Red Rock fought off Eagle Jolt in deep stretch to win the Saturday night feature at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park in 1:56.2.
Driver Jason Hughes decided against a two-hole ride and sent the pacer to the front in the $2,400 Preferred 2, taking command of the field through a blistering :26.4 opening quarter with the half-mile marker clocked at :56.1. Eagle Jolt took his shot down the backstretch going past the leader at the three-quarter station at 1:25.2, but Red Rock battled back and out-sprinted Eagle Jolt for his 10th victory of the 2014 campaign for owners Donald and Steven MacRae and Melissa Trainer. Blu Meadow Willie finished strong to complete the triactor. Hughes recorded a driving hat-trick on the night.
In other action, driver Gary Chappell edged closer to 2,500 career wins when he guided his own horse Windemere Eric to his fourth consecutive win during the 13-dash program. The veteran pilot is only two wins away from the milestone.
Trotter My Daisey Duke claimed the evening’s trot class for driver Corey MacPherson, trainer Paul F. MacDonald and owner Jonathan MacDonald of North Wiltshire, P.E.I. in 2:03.2 while three-year-old filly Fleurje notched her third in a row for driver/trainer Nicholas Oakes and owner Buntainwood Farm of Brackley Beach, P.E.I. Woodmere Rondevous, owned by Doug and Jamie Hill of Charlottetown, recorded her third consecutive victory for catch-driver Ken Murphy and trainer Ken Wilkie in 1:57.1.
The Billings Driving Challenge returned to Charlottetown with local teamster Todd Walsh taking the opening leg with Blue Man Group for owner/trainer Chris MacKay and owner Kristina McCourt of Summerside, P.E.I. Sumbodys Fool took the second division of the Billings for driver Michael Mitchel. The six-year-old gelding is owned by Barry, Trevor and Kevin Doyle of Earnscliffe, P.E.I.
Walter Cheverie recorded a driving double in Red Shores' local Drive for Charity promotion. Their campaign raises money for Sadie’s Place on PEI.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores)