Wave That Banner and driver Mark Haig lit up the toteboard on Saturday in Exhibition Park Raceway's opening day feature event, upsetting heavy favourite Joseph Michael in the process.
It was a "banner" race for trainer Eric Wilson as he conditions both horses, who put on a dazzling stretch drive resulting in a photo finish. The time of the mile was 1:59.3, which was the fastest winning effort of the day.
Valerie Phelan co-owns both pacers. Wave That Banner is also owned by Wilson while Phelan shares ownership on Joseph Michael with Andrea Dolan.
The victory was Haig's third on the seven-race card. He previously won with Battle Gear and Skippy.
Todd Trites added some excitement on the day as he went into the final race with 1,999 career wins and many thought he would snare his 2,000th victory with Joseph Michael. He will have to put off the celebration for now, but has three drives on Sunday afternoon at Truro Raceway.
Trites did score a driving triple, winning with The Viking Prince, Couleur Magnifique, and J Ps Warrior (in a dead-heat victory).
Eleven-year-old pacer Dance Hanover reached a special career milestone of his own on Saturday's card though as he recorded his 50th win in his first start of the year. Stephen Trites drove the Astreos-Drop Your Riggin gelding to the 2:02.3 triumph for trainer Sifroi Melanson's Ultimate Stable.
Racing returns on Saturday, May 31 at Fredericton Raceway with a 2 p.m. start time.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Exhibition Park Raceway.
(With files from HRNB)