Fritz Memorial closes Hanover meet

Hanover Raceway honoured late harness racing Hall-of-Famer Bud Fritz and his wife Ethel with the Bud and Ethel Fritz Memorial Pace on Saturday (Sep. 17), the track’s closing day.

Carsons Shadow (Shadow Play) wired the field of free-for-all pacers, putting another feather in the cap of the meet’s champion driver, Jason Ryan. The six-year-old gelding was a length-and-a-half the best in 1:56.2 over Easton Beach (George Ketros) and Fear The Shadow (Tyler Moore).

CARSONS SHADOW REPLAY

The track prepared a video showcasing the achievements and accomplishments of Fritz, which was displayed on the infield toteboard. He passed away earlier in 2022.

BUD AND ETHEL FRITZ TRIBUTE

Dows Up (Shadow Play, Daniel Clements) won the final Prospect Series preliminary leg for two-year-old pacing colts, vaulting off cover on the final turn to win by three lengths in 1:59. Lindsey Kerr trains the colt for Sally Charlton, David Deighton, and Sergio Vespa.

Ryan was dominant in the drivers’ standings, 11 wins clear of nearest rival Jonathan Drury. John Kennedy took the trainers’ title with 11 wins with a strike rate of 47.8 per cent.

Earlier on the card, young aspiring drivers battled it out in a miniature horse race. Wally and driver Travis Moore were ahead in a flash after a slow start from Rockin Elmo and driver Chase Graham. Wally did not release any of his advantage in the quarter-mile distance and cruised to victory under wraps. He was four lengths the better of Rockin Elmo, who would not close despite heavy encouragement. Another mini, Oreo, was a late scratch for the race.

Other highlights of the day included a silent auction and charity barbecue in support of the Hanover Fire Department and a 50/50 draw in support of Hanover Barons.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink