For a second straight week rain was a factor at Cornerstone Raceway in Yorkton. However, unlike a week earlier when rain washed away the card after three races, this week while rain caused a delay after four races, the sun came out and while the track was heavy, they finished the nine-race card
.
It was a good night for Blake Piwniuk who drove a pair of winners including taking Way Outa Bounds to top spot in the Terry Ortynsky Royal Ford Feature in the seventh race. Dal Rio Indy with Richard Remillard in the seat was second with Terry Kaufman and Found My Desire in third.
Piwniuk said Way Outa Bonds was ready to race, trained by his grandmother Elaine Bell.
"He went to the front and never looked back," said Piwniuk, who added being in the front on a heavy track was a good place to be.
Piwniuk, who said he had to thank his grandfather Laurie Bell for most of what he knows about the sport, noted Friday it was sometimes wise to go to the road less traveled. He said getting off the rail about 20-feet away from where most horses raced worked well.
"When it's muddy it's faster out there," he said.
Piwniuk also piloted Bad Dude to the winner's circle in race two, ahead of Tyler Redwood with Ignite The Spark, and Brian Gray with Intheghetto in second and third respectively.
"Bad Dude has lots of class. He was good out there," said Piwniuk. "… He's always game. He likes to race."
As for the overall conditions Friday night Piwniuk said they were difficult, but something he found exhilarating.
"It's definitely the muddiest I've ever driven in," said the young driver in only his second year in the cart. "It was a new experience. It was fun."
Piwniuk said in spite of the wet and muddy conditions he is just happy to be racing.
"Being so young, it's just fun to be out there, and if I get some wins it's 'funner'," he said, adding it was time to race again in Saskatchewan. "… It was good to finally get in a full card and catch up on some bills."
Tyler Redwood also piloted back-to-back winning drives with Premium Cigar in the third and Black Mac in the fourth.
Remillard took Cataj Trophe to the win in the first and Mystery Road in the sixth for a pair of wins.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Calvin Daniels)
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Yorkton Exhibition.