Hugh Heff extends lead atop N.A. wins standings

Hugh Heff (Betterthancheddar), North America’s winningest harness racing horse in 2024, won his fifth straight harness racing contest in the Winners-Over at Northside Downs on Saturday (Sep. 21).

The gelding once again came from off the pace, dropping back to last for Randy Getto in a :28.2 opening panel set by Revenant (Mark Pezzarello). The gelding quickly went to the outside and fished out cover, travelling second-over behind Q Ts Charlie (Jeremy Baker) to the half in :58.2 and three-quarters in 1:27.4.

Hugh Heff launched three-wide coming around the last turn, out-kicked Q Ts Charlie, and rolled to a length-and-a-quarter victory in 1:58.2.

Q Ts Charlie was a tough second, getting by Revenant in the final meters.

HUGH HEFF REPLAY

Hugh Heff has now tallied 19 victories this season, having raced at six different tracks. Dana Getto trains the gelding, a four-year-old, for Randy Getto of New Waterford, Susan Macsween of River Ryan, and Wayne Hardy of Sydney. The gelding has won 27 times and has earned $101,021 in 67 lifetime outings.

Hugh Heff now holds a two-win lead in the standings over Lloyd’s Loves and Need Ur Opinion, who both have 17 victories.

Northside Downs will host its next card on Saturday, Sep. 28.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink