Paul Ritchie's Century Grizzly ($3.40) proved fastest among 32 juvenile pacing colts and geldings in Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots action during Sunday afternoon's (Sept. 1) season finale at Clinton Raceway.
In the second of four $22,800 Grassroots divisions (race nine), Century Grizzly and Jody Jamieson protected pylon position behind a clearing Sundown Kid (Mike Saftic) before moving to the front past a :28.3 quarter. Once in control, the son of Sunshine Beach and Up Front Holly rated a comfortable :59 half, giving him enough energy to keep the first-over Better B Swift (Sylvain Filion) at bay through the second circuit.
After being pushed to a :29 third split, Century Grizzly maintained the accelerated pace to evade Sundown Kid by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:57 and record the second win of his career for trainer James Ritchie. Bee Two Bee (Jonathan Drury) finished third.
The opening split (race eight) saw Bettorbuckleup ($5.60) and Mike Saftic withstand a long first-over challenge from Usurper (Filion) before edging away to a 2-3/4 length score in 1:57.2. Eric Adams trains the two-time winner, a son of Bettors Delight and Farouche Hanover, for Millar Farms.
Doc Fanelli ($10.70) and Colin Kelly used similar tactics in the third division (race 10), spurning the uncovered attack of twos-on favourite Gentry Seelster (Filion) by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.4. Kyle Bossence owns and trains the son of Badlands Hanover and Rafanelli.
Captivate Hanover ($5.10) proved the only repeat stakes winner of the quartet with a 1:57.3 score in the final division (race 11). Phil Hudon secured the pocket with the son of Bettors Delight and Carolina Angel, and then took advantage of a weakening pace on the final turn to out-sprint Mr Cheeseman (Jamieson) home by 1-1/2 lengths. Shawn Steacy trains the two-time winner for Hudson Standardbred Stable, Stephen Klunowski and James Feeley.
The first seven races on the card were dedicated to the 39th annual Charity Driver's Challenge, which benefitted the Royal Canadian Legion branches in Clinton, Seaforth, Wingham and Brussels. The top four drivers from Clinton Raceway — Colin Kelly, Scott Wray, Natasha Day and Ryan Holliday — competed against four of the top drivers from Woodbine Mohawk Park — Sylvain Filion, Louis-Philippe Roy, Jonathan Drury and Jody Jamieson.
The 39th annual Clinton Raceway Charity Driver's Challenge field teamed up to raise over $12,000 for local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Louis-Philippe Roy got off to a quick start, winning the first two races, and finishing second to defending champ Jody Jamieson in the third. Canada’s leading reinsman Sylvain Filion romped to an 11-length win in the fourth race and Natasha Day edged out Roy for the win in the fifth. Roy looked to have things well in hand, but the early leader finished last in the final two legs and Filion finished first. Filion took the win with 175 points through the seven-race event. Roy was second with 158 and Jamieson was third with 117.
The Challenge raised more than $12,000 for the Royal Canadian Legion branches.
Fans wagered a total of $67,417 on the races, which was the biggest handle of Clinton Raceway's 2019 meet. Colin Kelly finished the 2019 meet as Clinton Raceway’s top driver. The reinsman — along with Clinton’s leading trainer Andrew McCabe — was presented with his trophy just before he drove Doc Fanelli to the win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
(with files from the Ontario Sires Stakes)
There's been much written
There's been much written here lately regarding Flamboro's recent decision to restrict the indoor areas of the track to adults only. I live in The States, but from visiting each track's website, it sounds to me that Clinton Raceway is the most "family friendly" track in Canada. Does anyone agree with me? Or disagree?
Also, as far as I know, all tracks in The USA which also have casinos still allow kids in the indoor area of the tracks, although of course they aren't permitted in the casinos.