Live harness racing returned to Dresden Raceway on Sunday afternoon (May 29) for the 2016 season and driver Alex Lilley was the star of Opening Day.
The 32-year-old Dutton, Ont. reinsman had a driving triple on the 10-race card. He notched his first victory with Distinctiv Sean in the sixth race as he guided the six-year-old Rambaran gelding home in 1:59.1. Lilley then made it to the winner’s circle after taking the ninth race with Mach Shark, a five–year-old Mach Three mare, in 2:01.1, and then again after winning the 10th with Fortune New Moon, a four-year-old Rambaran gelding, in 2:00.2.
Tyler Borth scored a driving double with Victorys Peanut and Carlys Hollywood while Vic McMurren had a training double on the day with the aforementioned Distinctiv Sean and Mach Shark.
The sixth race triactor combination of 3-5-6 was the largest payout of the day returning $769.30 while a $2 win ticket on Salem By You in the second race paid out $58.60. Salem By You and P J Lucky Lass, both maiden-breaking four-year-old pacing mares, gave Richard Griffiths a training double.
The on-track handle for the live racing was $21,448 as almost 500 people pushed through the gate.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway.
(With files from Dresden Raceway)