Two major races highlighted a nine-race card at Cornerstone Raceway in Yorkton Friday night
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The Saskatchewan Horse Federation Open Pace was the fifth race on the card, with a $2,500 purse.
The race would feature a pair of horses which have become major rivals this summer, as Tajwon and Kalahari Riff battled down the stretch. The pair had finished one-two in three previous races this summer, and Friday Tajwon ended up with the win, giving both horses two wins in the four races.
Glenn LeDrew, who drove Tajwon, said the six-year-old gelding was up to the challenge of a tough field. “He went a big mile,” he said of Tajwon. “I had to use him hard in the first quarter [:28.4]. It was probably one of the hardest quarter miles he’s had.”
Even with a big quarter driver Kevin Siever had Kalahari Riff chasing down Tajwon in the second quarter. “He came on with a really big second quarter,” said LeDrew. “I couldn’t fend off Kalahari Riff.”
While Tajwon slipped to second LeDrew said he “sort of grabbed on again,” and stayed close. When 'Riff' had to hold off another charge from Barona Fivehundred, LeDrew said he saw an opening. “It just opened up for me late,” he said, adding “I needed every inch of the stretch to catch up to 'Riff'...We went toe-to-toe like we’ve gone all year.”
As for the rivalry between the two horses, LeDrew said it’s a good one. “Both horses are very tough horses and both horses want to win,” he said. “It just depends how a race unfolds.”
Race 7 on the night was the Saskatchewan Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association Four-Year-Old Pace with a $3,500 purse.
Jomars Tami would emerge from the eight-horse field taking driver Jeffrey Stone to the winner’s circle, with a wide margin over Motorboatenbrando, with Brad LeDrew, finishing second.
Asked what he did for the win Stone smiled modestly. “I was just a passenger.”
Stone said he did feel Jomars Tami was ready. “I was pretty confident,” he said. “The owner and the trainer had nothing but good things to say about her.”
Stone had driven 'Tami' twice previously, getting a win and a place finish. He said having some experience with the horse helps.
As for winning the race easily down the stretch, Stone smiled again as he admitted, “That’s a nice feeling.”
To view Friday's results, click here.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Calvin Daniels)