Everything Damian MacLellan worked for in harness racing came to fruition Thursday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park with his first career win in his first start behind the gate.
MacLellan, a 19-year-old Inverness, N.S. native, hustled the Jennifer Doyle-trained Elm Grove Mistress off the wings from Post 2 and blasted through every fraction to win virtually unchallenged in 1:57.2 in the first drive of his blossoming career.
Doyle shares ownership of the winning daughter of Articulator with Danny Birt.
David Dowling called on Miami Seelster to lead at every fraction, and in doing so he celebrated win number 1,500 of his career. The pacer stopped the teletimer in 1:56.3 for trainer Colin Johnson.
Dowling came back later in the night to win the $3,200 Fillies and Mares Preferred pace with Tobins Brownie in 1:55.2, taking advantage of a late break in stride by the heavily favoured Dreamfair Zenfire (Marc Campbell). Ladylike (Gilles Barrieau) was second in the top event ahead of third place Dreamfair Zenfire.
Dowling trains Tobins Brownie for owners Brittany Watts, Sandra Weeks and Erroll Burgoyne.
Incredible Two provided a colossal upset in the $2,600 Open Trot as the four-year-old daughter of Angus Hall rallied late to win the class in 1:59 at 10-1 odds. Kenny Arsenault trains and drives the mare for owner Wade Peconi.
Live racing continues Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Red Shores Charlottetown and Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway featuring the P.E.I. Colt Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and fillies. (CDP)
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.