O’Brien winner takes first of season

Canada’s reigning Older Trotting Mare of the Year, Adare Castle (Muscle Mass) secured her first harness racing victory on the season with a steep class drop on Monday (Jun. 24) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The mare took command of the race going into the turn for James MacDonald, marching away from post five to cut the first quarter of :28.2. There was little action through middle fractions of :57.3 and 1:26.1, and Adare Castle turned for home with an uncontested lead. Dealin With Dewey (Sylvain Filion) took his shot from the pocket, but he was unable to wear down Adare Castle, who got home a half-length in front in 1:53.3. Bella Cavalla (Jody Jamieson) rounded out the top three.

ADARE CASTLE REPLAY

Adare Castle, a multi-stakes winner, has now won 21 of 47 lifetime starts and has earned $1,369,071 for owners Mark Etsell of Rockwood, Robert Newton of Walkerton, Graham Hopkins of Chesley, and Peter Porter of Port Dover. The mare earned divisional honours in each of her last two seasons and made the Breeders Crown final last year. She failed to hit the board in her first four starts of 2024, three of which came against stakes company. Etsell trains the four-year-old.

Woodbine Mohawk Park continues action on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink