Trainer gets first win since 2009

Harness racing horseman Stephen Taylor recorded his first harness racing training victory in 15 years with a 10-1 upset at Flamboro Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 20).

His gelding, No Partners (Heston Blue Chip) led all the way over a sloppy surface. He played hardball early for driver Martin Lachance from the rail, fending off three rivals to hold the lead in a :28 first quarter. He cut :58.2 and 1:27.3 middle fractions and took off on the final turn, opening up a three-length lead and cruising home to win by three-and-a-half in 1:58.1.

NO PARTNERS REPLAY

It was the first time Taylor had won since August 2009. The Burlington resident made no starts from 2009 to 2022. He has handled a small number of horses since his return with 17 appearances in the last three years. Since his debut in 1992, he has won 19 races in 206 starts with earnings of $258,445. His best season came in 2008 when he made 10 trips to the winner’s circle.

The victory on Wednesday came in No Partners’s third start for the trainer, who co-owns him with Brett Taylor. The gelding is a 12-time winner with $73,336 in earnings from 45 lifetime starts.

Paul Mackenzie was the night’s leading driver with three wins.

Racing continues at Flamboro Downs on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6:35 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink