On Saturday evening, the 22nd edition of the Honourable Earl Rowe Memorial Cup was contested at Georgian Downs and for the first time it was split into two divisions based on seasonal purse earnings.
In the $84,500 gold division, the co-favourite Armbro Chronicle picked up his 22nd lifetime win and boosted his bankroll to $716,260 for trainer and co-owner Kent Baker and co-owners Cal Patterson, E Wayne Smith, and Randy Fielder.
The six-year old trotter out of Self Possessed got away third as Adam T (Dave Boughton) powered off the gate, but it was Abbey Road C (Keith Jones) who cleared the lead posting the opening panel in :27.2. Armbro Chronicle and Steve Byron made a first over move advancing to the lead past the :56 half. He pulled away from the field by two lengths as they approached the third quarter mark in 1:23.4. The Frank Ryan winner trotted home in :30.1 to win by three and a half lengths in 1:54 flat.
Abbey Road C put forth a big effort to hang on for second and Adam T (Dave Boughton) was third.
The $43,500 silver division saw Admirals Quest and Sylvain Filion score in 1:55.1 after making a first-over move past the :57 half. The six-year-old Cr Commando gelding took the lead in the stretch as the pacesetter Beer Budget (Robert Shepherd) faded to fourth.
T Js Mr Lavec (Steve Byron) came on for second and Limbo Glide (Paul MacKenzie) was third.
The Richard Moreau pupil is owned by Ecurie Richard Moreau Inc. of Lachenaie and Firmin Jolicoeur of Grenville, Que. The win was his 17th, giving his connections a total of $178,578 in career earnings.
In other action, driver Robert Shepherd had a productive night at the office with five victories on the 12-race card. The Cambridge, Ontario resident has visited the winner's circle a total of 772 times in his career.
To view Saturday's results, click here