Disqualification drama in Century Open

Top Alberta pacing mare Graceful Horizon was tossed from a third straight win on Tuesday (Jun. 21) at Century Downs, and Betcha Baby (Bettors Delight) inherited the harness racing victory.

Odds-on favourite Graceful Horizon was stacked three-high into the first turn and trekked on for Phil Giesbrecht to seize early control at the quarter in :27.3. Betcha Baby (J. Brandon Campbell) sat the pocket through :56.2 and 1:24.3 middle fractions but could not catch the game Graceful Horizon, who hit the line a length in front in 1:54.2.

Minutes later, as Graceful Horizon was headed to the winner’s circle, the judges posted the inquiry sign. They deliberated for about five minutes and decided the mare’s wheel went inside three pylons on the backstretch. They accordingly placed her seventh of seven.

Betcha Baby, who was a length behind at the finish, moved up to first. Senga Nightmare (Ryan Grundy) was promoted to second, and Stash The Cookies (Logan Gillis) received the show placing.

BETCHA BABY REPLAY

Campbell trains Betcha Baby, a six-year-old winner of 11 races in 97 starts with $220,055 in earnings. Calgary residents George Rogers, Raymond Henry, and Jodi Loftus co-own the mare with Timothy Kane of St. Albert. Betcha Baby has won twice this season.

Century Downs racing returns on Saturday, Jun. 25 at 2:15 p.m. MDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink