First win in two years for Ontario trainer

Harness racing trainer Bryan Lawrence picked up his first training victory since 2020 on Wednesday (May 18) at The Raceway at Western Fair with his trotting mare Rose Run Why Not.

Scott Young guided the daughter of Uncle Peter to the pocket from post six, allowing far outside starter Sheena Soldier (Paul Mackenzie) to grab the lead and lay down :29.3, 1:00.3, and 1:30.2 splits. Rose Run Why Not shifted out behind the rushing Dart Guy (Paul Mackenzie) on the final turn and cruised to a seven-and-a-quarter-length victory in 2:00.2 after that foe broke stride at headstretch.

Sheena Soldier held place. Sg Goliath King (Tyler Moore) was another two lengths back in third.

The win price was $19.60.

Rose Run Why Not is now four-for-24 lifetime after her first victory in three starts this season.

Lawrence is a long-time horseman. The resident of Hanover has won 397 races in 2,596 starts, and his trainees have earned more than $2 million. His start totals peaked in the late 2000s, but he saw his lowest number of races on record in 2021 with 13. The trainer has sent horses forward five times this season to date. Golden Sand, his other pupil, has finished third twice. His most recent win was with American Hustle on Dec. 21, 2020 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Samuel Fillion and Travis Henry were the day’s top reinsmen with three victories each.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink