It looked like Jug day, and it sounded like Jug day, but somehow Leamington Raceway just missed the mark.
Crowds were lined up 25 deep to toss in the chips, while Little Brown Jug announcer Roger Huston opened the 2016 season on Sunday, August 7.
A new track record handle was an early projection of manager Wayne Martiniuk, but an opening day glitch just before the first race prevented five machines from operating.
As for Huston, the night before he had called driver Mark Williams' 5,000th career victory at Hiawatha Horse Park, and then started out the afternoon calling Williams' win number 5,002 and 5,003 when winning both ends of the Daily Double.
In the first race, Williams came from last at the quarter to first at the wire with two-year-old pacing filly Dear Wee Mel ($11.30) in 2:05 for trainer Leon Mansfield and owner/breeder Rick Heaman of Ailsa Craig, Ont.
In the second race, Willams came first up past the quarter to win with four-year-old mare Cayo Loco ($6.30) in 1:59.1 for owner/trainer Randy Parish of Springfield, Ont.
Chris Johnston had a big day winning three on the card, while Tyler Borth brought his recent Dresden driving title to town winning two.
As for Huston, Leamington became the 139th track where he has called at least one race in his illustrious career. The man is an icon in the sport of harness racing and the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association thanks him.
The meet continues with 12 more Sundays. Post time is 1:30 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(With files from Leamington)