Trainer/driver Jason Hughes worked out a perfect pocket trip for Whos Smiling Now, and the six-year-old gelding took full advantage of it to win Thursday evening’s $2,000 Joe & Wal Hennessey Memorial
at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The son of Grinfromeartoear tracked Beautys Spur through splits of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:30.1 before finding clearance and sprinting home in :28.1 for the 1:58.3 decision. Igoddarocket rallied late to finish just a half-length behind the winner, and third-place finisher Beauty Spur was only beaten by three-quarters of a length.
Sent off as the 7-5 choice in the eight-horse field, Whos Smiling Now improved his 2009 record to 4-4-1 in 18 starts with the victory. The 18-time winner has banked more than $35,000 to date for owner Wilfred Hughes of Vernon Bridge, PE.
To view Thursday evening’s harness racing results, click here.