Nick Ahern was treated to the ceremonial splash from the water bucket after notching his first career driving win with Acefortyfourapollo in the 11th race at Kawartha Downs on Saturday, July 4.
Ahern was parked out with his trainee from post four through a :27.1 first panel but slotted into the pocket as leader Bet On Brett (Carter Gimblett) created a gap as he held a firm tempo to the half in :55.4. Acefortyfourapollo stayed on the pylons through three-quarters in 1:25.3 and was locked and loaded as they turned for the stretch, shifting out and tracking down Bet On Brett to win by a half-length in 1:56.4. Gooned Again (Ryan Guy) finished third.
The win was Acefortyfourapollo’s first this season in 18 starts, coming after a seven-week layoff and with a drop in class. Ahern owns and trains the five-year-old son of Dali-Passion Quizrace, who is five-for-60 lifetime and has earned $55,380.
Ahern scored his first driving win just over three years after he sent out his first winner as a trainer. The resident of Peterborough, Ont. reached victory lane in his 17th career drive while raising his record as a trainer to 16-for-195. Ahern, the son of longtime horseman Dave Ahern, has a card of 17-1-1-2 as a driver with $7,055 in earnings. He debuted on June 6 at Kawartha, finishing second.
To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)