Racing Under Saddle Ontario returned to the site where the first North American under saddle wagering race took place as Clinton Raceway hosted two events for the sulkyless trotters on Sunday afternoon (June 19).
Alex Marion, who is RUS Ontario's sole licensed male rider, earned his first victory as 10-year-old trotter Celebrity Legacy inherited the 2:04 score in the first $3,000 tilt. Precious Phoebe reset after an early break in stride and trotted out to a six-length lead while Celebrity Legacy swept from last to second-place. Precious Phoebe and Evelyn Harms crossed the wire first with Celebrity Legacy chasing three-quarters of a length behind, however, the judges ruled Precious Phoebe had failed to lose ground while on a break and she was placed sixth. Celebrity Legacy was the favourite and paid $4.20 to win. The son of Windsongs Legacy is owned by trainer Felix Marion and Krystel Simard. The victory was also his first under saddle, but 23rd lifetime.
Harms crossed the finish line first again later aboard trotting mare Southwind Alice in the other $4,000 under saddle race, and this time the result was made official. Southwind Alice overtook Massive Muscles and Marit Valstad to win by one length in 2:03.4. The five-year-old Muscle Hill mare, who is an 11-time career winner, has now won back-to-back RUS events for trainer David Dowling and owner Allan Neal. She paid $6.20 to win as the 2-1 third choice.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.