Veteran horseman Mike Downey put on a training clinic during Tuesday’s 11-race card at Fredericton Raceway.
The conditioner from Saint John, NB sent out five starters and those starters picked up a total of five cheques including three winning performances.
Downey got the ball rolling with Slim N Sleek, was a front-stepping winner in 2:00 in Race 6. Downey returned to victory lane in Race 8 thanks to the driving away score with 21-1 outsider, Night Talker. The Western Ideal eight-year-old drew clear by seven lengths en route to stopping the teletimer in 2:00.1.
The chapeaus started flying moments after Forever Finesse crossed the line first in Race 9 for Downey. The son of Western Paradise was treated to a two-hole trip by Downey, who found the gelding plenty of racetrack to work with in the late stages of the mile en route to drawing away to the win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:58.
Downey, a career winner of 455 races as a trainer, has already surpassed last season’s win total – and he’s done so with 42 less starters. His barn has banked close to $1.1 million to date.
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – Fredericton Raceway.