Harness racing season kicks off in Leamington

By Deanna Bertrand

Avid — with driver/trainer Ondrej Gois — became the first horse to cross the finish line on Sunday, Aug. 7 in the first race of the season for the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association at Leamington Raceway.

Taking second was Spare Time Serg trained by Thomas Bain, and in third was Cyclone Sully trained by Warren Ozinga.

Ten races rounded out the card for the day and results can be found on the racing association website at http://www.lakeshorehorseraceway.com

Avid leads the way to the finish line in the first race of the 2022 harness racing season at Leamington Raceway on Sunday, August 7, narrowly beating locally trained Spare Time Serge at the wire. A total of $46,081 was wagered on Sunday’s race card.

SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

The upcoming season will include many special events, according to its website, including playing host to The Voice of Roger Huston, a Hall of Fame announcer who will be on hand in Leamington on Sept. 11.

The OLG Women’s Driving Championship is returning with a Leamington date of Sept. 25. The track will also host Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society Day on Aug. 14, along with Derby Hat Day on Aug. 21 and a kids day Sept. 4.

Track record falls on Sunday’s opening day

The betting favourite in the ninth race at Leamington Raceway on Sunday did exactly what he was supposed to do as he cruised to a four-length victory and set a new track record as well.

Life Is Better — owned by Ken Mathieson and Henry Banakiewicz — took his eighth victory of the season, this time in 1:55:4, a new track record for aging stallions.

Scott Wray was in the bike for the record-setting win.

The previous record, held by Sandburg Hanover, was 1:56:4, set on September 7, 2015.

Ten races went off in Leamington on Sunday afternoon with a total betting handle of $46,081, according to Standardbred Canada.

Dan Clements, won the second race at Leamington Raceway Sunday afternoon, pictured, being interview by Lynnette Bain.

SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand