On Saturday night, Hanover Raceway featured the second leg of the Slots Cup Series, which included two $12,000 divisions for three and four-year-old pacers
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The second race was a shocker, as all four of the fastest horses from Leg 1 in London on June 26th, were upset by Kerrs Light and driver Scott Zeron, in near track record time.
The four-year-old son of Astreos jumped out to an early lead at the first turn, and despite being battle tested twice during the mile, he was able to hold off 3-5 favourite Monster In Law, owned by Ralph Pitt of Cargill, both times for the victory.
This was the first time, Kerrs Light started for new trainer Rene Allard, and owner Mark Kerr of Komoka said, it looks like Rene figured him out, in only a week.
Kerr said his horse has always been good off the gate, but was never able to close out his miles. He did so Saturday in 1:54.4 - which is only three-fifths of a second off the Hanover Raceway track record - despite a cool and windy night.
In the second split, After Lunch Larry, who was fourth in his first leg, got the early lead and kept it for three-quarters of the race, but Borderline Western, owned by Doug Lovely of Ilderton and Elmer Jorgenson of London, caught the leader just before the wire to win in 1:56.
After the race, Lovely said, he talked his friend Elmer into sharing ownership of the Rambaran son, because he always liked the look of the four-year-old. Lovely added his only concern during the race was whether or not driver Doug McNair would be boxed in, like he was in the first leg at London where they finished fifth.
Lovely, formerly from Ayton, near Hanover, called it a very significant win, because they needed the purse dollars after their fifth place finish in Leg 1. The top nine money earner’s from the four elimination legs will advance to the $86,200 final at Hiawatha Horsepark in Sarnia, on September 12th. The next leg is August 14th at Grand River Raceway in Elora.
In other action, driver Bruce Richardson won six of the 11 races on the card lifting his yearly win total to 143. The winner of 2,007 races has banked over $12.1 million in purses over the course of his career.
Meanwhile, the OLG provided dinner to 15 lucky winners and their guests, during the races. Stanley Pfeffer of Hanover was drawn from those taking part, and will now get overnight accommodations and limousine transportation to the Slots Cup final. While at Hiawatha Horse Park, Stanley and his wife Linda will get a chance to win up to $4,000 in the Grand prize draw.
Hanover features its Dream Of Glory eliminations next Saturday, July 25th, with the top eight finisher’s advancing to the $100,000 Dream Of Glory final on Saturday, August 1st.
Dream Of Glory day also includes live music, Tara Oaks Carriage rides, a BBQ starting at 6:00 p.m., and a huge $12,000 fireworks display after the races.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click here.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)