Malta's Laura Frendo was victorious in rein to Catch Twenty Two in the 2026 Bernie Kelly International Ladies Charity Race on Friday, Aug. 7 during the Vincent Delaney Memorial Racing Weekend at Tir Prince Raceway in the United Kingdom.
Frendo quickly crossed to command out of post five with Catch Twenty Two and went on to victory despite being pressed through a quick opening panel by Canadian Marie-Claude Auger in rein to Victimised. Miia Salminen, driving Lou Sweetmix, finished second and Chrissy Johnson, aboard Melrogue, rounded out the top three while Auger's mount faded to eighth.
It was redemption for Frendo, who had finished last in her first appearance in the event in 2025.
The winning Sweet Lou gelding is owned and trained by Marc Jones.
While the result was not what Auger had hoped for, the Trois-Rivières, Que. horsewoman expressed gratitude for the chance to be able to participate in the competition, acknowledging her supporters, including Standardbred Canada and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association.
"What an experience I had," commented Auger after the race. "The result was no good, but it's ok -- what an experience!"
The race, which benefits Cancer Trials, is named after the late Bernie Kelly, who served as racing secretary, organizer and stalwart supporter of the Delaney family since the inception of the Vincent Delaney Memorial Racing Weekend.
Other participants in the race included Cynthia Bourke (fourth), Brett Grift (fifth), Kelly Peacock (sixth) and Erin Flanagan (seventh).
(Standardbred Canada)