Rideau’s reigning champ Guy Gagnon had himself a night at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (May 29), piloting seven winners – three from his own barn and four for conditioner Mandy Archer – including a victory in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace with odds-on favourite The Light Speed.
In the featured event, The Light Speed soared to the lead by a :27 first quarter and cruised to a :56.2 half without much challenge. Springbridge Jim attempted to press the pacesetter up the backside when rushing out of fifth, but was quickly turned away by three-quarters in 1:24.4 as The Light Speed set sights for home. Pocket-sitter Lovemyrockinbird mounted a bid out of second through the stretch but came just a neck short of victory to the finish of a 1:52.3 mile. St Lads Cash closed for third and Vanilla Malted took fourth.
A homebred for Michel Nolette, The Light Speed won his fourth race from 13 starts this season and his 21st from 49 overall. The four-year-old Moon Beam gelding has earned $141,459 lifetime. He paid $3.60 to win.
Gagnon wrapped the card with a win by his pupil Big Petes Style ($3.30) to give him seven wins on the day. Prior to, he hit a natural grand slam starting with Archer trainee Unique Beach ($2.50), followed by a win with his own stock by Flash Cube ($5.10) and followed with two more wins for Archer with Southwind Dredge ($2.20) and Twin B Laker ($5.50). Gagnon’s other win came in the second race with Archer trainee Warrawee Xceed ($5.90).
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.