en route to victory in 1:53.2. Wannabe Cowboy and Ryan Grundy finished over nine lengths behind in second while favourite Hilldrop Shady and Brent Grundy were third.
Timberline Court paid $17 to win (fifth-choice) for the third time in eight seasonal starts. Hudon co-owns the career winner of 24 races and $283,219 in purses with breeder R. Lynn Kowalevsky of Airdrie, Alta.
Hudon also finished fourth during the 11-race card with six-year-old claiming mare Bridgette Hanover while his other drive aboard six-year-old claiming gelding Be One was scratched.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following links: