Clover gives trainer first win in two years

Trainer William Hofacker’s Clover (Sportswriter) gave him his first win since 2020 at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday (Aug. 24).

Jason Ryan sat fourth with the mare behind a speed duel, swung three-wide entering the final quarter, and pushed clear of Charmbo Brie (Paul Mackenzie) to take the win in 1:55.2.

CLOVER REPLAY

Hofacker, who has won 196 times in 1,335 lifetime starts, trained Ms Machingbird for his most recent victory on Aug. 18, 2020. He sent Clover out five times in 2021, his only starts that season, and has trained three-year-old Sportswriter gelding Bobcaygeon in three attempts this year. Clover, a four-year-old homebred mare, is now nine-for-33 lifetime and has earned $54,633 for Larry Kelson of Holland Landing and Robert Walton of Chapala.

Travis Cullen led the evening’s drivers with three wins. His second successful steer was with Cherie Amour (Mach Three), who set a new lifetime mark of 1:55.2 and was claimed for the second time in three weeks. Normand Beausoleil now owns the six-year-old mare, a 10-time winner in 50 tries.

Grand River Raceway’s schedule continues with a 10-race card on Monday, Aug. 29.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink