Riccaras Sun, a four-year-old Allamerican Native gelding, pulled off a surprise victory in the $2,500 Presidents Pace at Charlottetown Driving Park Friday night for local owner Kenneth MacInnis as Old Home Week racing 2009 officially got under way
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With Kenny Arsenault doing the driving, Riccaras Sun overtook the pacesetting San Marco Hanover (Ryan Ellis) at the 1:28.2 third quarter and paced home in :28.1 to win in 1:56.3 by a half length.
It was the first win in 12 starts this year for Riccaras Sun, who had two seconds and six third place finishes.
“He’s been knocking on the door and really deserved the win,” said Arsenault, who said he felt he had the race won when Riccaras Sun was able to get past San Marco Hanover with ease.
Last year’s winner Pans O Silver finished third for Brian MacPhee with minor shares to Beautys Spur and Porthill Alf.
Sentor Mike Duffy was was among the dignitaries in the official opening ceremonies, stressing the importance of harness racing to the province’s tourism industry.
Provincial Secretary Wes Sheridan announced the provincial government had provided $50,000 in financial assistance to the harness racing industry to help cover the costs of the third Gold Cup and Saucer trial this year. The funds will also be earmarked for Atlantic Sires Stakes purses and overnight purses at both Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway.
In the evening's $1,400 Open Trot, fan favourite Saulsbrook Balance doubled up with his wire-to-wire romp in a career-best 2:00.3 for driver Willie Murphy. Pick Up Point (Danny Romo) finished four and a half lengths back in second and Dusty Lane Shelby (Corey MacPherson) rounded out the top three.
The four-year-old Nikes Image gelding scored his third win in 19 seasonal starts for trainer and co-owner Cynthia MacDonald and Tanya MacKinnon of Souris, P.E.I.
To view Friday’s harness racing results, click here.
(With files from Harness Racing PEI)