Donatover rebounds to big Rideau win

Donatover (Donato Hanover) cruised to victory in the Preferred Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Wednesday (Apr. 19) in a bounce back harness racing performance after making a break in his first start at the track a week prior.

Stephane Brosseau placed the gelding third in a :29.1 first panel. Stella Alpha (Pascal Berube), sitting second, circled to the lead in the second quarter, and Donatover followed her and did the same.

Donatover hit the midway point in :57.4 and caught a breather to three-quarters in 1:27. Gettin Messi (Robert Shepherd) was first-up from five-eighths and fizzled out at the head of the stretch. Stella Alpha appeared set to mount a strong challenge at the pylons but broke stride, leaving Donatover to cruise to victory in 1:56.

Getting Messi held onto the place spot. Duke Lavictoire (Jacques Beaudoin) finished third.

DONATOVER REPLAY

Donatover’s career record now reads 35 wins in 133 starts with $373,286 in earnings. He moved back to Woodbine Mohawk Park for John Macmillan, who acquired the gelding and gave him to trainer Joe Pereira at the start of the year. Donatover previously spent time there in 2021. Macmillan then moved the eight-year-old to Rideau Carleton and his barn earlier in the month.

Rideau Carleton Raceway will resume racing on Sunday, Apr. 23.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink