Country Maverick swept from sixth to victory with a scintillating three-wide move to record a first career win for his trainer, Renee Samson, and for himself on Sunday, July 21 at Georgian Downs.
The three-year-old travelled behind Majorsweet Hanover (Mike Whelan) in a strung-out group through :29.1 and :58.2 early panels, then mirrored his move to the outside as they straightened for the backstretch. Several lengths behind that foe when shifting out, Jason Ryan tipped Country Maverick three-wide when approaching the helmet, and his charge advanced alongside Majorsweet Hanover as they chased down duelling leaders through three-quarters in 1:28. Coopers Hill (Isaac Waxman) headed for home in front after a backside pocket-pop, but Country Maverick powered up on the outside to pass the leader and out-finish a tough Majorsweet Hanover by a half-length in 1:58.3. Coopers Hill was third.
Country Maverick is owned by Samson in partnership with breeder Carl Dawson of Morriston, Ont. The Sunshine Beach-Gangnam Style colt debuted for the trainer in March and reached the winner’s circle in his seventh start on Tuesday. He paid $14 to win.
Samson entered the win column in her 25th start, adding a victory to go along with four seconds and three thirds. The Morriston resident sent out her first starter, Bookie Baby, in February 2025 after spending four years as a groom. She made four starts with Bettor Than Pride earlier this year, and became Country Maverick's trainer in April before the colt had his second qualifier. Country Maverick has earned a cheque in six of his seven starts for Samson, and the conditioner has logged $17,147 in earnings.
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Georgian Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)