John Campbell earned his third straight victory in the $20,000 Legends Day Invitational Trot during Clinton Raceway’s Sunday afternoon Legends Day card
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Campbell, who won the 2007 edition with Runway and the 2009 event with New Dice Please, guided Lexis D J to a six length score in this year’s race, which was packed full of some of the sport’s greatest drivers including Doug Brown, Jim Doherty, Bud Fritz, Wally Hennessey, Bill O’Donnell, Ray Remmen, and Ron Waples.
The 56-year-old reinsman settled his charge into the pocket behind Indiana Hall (Ray Remmen), and after Santo Domingo (Bud Fritz) brushed to command from third, he made his move. Campbell sent Lexis D J first over past the three-quarters mark and took the lead in the stretch. Santo Domingo and Lexis Noah (Jim Doherty) broke stride in the stretch from second and third leaving Campbell in the clear for the 1:59.4 victory. Santo Domingo came in second, but was placed sixth for failing to continuously lose ground while on a break. Indiana Hall inherited the runner-up position while Logans Hero (Wally Hennessey) moved into third place.
Lexis D J, a four-year-old son of Amigo Hall, is trained by Waterdown, Ont. resident Brandon Arsenault, who also co-owns the gelding with Louis Arsenault of Freelton, Ont. He paid $6.10 to win as the 2-1 favourite.
Campbell, who returned to the race bike earlier this summer after being seriously injured in a racing accident, is harness racing's all-time leading money-winning driver.
Campbell also won a $24,000 Grassroots division of the Ontario Sires Stakes with the front-stepping three-year-old pacing filly Smartygirl in 1:57 for trainer William Keeping and owner-breeder Dr. David Fisher of Windsor, Ont. The other Grassroots winners included Cameron Lucky (1:58.1), Rocket Art (1:58), Modern Cinderella (1:57.3), Epoxy Queen (1:56.2), and Pearl Handlepistol (1:58.1).
Legends Day at Clinton also featured an array of announcers at the mic during its 15-race card including Greg Blanchard, Roger Huston, Ken Middleton, Tim O’Connor and Ken Warkentin.
Hockey legend Theo Fleury was a special guest and accompanied the line up of legendary drivers for autographs, pictures, an on-track interview, and a ride in the jog cart with Wally Hennessey.
Total handle for the day was $51,597, up approximately 53 per cent from the 2009 Legends Day card featuring 13 races.
For results from Sunday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
What an amazing day! I just
What an amazing day! I just want to personally thank everyone who was the least bit involved with making this day the best in the last 20 years at Clinton Raceway! And to all the fans who showed up, stayed for the 15 races, braved the rain and contributed to the biggest handle I've ever seen at Clinton!
Thanks again!
Jess
WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN
WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE!!
That "certainly" sounds like it was the place to be on the L O N G weekend!!!
Another great day at Clinton
Another great day at Clinton Raceway for Legends Day. Congatulations to Ian and his team of dedicated workers. Great racing, great participation from some of the biggest names in our industry, wonderful food and plenty of fun! The weather even co-operated for most of the day. This bi-annual event is one that everyone should have on their calendar. Meeting up with old friends and enjoying the friendly atsmosphere is something that we need more of. Thanks to everyone who,once again, worked so hard to make it a very special day in racing and a great awareness and fundraising event for a worthy cause.
An absolute incredible day -
An absolute incredible day - so much history at one track - the best tribute to the roots of this sport we could ever ask for. These guys are true legends, and gentlemen of the sport. They put on a true display of the appreciation they have for their fans. Thank you Legends, thankyou Clinton Raceway.
the winner circle picture
the winner circle picture says it all!! Mister Campbell is the MAN!!!!
Congratulations, Ian and
Congratulations, Ian and Jessica and all your staff for a terrific day. You had a huge crowd, and alot of activities going on. it all looked as if it ran smooth as silk. GOOD JOB!