Charmbo Chrome recently grabbed some industry headlines, as it was publicized that the son of Manofmanymissions was returning from a two-year hiatus from the races. He must've been itching to make a trip to the winner's circle, because the six-year-old bay was hungry for the wire on Sunday, June 14 at Clinton Raceway, which was conducting the opening card of its 2020 meet.
Charmbo Chrome was hammered down to the public's 1-9 choice for Race 5, which was a $4,800 event for trotters. Although he sat mid-pack early, Charmbo Chrome was at the wire when the money was on the line.
The career winner of nine races and $106,490 in purses lined up in Post 3 and got away fourth in the early going. Driver Bruce Richardson was able to keep Charmbo Chrome covered up for a decent amount of the opening half before flipping the switch on his charge.
When Richardson let Charmbo Chrome trot, the bay did just that. The John Rier trainee came first up and was fighting for the lead on the outside. Charmbo Chrome ($2.20) had what it took to wear down the front end and get up for the handy victory in 2:01.
After having done all of the work on the front end, the Austin Sorrie-driven Gotagetmesomathat held on for second. The Jason Ryan-driven Xtatic Hanover had raced third-over and three-wide late, and got up to finish third.
John Rier (of Kitchener, Ont.) and Randy Rier (Hanover, Ont.) own Charmbo Chrome. The duo also bred the horse. To read the recent profile piece on Charmbo Chrome, click here.
Driver Brett MacDonald was sharp in the bike during the afternoon card, as he won three of the first four races. When all was said and done, MacDonald had won four of the afternoon's ten races. Austin Sorrie recorded a driving triple.
To view the harness racing results for Sunday at Clinton, click the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
After the program was in the books, Clinton officials announced that the track handled just over $72,000 in wagers during the card.
The contents of Clinton's release appear below.
Delayed Clinton Season has Successful Start with over $72,000 Wagered
Facing a two week delay and a new way of bringing harness racing to the fans of the rural Ontario track didn't stop Clinton Raceway from hosting a stellar opening day program.
All staff and horsepeople are commended for following the current guidelines and procedures to ensure safe social distancing measures.
Driver Brett MacDonald steered four to the winner's circle on the afternoon's 10- race card. He kicked off the first race of the season with a 1:59.4 win for Braonach, who was the heavy post time favourite.
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Braonach and connections, pictured after Race 1.
Austin Sorrie wasn't far behind with a driving triple on the day. He rounded out the card in the 10th with an upset win for Play With Passion from the five hole.
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Play With Passion and connections, pictured after Race 10.
Race fans followed along on social media, as they posted pictures of where they were watching from. The fans headed strongly to the wagering outlets, as more than $72,500 was wagered into the day's pools.
Live harness racing will return (with no spectators onsite) next Sunday (June 21) with a post time of 1:30 p.m.
Season details and contest information can be found at www.clintonraceway.com.