Now the co-winningest horse in North America, it took a huge effort by Hugh Heff to get there, scoring despite a long first-over grind in the $1,600 Winners Over at Northside Downs for win number 17 on the season.
Leaving from the outside post six in the field of seven, driver Randy Getto got away last with Hugh Heff early while Thunder Alley (Gerard Kennedy) cut the quarter in :28.4. Getto wound Hugh Heff up from the backfield before sending him on his first-over journey, going from seventh to the leader's wheel in the second quarter, reaching the half in :59.3. Thunder Alley and Hugh Heff traded blows in the third quarter before Hugh Heff grabbed a short lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:29.1.
Entering the final turn, Hugh Heff put Thunder Alley away, crossing over to the pylons before turning for home two lengths clear. Pacing home in :30.2 despite the wide trip, Hugh Heff powered away by 4-1/2 lengths on the wire in 1:59.3. Rockinforreal (Jason Mac Neil) rallied for second and Southfield Patrick (Kevin Baily) finished third.
Hugh Heff paid $4.90 to win.
Hugh Heff is perfect in three starts since joining the Dana Getto barn and making the move to Nova Scotia from Ontario. For the season, the four-year-old gelded son of Betterthancheddar-Danika Patrix has won 17 of 31, hitting the board in 26 of those outings. Hugh Heff is owned by Randy Getto, Susan MacSween and Wayne Hardy.
The 17 seasonal victories puts Hugh Heff atop the standings for the winningest horse in all of North America alongside U.S. based Need Ur Opinion.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Northside Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)