The only truly American international amateur driving program, the CKG Billings harness driving series, moved north of the border to Canada on Friday night, August 16 for a pacing event at Grand River Raceway and it turned into a laugher when Dabunka romped to an incredible 15-length triumph with Chris Long at the controls.
Sent off as the odds-on favourite in the eight-horse field, Dabunka navigated the mile distance in a stunning 1:55.3.
When the starter said “go,” Long hustled his charge to the lead from the two-hole and played "catch me if you can." And nobody could.
The veteran pacer zipped through the first two stanzas in :28 and :57 with only a one-length lead over Eas Ideal (Frederick Bourgault). But when Dabunka headed up the backside, he was in high gear and opened up seven lengths on the field as he passed the three-quarters in 1:26.1. But as the eight-year-old Mattnamaras Band gelding rounded the final turn, he had 10 lengths on his competition and then opened to 15 lengths at the wire.
Lautner Seelster rallied to finish second for Julie Walker while Issac Waxman took home the show dough with Remus Blue Chip.
Dabunka notched his fifth seasonal victory and paid $3.80 to win.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Grand River Raceway.
(With files from the Billings Series)