Once National Debt landed on the front, he let no others pass in progress to a 1:52 victory in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday night (June 26).
Driver Pascal Berube brushed the 11-year-old Allamerican Native stallion to the lead after a :27.3 first quarter and continued to cruise through a :56.1 half and to three-quarters in 1:24. Major Hill, the 7-5 favourite, crept first over towards the leader but only applied minor pressure as National Debt swung for home and strode to a 1-3/4-length win by the beam. The Light Speed tracked Major Hill's cover to take third while St Lads Cash faded off a pocket trip to fourth.
National Debt races for owner Francois Morin and has won six times from 14 starts this season and 86 times from 240 starts overall, good for $723,948 in purses. Yves Tessier trains the $6.30 winner.
Trainers Vic Puddy and John MacMillan both posted strong evenings with each scoring a hat trick on the 10-race card. Puddy's wins came early as he won three of the first four races with Jessicas Legacy ($5.70), Officer Jones ($2.40) and Lovemyrockinbird ($2.50). MacMillan then won three of the four last races on the card with Hes Got A Vendetta ($15.50), Dylans Bank ($3.40) and Salty Robyn N ($18.10).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.