The seven-year-old Kadabra gelding Magic Night launched off cover into the stretch and surged to an open-length victory in the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (Aug. 1).
Flying Isa N set the tempo through a clip of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:25.4. But coming to three-quarters, 2-1 favourite Richsnortherndream ranged first over with Magic Night on cover and challenged the leader into the final turn. Driver Sam Fillion fired Magic Night off cover circling the final turn and roared to the lead through the stretch, winning by 5-1/4 lengths in 1:55.2. Lestenpercent rallied for second while Richsnortherndream faded to third.
Trained by Yannick Martel, who co-owns with Ghislaine Fontaine, Magic Night won his first race from 15 starts this season and his 20th from 128 overall, earning $367,836. He paid $10.00 to win.
Earlier in the card, Legion Seelster landed a hard-fought victory in the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Pace.
Parked past a :26.3 first quarter, Legion Seelster took the lead passing the stands first time, but pocket-sitter Vegas Rocks quickly came calling to the outside and grabbed the lead moving to a :55.1 half. But then driver Richard Simard sent Legion Seelster after the lead again up the backside, matching strides with Vegas Rocks to three-quarters in 1:23.1. The pair continued to battle into the final turn, with Legion Seelster holding the edge past the beam to win by a half length in 1:51.4. Vegas Rocks settled for second while Shadow Margeaux finished another three lengths behind in third.
A five-year-old gelding by Sunshine Beach, Legion Seelster won his first race from 10 starts this season and his 13th from 41 overall, earning $177,865. Victor Puddy trains the $2.40 winner for owners Gordon McDonald and Christopher Boland.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.