Mofford comes out swinging

Harness racing trainer and driver Ardon Mofford stole the spotlight on opening day at Northside Downs on Saturday (May 14) as he won three of his first four training and driving starts of the year.

Mofford’s driving hat trick came naturally in his first three tries – and they were all from the far-outside post six.

The Florence, N.S. resident burst from the gate – literally – with his trainee Whosyourfather in the first, piloting the Cougar Hall filly to a front-end romp.

Whosyourfather swept wide from through the first turn and briefly tucked in before making a second move and overtaking Elm Grove Qwiggly (Lawrence Snow) for the top spot in a :30 opening quarter. The new leader carved out a three-length cushion despite coasting to a 1:01.2 half and enjoyed another soft split with a 1:32.2 three-quarter time. Whosyourfather then pulled away on the final turn and left no doubt as she won in 2:02.1 by three and a quarter lengths.

Elm Grove Qwiggly was second. The Fascinator (John Ellsworth) held third after a failed first-over bid.

Debra Rankin of Dutch Brook owns Whosyourfather, who has now won twice in six outings and has earned $3,261.

Mofford then doubled his driving tally in the third as Dellas Playboy blew away foes in a nine-length 2:01.2 wire-to-wire win. It was the four-year-old pacing stallion’s first start of the season and fifth career tally in 18 tries. Owner and breeder George Della Valle trains the son of American Gigolo.

Literally Hanover gave Mofford his driving triple and training double as the five-year-old Bettors Delight mare went last-to-first with broken equipment in the fourth race. Literally Hanover was the first to move as the early trailer but quickly picked up cover and gained through the middle half. Mofford then tipped her three-wide as the field of six swung for home, and the mare blew by her rivals to win in 2:03.3. It was her ninth career victory in 47 starts and lifted her bankroll to $35,348. James and Jane Lewis of Albert Bridge own the mare, who was the longest shot on the board in her win. The win price was $33.60.

Mofford’s third training victory came as Dont Tell Kim (Mark Pezzarello) grinded out a first-over 2:01.3 score in the finale. Mofford chose to drove his other pupil, Bet On Art, who broke stride on the final turn. Dont Tell Kim, a four-year-old daughter of Source Of Pride, was making her seasonal debut and took her sixth career win in 18 appearances. Tonya Mofford of Florence owns the mare that has now earned $3,624 lifetime.

Mofford is now 22-for-175 as a driver since returning to the track in 2020. He is 17-for-107 as a trainer in that time.

After the fourth race, the Horse Memorial Pace, Northside Downs horsepeople memorialized the 14 horses that passed away in a December barn fire at Donmar Farms.

Northside Downs will host live racing again on Saturday, May 21 with a 1:00 p.m. ADT start time.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink