Canada's Fastest Woman

The surprise factor is still strong for Alberta's Connie Kolthammer, who wrote her name into the Canadian record books on Saturday by virtue of a 1:51.3 win

in at Alberta Downs.

Smart Shark's winning time was not only a track record, but also the fastest mile for a female driver on Canadian soil. The former mark of 1:53.2 was co-held by Lauren Nickells (True Charmer, 1997 at Woodbine) and Valerie Warnick (EL Jordan, 2005 at Georgian).

"It never really dawned on me how fast we were going," Kolthammer told Trot Insider. "There aren't any timers at the quarter poles so it's not easy to tell.

"Sugar [track announcer Shannon Doyle] knew it was a track record but walking into the winner's circle I never thought it was that fast."

The moment was one that hasn't worn off for the Falun, Alberta resident, whose horses race under the Outlaw Stable moniker.

"My parents were there, I'm still walking on air," said Kolthammer. "It feels really good and will feel great for a few days."

Even though Kolthammer and her "pet" Smart Shark established a new track standard, the trainer-driver believes that the best is yet to come for Canada's largest harness racing oval.

"Alberta Downs will be a really good track when they get it tightened up. With some soft spots in the first turn and the stretch and some rain in the forecast, it should get faster."

Kolthammer has high praise for Robert Allen and the people that got the track up and running as fast as they did.

"The atmosphere there is great. It's more relaxing than Northlands [Park], great for new people who have never been to the races."