Hugh Heff’s streak reaches double digits

Hugh Heff (Betterthancheddar), North American harness racing’s seasonal leader in wins, extended his unbeaten run to 10 as he won the second division of the Governor’s Cup first leg on Saturday (Oct. 26) at Northside Downs.

The gelding was a gapped-off third as Kraken Seelster (Ardon Mofford) took a loose lead in the first quarter, but Hugh Heff reeled in his rivals and went on the march first-up before the half. The gelding made steady headway for Randy Getto and wore down the pacesetter in the stretch to win by three-quarters-of-a-length in 1:57.2. Shir Gain (Rod Gillis) was third.

HUGH HEFF REPLAY

Hugh Heff has now won 24 races this season, six more than any other horse on the continent. Dana Getto trains the four-year-old who is undefeated in 10 starts since moving to Northside Downs in August. The gelding has tallied 32 wins and $104,666 in career earnings from 72 starts. Randy Getto shares ownership with Susan Macsween and Wayne Hardy.

Eastcoast Invader (Rollwithitharry, Monica Sutherland) took the first division of the Governor’s Cup first leg, advancing to the front through the middle half and drawing off to a three-length win. Q Ts Charlie (Jermey Baker) was a clear second. Runaway Mystery (Harold Leblanc) completed the triactor.

EASTCOAST INVADER REPLAY

Eastcoast Invader, trained by Sutherland, is now 23-for-120 lifetime with $39,630 in earnings. She co-owns the seven-year-old with Todd Sutherland.

Northside Downs will host its next card on Saturday, Nov. 2.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink