Grand Bay has paced her way into the final of the Mark Austin Pacing Series by way of a 1:59.3 effort on Sunday afternoon (June 17) at Dresden Raceway.
The three-year-old Badlands Hanover filly went wire-to-wire to win the first division of the Mark Austin Series in a new lifetime mark of 1:59.3, beating Mickeys Cruiser by 3-1/4 lengths. Grand Bay is owned by Jim Napper, trained by Cathy Gaudreau and was driven by Tyler Borth.
Longshot Presidents Wish used a two-hole trip to pop out and beat favourite Dynasty Seelster in the second division in 1:59.1 for driver Nick Steward. The three-year-old Badlands Hanover filly is owned by Joe Elliott, Jackie McManus, Richard Dalby and trainer Larry Fitzsimmons.
Mark Williams guided A Bit A Billie to victory in the third division of the Austin Series for owner-trainer Lenore Prince and co-owner Eric Prince. The six- year-old Stonebridge Regal mare was trailing by five lengths at the half, then made a move to step off the back half in :59.3 and win by over 11 lengths.
The $12,700 final of the Mark Austin Pacing Series will go postward next Sunday afternoon (June 24) during an action-packed day at Dresden Raceway. The track will not only be hosting the Mark Austin Pacing Series Final, but will also be hosting the Ken Houston Memorial Pace in honour for former National Hockey League player Ken Houston, who passed away in March. Houston and Austin are no strangers to sharing a day at the track, as Austin was the conditioner for many of Houston’s horses.
Several NHL jerseys and items will be for auction at the track and on-line, including an autographed Lanny McDonald jersey, an autographed Claude Giroux jersey, an autographed Travis Konecny jersey as well as autographed John Campbell colours.
About 900 people braved the heat and bet a total of $22,813.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Dresden Raceway.
(Dresden Raceway)