It was an emotional night at Kawartha Downs tonight for the Boyd family, who buried family patriarch Ross Boyd this afternoon. They then travelled to the track to watch grandson Nick record two victories on the card including one with a horse he owns and trains.
Boyd went gate-to-wire with his own colt, two-year-old Rise Against, who won in 1:58.3. Boyd, of Guelph, Ont., also trains the youngster, who was notching his first lifetime win in just two starts. Boyd was also in the winner’s circle following the third race thanks to a 1:57.2 effort by Lucky Regal.
“We buried my grandpa this afternoon and tonight down the lane it was like he was helping me across the wire,” Nick said following the win.
Dan Gassien also had multiple trips to victory lane tonight, scoring a hat trick with Oakrock Eldorado (1:58.4), Agu (1:59) and Peruvian Paradise (1:57.4).
At Mohawk Racetrack, local trainer John Bax had a spectacular evening as his trio of Stubborn Belle, Juanitas Fury and Southwind Champane swept the top three spots in the $385,000 Peaceful Way Stakes. Bax won this race last year as well with Riveting Rosie, who tonight finished second in the $409,000 Elegantimage final.
Note, that there is no racing at Kawartha next Saturday night as the Speedway hosts the Nascar Canadian Tire Series Final. Racing returns on September 27 with a 7 p.m. post time.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(Kawartha Downs)