Day wins Harness the Hope Women’s Driving Challenge

Natasha Day won three of six races en route to a victory in the Women’s Driving Challenge as part of Harness the Hope night at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Friday (Oct. 20).

Day kicked off the card with a victory, taking the opener with Michaelas Angel (Archangel, 2:04), giving the filly her first win in 10 months. Marielle Enberg then won two races in succession with Azucar Jack (Warrawee Needy, 1:57.4) and Malvolio (Bettors Delight, 2:00.1). Day struck back with a double of her own behind Ranger Rob (Angus Hall, 2:01.2) and Ezra Express (Ameripan Gigolo, 1:59.2), putting her in the driver’s seat in the last dash. Britt Kennedy gave Bulldog (Holiday Road, 2:01.4) a perfect pocket trip to win the contest finale, and Day finished second to secure the title. Day also won a non-contest race on the day for a grand slam.

“I want to say thank you to Kristy (Dustin, Harness the Hope’s co-founder), the girls, Harness the Hope for putting this on for all the girls,” Day said in the winner’s circle after the contest. “We really appreciate it. You guys do a lot of work, you fly us to a lot of places. Without you guys doing it, the lady drivers wouldn’t get a lot of exposure, either, so, we’ve gotta say a big thank you to you from all of us.”

The other contest drivers were Marie-Claude Auger, Julie Walker, Anita Ouellette, Maggie Jones, and Pam Forgie. The challenge was sponsored by Mare Flare Equestrian, and the Harness the Hope Night benefited cancer research organizations Breast Cancer Canada and Pink Pearl Canada via door prize tickets and a silent auction.

Later on the card, Irish Dreamer (Il Sogno Dream) captured the Autumn Series Event C Final for Ontario-sired two- and three-year-old trotting males. The colt went wire-to-wire in 2:02 for Jason Ryan, cruising home a six-length winner in part thanks to a break by favoured rival Wood Chippin (Garrett Rooney) turning for home. Livingitlarge (Lorne House) came three-wide for second. Wood Chippin dead heated for third with Sollwitt but was disqualified due to an extended break, giving all the show money to the latter.

IRISH DREAMER REPLAY

Irish Dreamer placed in the first leg and won the second in a dead heat. The back-to-back victories were the first two for the colt after beginning his career winless in nine tries. The Paul Reid-trained sophomore has now earned $21,092 for owner/breeders Len Christopher of Acton and Anthony Mulcahy of Burlington.

The Raceway’s next card on Monday, Oct. 23 will feature the Autumn Series Event D Final for two- and three-year-old pacing fillies.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink