Seven divisions of the Atlantic Sires Stakes for two-year-old pacing fillies highlighted the first half of Thursday’s double header at the Charlottetown Driving Park, while older pacers strutted their stuff in the evening feature – the $2,500 Joe & Wal Hennessey Memorial.
Carol Alice captured the first of three $9,160 “A” divisions for the rookie filly pacers, and she did so in a career-best clocking for driver Clare MacDonald. The daughter of Brandons Cowboy-Keltic Sarah survived a first-over trip en route to posting the quarter-length decision over DWs Hidden Star in 1:59.3. Third prize was earned by Ask Dont Tell.
Douglas Rankin of Sydney, NS owns and trains the four-time winner, who has yet to finish worse than second in six starts. Sent off as the 1-5 favourite, Carol Alice boosted her cash stash to $18,560 with the win.
Kaitlins Kowgirl needed every inch of the racetrack to take home the top prize in her $9,160 assignment for driver Danny Romo. The daughter of Brandons Cowboy-Waterside Evy rallied to win by a nose in 2:01.1, and in doing so she registered the first win of her career. Western Judy was second best, with Charlottes Starlet grabbing the show dough.
Myles Heffernan of Glace Bay, NS owns and trains the youngster, who has banked $4,122 to date.
Top Brand, who was making the fifth start of her career in the final $9,160 division, is still undefeated thanks to her 2:00.4 score for trainer/driver Danny Romo. The Brandons Cowboy-This Marks A Lady miss had some anxious moments leaving the gate, however, as a result of an early break. She made a huge recovery and eventually rallied to win by 2-1/2 lengths over Howmacs Angel. Tobins Mygirl was third.
It was a career-best performance for the precocious pacer, who is owned by Thomas Hawco, Jr. and Melissa Hawco of Sydney, NS. The $9,000 purchase from last year’s Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale has already managed to stash away $16,587 in earnings.
The quartet of $2,500 “B” divisions went to Elm Grove Hannah (2:02.4), Howmacs Princess (2:03.2), Life Of A Cowgirl (2:01.3) and Scootin For Joy (2:00.3).
To view results for Thursday afternoon's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Afternoon Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.
A classy field of eight assembled behind the starting gate Thursday evening to contest the $2,500 Joe & Wal Hennessey Memorial, and the richest pacer in the field, Eagle Luck, added to his already impressive bankroll thanks to his 1:56.2 victory.
Trainer/driver Jason Hughes hustled the nine-year-old son of Camluck-Duncans Artsplace to immediate command from his pole position perch and after whacking out panels of :28.4, :58.4 and 1:27.4 the veteran used a :28.3 final frame to seal the deal by 1-3/4 lengths. Joseph Michael came first-over and held on bravely for the runner-up spot, while the post-time favoured Oakmont tagged along to finish third.
Frank Dettore Horse Racin of North Ridgeville, OH owns the 26-time winner, who improved this year’s record to 5-2-7 from 23 starts with the win. The charismatic campaigner has racked up more than $1.2 million in lifetime earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.