Alberta Downs wrapped up its second summer meet on Tuesday, August 31 with horsemen and fans already eagerly awaiting the 2011 season
.
“Despite still being under construction and abysmal weather in the early stages, the whole venture is deemed successful by horsemen and owner Mr. Robert Allen, so much so that everyone is anticipating a longer run for 2011,” race secretary Raeann Gemmill told Trot Insider.
Highlights from the horses included an all age track record performance by the Keith Clark-trained three-year-old gelding Clintons Escape in 1:50.2. On the three-year-old filly side, Kelly Hoerdt’s River Lass gets the nod for ending on a four-race win streak, all stake events, which included a 1:53.3 track record mile. Neal Diamonique, trained by Lance Ward, dominated the Open class winning six of 11 starts at the mile track with a best time of 1:51.4. In the Open Mares, Starring Role made it to the winner’s circle in three of 12 starts but they were timely wins. She was winning for the Fun for Fanz Stable and trainer Dan Sifert but also the local chapter of the Breast Cancer Society in July and the Lacombe Fire Department, who were on hand for closing Sunday, August 29 and her
final win.
Keith Clark was the leading trainer but Brandon Campbell edged him out by one with 60 wins for the meet in the driver standings.
“Our modest handle by some standards was showing healthy increases in the final weeks with the local population getting the harness racing bug once we achieved a steady schedule,” added Gemmill.
Some trainers will now make the trek to Grande Prairie for a "B" meet while others will travel to Fraser Downs or just stay on the farm to await the winter meet at Northlands Park commencing on November 19.