On a normal day, Oldfriendskentucky isn't quite normal when it comes time to race.
On the way to the gate, not only does he have to come from the opposite direction, but he needs a friend to come along. The friend can either be his caretaker, or his trainer Stephen Roberts. Once in behind the car, he is physically turned to the gate, and then becomes all business.
On Sunday at Leamington, such was the case as Tyler Borth got him away in the three-hole before pulling at the quarter to go heads up against pacesetter Stoney Durkin (Nick Steward) in a duel that saw the two pace like a team to the head of the stretch. At that point, Stoney Durken opened up a one and a half length lead before Oldfriendskentucky ($7.10) dug in and came on to win by a nose in 1:58.2 for co-owner Laura Roberts of Melbourne, Ont.
If the start wasn't 'quirky' enough, the connections were joined in the winner's circle by an honour guard of veteran flag bearers whose flags were blowing in the wind, and spooking the horse so as to be uncontrollable in trying to take a victory photo.
"It was quite a show, to say the least!" commented Roberts on the way back to the test barn.
Oldfriendskentucky is now 7-5-6 in 42 seasonal starts, good for $26,631 racing at the 'B' tracks this year.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(Leamington Raceway)