On Saturday, July 26, the first installment of the Norway versus Canada Racing Under Saddle series will take place at Hanover Raceway. Hanover’s program will also feature eliminations for the Dream of Glory Stakes.
The Norwegian riders consist of Guro Berg, 33, an eight-time winner from 134 starts; Victoria Amundsen, 19, a five-time winner from 69 starts; Marit Valstad, 32, a nine-time winner from 172 starts; and rookie Anne Lene Aursand, 31, a 47 time starter in the very competitive Norway RUS circuit.
The Canadian contingent is led by Sarah Town, fresh off her inaugural win in the first wagering event in Clinton; Anna Humphris, winner of the seasonal RUS debut at Mohawk Raceway; and Brittany Kennedy, a consistent performer since the inception of Racing Under Saddle in Ontario.
With only seven starters on the gate, the fourth Canadian, Evelyn Harms, will have to wait for the finale – which will be raced at Grand River Raceway on August 1 – to get involved in the battle.
The RUS dash has been scheduled as Race 3 the on the exciting evening card which also includes the Dream of Glory eliminations. For more information on the Dream of Glory eliminations, click here.
All riders will host a meet and greet in the grandstand following the race. Post time for the first race will be 7:15 and the Race Under Saddle challenge has been carded as Race 3.
The field for the RUS race – with post positions, horses, riders, trainers, and morning line odds – appears below.
1 – Callie Magoo – G. Berg – J. Braid – 7-1
2 – Radical Dreamer – M. Valstad – R. O’Neill – 9-5
3 – King Trut – S. Town – P. Shepherd – 9-2
4 – Charlie Tuna – B. Kennedy – J. Yake – 10-1
5 – Tragically Shipp – A. Aursand – L. Watson – 3-1
6 – Dayplanner – V. Amundsen – J. Walker – 2-1
7 – Hetties Honey – A. Humphris – M. Macri – 7-2
Hanover Raceway will also play host to ‘Wanna Drive?’ on Saturday evening. Fans will get a chance to drive a racehorse around the Hanover oval between races thanks to the Hands On Horses Program.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Hanover Raceway.
On Thursday, July 24, the Norwegian riders registered at Standardbred Canada’s
main office in Mississauga, Ont. after their arrival. A shot of the Norwegian riders appears below.
(With files from RUS Ontario)