Grand Bay was the winner of the $12,700 Mark Austin Pacing Series Final on Sunday (June 24) at Dresden Raceway for her fifth win in a row at the local oval.
The three-year-old Badlands Hanover filly was tested several times during the mile, but was up to the task.
Grand Bay took the early lead, but Mickeys Cruiser cleared to the front just past the quarter for driver Garret Rooney. Tyler Borth then pulled Grand Bay out and regained the lead before the half.
Grand Bay was no sooner settled when Presidents Wish and pilot Nick Steward came charging up on the outside; but, again, Borth and the Cathy Gaudreau-trained filly held off the charge.
A Bit Of Billie and Mark Williams closed to within a head, but Grand Bay held off the challenge for the win.
Grand Bay set fractions of :28.3, :59.3 and 1:29.3 before recording the mile time in 2:00.2 over the ‘good’ track.
Austin’s wife, Julie, and daughters, Paige and Paula, presented Borth with a watch as the winning driver.
Grand Bay poses along with a throng of supporters after the Mark Austin Pacing Series Final
The day also featured the Ken Houston Memorial Pace in honour of the former NHLer who hailed from Dresden. Several former NHLers and current NHL player TJ Brodie were on hand to honour Houston.
Almost $5,000 was raised towards the Ken Houston Memorial Scholarship Fund via a live auction, silent auction and raffle.
Sunday was also the largest crowd of the year, with over 1,500 people in attendance, and produced the largest handle of the year, $34,180.
To view the harness racing results for Sunday at Dresden, click the following link: Sunday Results – Dresden Raceway.
(Dresden Raceway)