There was no stopping driver Robert Shepherd during Thursday’s program at Flamboro Downs, as the reinsman racked up a six-win performance on the 10-race card.
Shepherd swept the first three races thanks to wins with St Lads Hotcakes (2:02.1), Eternal Quest (2:00) and First Art Down (1:58.4) before posting another natural hat trick beginning in Race 7. He rallied Mach Majorette to a 2:00.3 triumph in Race 7 before taking the next two tilts with Azucar (1:59.4) and Warrawee Phoenix (1:57.1).
The productive night at the office helped Shepherd bump this year’s win total to 57, while his lifetime number climbed to 2,840. The Flamborough, Ont. horseman went over $20 million in career earnings earlier this season.
One race that Shepherd wasn’t able to win was Thursday’s feature – the $11,000 Preferred 2 for trotters. Kennel Buddy took that affair for driver J Harris in 1:58.3.
Sent off at odds of 25-1, the David Dowling trainee got away sixth before tipping off the rail on the way to the half and picking up cover as the field headed into the back half of the card. Rainbow Gold and Ole Jack Magic took turns on the lead through fractions of :28.3, :58 and 1:28.1, but Kennel Buddy kicked home in :29.3 to win by a nose over Ole Jack Magic. Star Photo was third.
Allan Neal of Grand Bend, Ont. owns the seven-year-old son of Ken Warkentin-Bernice Daniece. It was the second straight score for the 29-time winner who is quickly closing in on $250,000 in lifetime earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.
Congrats Robert, you have
Congrats Robert, you have always been one of my favorite drivers, you try hard all the time, keep up the good work and lots of luck in the future.