The rain stayed away and the people were out in droves at Dresden Raceway for the 2015 opening day.
Over 800 people enjoyed a great day of harness racing action with tons of giveaways throughout the day.
Robert Sparling Jr. was the driving star of the day as he made four trips to the winner’s circle while Cathy Gaudreau topped all trainers with her stable going three-for-three.
Sparling scored his first winner in the fifth race while at the controls of Decroft Blast. The three-year-old Astronomical colt is owned by Clarence Dekens of Clinton, Ont. and trained by Randy Marriage. Decroft Blast paced the mile in 2:05.2.
Sparling’s second win of the day was with Gaudreau trainee Comback Matt in the seventh race as he guided the seven-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding home in 2:00.2 for owner Jim Napper of Bothwell, Ont.
Blissfullannmarie was Sparling’s third winner in the ninth race for Bothwell, Ont. owner Don Wilkins and Gaudreau. The four-year-old Blissfull Hall mare paced her winning mile in 2:02.2.
The Gaudreau-trained and Napper-owned Primary Pick proved to be Sparling’s fourth winner in the 10th race finale. The four-year-old Rambaran mare paced to victory in 2:00.4.
Nick Steward scored three winners on the day at Dresden Raceway.
The handle was $17,834.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway.
(With files from Dresden Raceway)