Clinton Raceway hosted a 10-race Sunday, July 14 card, highlighted by the $8,000 third leg of the Prospect Series with Buttinski delivering a gate-to-wire victory in the lone division.
Driver Todd Ratchford wasted little time getting Buttinski to the lead from post five in the Prospect division, crossing over well before taking the field of seven to the quarter in :29.2. Buttinski went unchallenged to the half in :59.2 before Charmbro Titan (Thomas Smith) moved from third to lead the charge first-over at three-quarters in 1:30.2. Turning for home 1-1/2 lengths clear, Buttinski faced one final challenge from pocket-sitter Livingitlarge (Lorne House). Trotting home in :31.1, Buttinski fended off the late bid by three parts of a length to score in 2:01.3. Maestro Seelster (Keith Jones) rallied for the third spot.
Trained by Mary Ratchford, who co-owns along with breeder Cynthia Graham, the three-year-old rookie is now a three-time winner in 13 seasonal outings. Buttinski is a gelded son of Lookslikeachpndale-Dance Hall Wendy and has now banked $18,390 this season.
For the day, Travis Henry led all drivers to extend his lead in the driver standings, winning four of the 10 races.
Prior to racing, the annual Kid's Day set the pace for the second half of the 2024 season at Clinton Raceway. The morning began with the second annual Open House, giving fans new and experienced the chance to check out the happenings at the racetrack from behind the scenes. Well attended, the guests were able to tour the paddock, had the chance to get up close and personal with retired Standardbred Mr Yokassippi, call a horse race with announcer Tim and even use virtual reality to drive a racehorse, thanks to the Bill Galvin Drive to Win Experience.
For the afternoon, the kids had crafts, face painting, bouncers and more, keeping them busy on a very hot Sunday afternoon at the Huron County oval.
The Huron Heat Female Hockey Association held the day's trackside fundraiser. With great support from the organization, community and fans on-track, they were able to raise just over $6,500 during the afternoon romp for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Racing resumes next Sunday, July 21 with the ninth edition of the Vic Hayter Memorial Trot, featuring a fundraiser for the Stratford Perth Humane Society. The Little Tracks Petting Zoo will be in the park from 1-4 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
(With files from Clinton Raceway)