Black Tie Bash sensational in seasonal debut

Black Tie Bash (Chapter Seven), a 12-time Rideau Carleton Raceway Preferred winner in 2022, made his yearly debut at the harness racing track on Thursday (May 25) and swept from seventh to win in 1:55.

The gelding showed no desire from the start and dropped back to seventh ahead of Seeyou Men (Guy Gagnon), who won the class a week prior. After a :28.1 first panel, Robert Shepherd moved Black Tie Bash to the outside and moved up third over. He came uncovered just past the half in :57.4 after the first-up Donatover (Stephane Brosseau) took over from the breaking Duke Lavictoire (Jacques Beaudoin), which opened up room for the second-over Gettin Serious (Samuel Fillion).

Black Tie Bash rolled up alongside Donatover at three-quarters in 1:26.2 and struck the front on the far turn. Donatover provided a willing test, game on the inside until the final metres, but Black Tie Bash proved too much and drew a half length clear for the victory.

Donatover finished second. Raising Rusty (Stephane Pouliot) was third.

BLACK TIE BASH REPLAY

Black Tie Bash has now won 19 times in his 64-start career. Shepherd owns the five-year-old, who has earned $161,408 lifetime. Isabelle Darveau does the training and sent the gelding out to 12 wins in the Preferred ranks from 27 starts last year.

Trainer Mandy Archer and Gagnon combined for four winners on the day. Getyourlicenseliam (Control The Moment, 1:52.4), Thinkingofyoubabe (Thinking Out Loud, 1:56.4), Sunshine Sally (Sunshine Beach, 1:53.4), and Gettin Messi (Armbro Barrister, 1:56.2) all won for the duo.

The next card at Rideau Carleton Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, May 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink