Rideau Carleton's leading reinsman Guy Gagnon had himself another power-packed night at the Ottawa oval on Sunday (July 17), winning six on the 10-race card including with his own pupil The Light Speed in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace.
Lovemyrockinbird launched to the lead toward a :26.2 first quarter, but soon yielded to Great Somewhere passing the stands first time. The Light Speed, off as the 8-5 favourite, sat fifth into a :54.2 half and waited into the backside until cover came from Sunny Bo. In tow towards the lead to three-quarters in 1:22.4, the four-year-old Moon Beam gelding soon ditched his cover rounding the final turn and rolled home to win by 1-3/4 lengths over St Lads Cash, who rallied off a pylon trip. Major Hill rallied from third over for third.
The Light Speed is a homebred for Michel Nolette who has now won six races from 19 starts this season and 23 from 55 overall, good for $161,094 in earnings. He paid $5.50 to win.
Four of Gagnon's other wins came for trainer Mandy Archer. Together, they visited the winner's circle with Cortez The Killer ($2.60), Getyourlicenseliam ($2.30), Sports Report ($7.40) and Southwind Dredge ($5.70). Gagnon's only other win came with another from his stable when his gritty gelding Matts Tuition ($6.20) scored off a pocket. trip.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.