Mercutio prevailed in a track record performance in 10th edition of the Vic Hayter Memorial Trot in front of a large crowd on Sunday, July 20 at Clinton Raceway.
He took up third position early for driver Travis Henry, who highlighted a grand slam on the card with the victory in the $16,000 feature. R Royal Port (Daryl Thiessen) rocketed out from the outside post seven to take point and was unhurried through early fractions of :28.3 and :58.4. Mercutio pulled off the pylons as they turned for the backstretch and made headway towards the leader to three-quarters in 1:28. R Royal Port sustained his lead as those two clashed around the final turn while drawing clear of the rest. Mercutio, a length back at the top of the lane, found the most late trot and powered by his rival in deep-stretch to win by a neck in 1:58.2. Goober Smack (Paul MacKenzie) finished third.
The mile time set a new record for an aged trotting stallion, cutting two ticks of the standard set by Elmo Rockbottom in 2016.
Mercutio, who finished fourth in last year's Hayter Memorial, took his 17th career win in 76 starts and increased his bankroll to $218,427. Shane Arsenault of Freelton, Ont. owns and trains the six-year-old Bar Hopping-Frisky Magic stallion. He paid $3.80 to win.
The memorial event, honouring the late Stratford hotelier Vic Hayter, drew a competitive field of eight trotters and marked a decade of celebration at the track. As part of the afternoon’s festivities, the ever-popular Wiener Dog Races made a triumphant return, delighting a packed grandstand. Two qualifying heats featuring nine dogs each set the stage for a ten-dog final. Fan favourite Parker clinched her third title in four years, outpacing newcomer Kevin, who took second, and Buddy, who rounded out the triactor.
An impressive wagering handle of $86,801 was bet on the 11-race card.
The real winners of the day were local animal charities. With strong community support, Pet Rescue and Out of the Ashes collectively raised over $6,000 to support their missions of care and rehabilitation.
Now at the halfway point of its 15-week season — extended into September due to a delayed start — Clinton Raceway promises plenty more action and entertainment. Sunday race days continue to offer free admission and parking, making it the perfect family-friendly summer outing.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
(Clinton Raceway & Standardbred Canada)