Dreamfair Eternal Excellent In Ellamony

Teaming up with driver Jody Jamieson, Dreamfair Eternal tracked down her fellow aged pacing mares to claim her first $121,000 Ellamony Classic title on Saturday afternoon at Flamboro Downs

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Leaving from the inside post position, Call Me Yours (Stuart Sowerby) took control of the field, but her lead was short-lived as Tomorrowpan (Trevor Henry) rolled up from the pocket to take over at the :26.4 opening quarter mark.

As Tomorrowpan lead the way to the half in :55.4, Voelz Hanover (Mario Baillargeon) advanced from fourth and laid on the pressure before facing another challenge in the form of Western Silk, with driver Mark MacDonald making his return to the sulky after being sidelined with multiple injuries from an accident on May 26 at Mohawk Racetrack.

Western Silk came charging three-wide and took over command at the third quarter mark in 1:23.3, with Dreamfair Eternal and Jamieson even wider after getting away sixth from the trailing Post 9 and following her cover. Canada’s 2010 Horse of the Year swept past the leading duo around the final turn and cruised to the wire for the 1:52.1 victory by one length with Ticket To Rock (Sylvain Filion) coming on for second over Western Silk.

"I was a little tentative, I wasn't sure what to expect," said Jamieson on picking up the drive and starting from the trailing tier. "I've driven her a couple times before [back in 2008], but since then she's gone on to make a million dollars and has kicked my butt a couple of times.

"The way the trip was going to work out, I figured there was going to be speed in Western Silk and she just didn't have her best day I don't think, but Dreamfair Eternal definitely did."

Dreamfair Eternal's victory provided Jamieson, fresh off one of the biggest wins in his career last Saturday in the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Racetrack, with another stakes title to add to his resume.

"That's Canadian harness racing, that's why I love it so much," said Canada's leading money earning driver. "You get rolling and you get these great opportunities with great horses and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Dreamfair Eternal paid $3.70 to win as the 4-5 favourite. The daughter of Camluck-J Cs Nathalie, who finished second to To Helen Back in last year's Ellamony, is trained by Pat Fletcher for owner-breeder John Lamers of Ingersolls, Ont.

When asked if there is any signs the seven-year-old mare is slowing down, Fletcher said, "Well last year she came around here in [1]:51.4 [in her elimination] and today is :52, but I guess they never really say how fast they go on the cheque so we're happy with that effort. I'm just thrilled she's won every aged mare stake in Ontario now. Now she's got the Ellamony and we won every other one so I'm happy. It's a good high point in her career."

When asked about the decision to switch from the mare's regular reinsman Randy Waples to Jamieson, Lamers commented, "We've had a tremendous go of things in the last year and half with her and hats off to Randy. He's a great guy and a good friend. Unfortunately, this thing got smacked up in the media and it was blown out of proportion. I did not notify Randy by text and I think that was the biggest crutch of the matter. I decided to make a driver change. I thought maybe she might need it, maybe she was getting a little dull and consequently it worked out.

"I think she is [getting better]," added Lamers. "She had the entire winter off and I believe she could be just as good this year as last year. She'll tell me when she's had enough."

The win was her second in five starts this year and 47th lifetime, boosting her overall bankroll to $1.8 million.

Dreamfair Eternal will head to Georgian Downs next Saturday for the Master Series eliminations.

In celebration of the third annual Ellamony Classic, Flamboro Downs joined forces with the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Center in an effort to raise funds for the Breast Assessment Centre and the day was a resounding success both on track and off the track. The generosity of those who attended today’s event was overwhelming and as a result Flamboro Downs has committed to make this an annual occurrence. Matt Dusk, who made a special appearance at the track today, enjoyed himself so much, he has offered to be a part of the Ellamony Classic and fundraiser in the future.

"Flamboro Downs is grateful for the response that they received from the community and industry, and would like to thank them for their overwhelming support and generosity," said Wendy Wasylowich, marketing manager at Flamboro Downs.

It is projected that today’s event raised over $10,000 of which $5,000 was generously donated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

Saturday's card also featured 10 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for three-year-old trotting fillies with the fastest split going to Extraordinaire in 1:57.4.

For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Flamboro Downs.