Just two weeks after matching a North American record for most wins in a career by a pacing mare, Rustys Flying returned to the winner’s circle at Kawartha Downs on Saturday (Aug. 1) to claim the record for herself.
Following a claim from trainer David Gibson and owner Glenn Tarver, Rustys Flying entered a $7,000 Fillies and Mares Claiming Pace for trainer Thomas Riley and owners Amanda Riley, Steve Mc Gill and Greg Peake while retaining driver Reg Gassien. The 12-year-old Artiscape mare parked the mile while second over through early fractions of :27.1 and :55.2 before venturing for the front uncovered. Past three-quarters in 1:25, Rustys Flying dueled with late pacesetter Kahlua Morning and surged to a three-quarter length victory in a 1:56.1 mile. Ynothos, the 8-5 favourite, kicked out of the pocket to finish second while Kahlua Morning faltered to third.
The victory gave Rustys Flying a total of 101 wins from 348 starts, taking the win record she previously tied for with Lady Netty N. The win pushed Rustys Flying’s lifetime earnings to $330,547. She paid $6.10 to win.
Straight off the milestone, Rustys Flying returns to an old barn. Former owner Glenn Tarver and trainer David Gibson claimed back the mare for $8,750.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.