Woodstock to hold its richest race ever

Connell Park in Woodstock will host the richest harness racing contest in its storied history on Friday night with the final of the Barrieau-McIsaac stake for a purse of $50,000.

Over $60,000 in purse money up for grabs over the seven dash card with last week’s elimination winner Jackies Boy (Tobago Cays) and Myles Heffernan Sr scoring from his chosen post of the rail spot.

He turned aside Tobins Chester (Shanghai Phil) last week in a mild upset in the elimination in a track record mile of 1:56 for three-year old colts and geldings. Tobins Chester owned by Donald MacRae will leave post two.

Going into last week, Tobins Chester had won seven straight races this season and Jason Hughes will drive for trainer Ashley Gamester. He’s a winner of over $ 67,000 on the season.

Jackies Boy is owned by Myles Heffernan of Montague, Prince Edward Island. He went over $100,000 lifetime with his win last week and will be looking to bolster those earnings on Friday night.

Check Your Chip (Arthur Blue Chip), who was fifth in the elimination will bust the gate from post-three for Greg Bailey who co-owns with his son Lucas Heffernan-Bailey who has become a star on the mini horse circuit in Atlantic Canada.

Merigo Magic (Tobago Cays), a winner of of over $100,000 lifetime will have regular pilot Adam Merner on board for trainer Melissa Rennie. He’s owned by the partnership of Mike May, Herman McQuaid, Derrick Cameron and Ian Walker. He was fourth the elimination.

New Brunswick owned Majestic Mason (Arthur Blue Chip), owned by Saint John businessman Stephen Downey of Quispamsis, N.B. Mike Downey will pick up the catch driving assignment and draws post five in the six horse field. He’s earned over $16,000 this year and a record of 1:57.2 over Connell Park.

Rounding out the lucrative final, Allaboutthecash (All Bets Off) and catch-driver Brady Sweet and high percentage trainer Jeff Holmes (.491). He will be looking to upset them in the final for co-owners Trevor & David MacDonald and Leonard Doyle.

There are a total of seven races with race six the final of the Barrieau-McIsaac stake. Post time is slated for 6:00 P.M on Friday night. Live streaming and wagering through H.P.I where available.

Horse Racing New Brunswick would like to thank horsemen and women for entering for Friday night and wish all competitors the best of luck. Richest card of racing in Connell Park history.

by Scott Waddell, for Horse Racing New Brunswick