North American wins leader reaches 20 at Northside

Hugh Heff (Betterthancheddar), North America’s winningest harness racing horse this season, added to his cushion atop the standings at Northside Downs on Monday (Sep. 3) with his 20th of the year.

The gelding never saw the cones in the Winners-Over, driving on to contest leader Runaway Mystery (Harold Leblanc) after the quarter in :29. The two battled at the front, putting up :58.3 and 1:28.3 fractions with Hugh Heff pulling in front at the third station.

The first-up gelding muscled to a clear led on the final turn, and he held on over the closing Revanant (Mark Pezzarello) down the lane to score in 1:59.1.

Revenant was short by a half-length. Runaway Mystery finished third.

HUGH HEFF REPLAY

Hugh Heff has now won six straight since moving to Northside for new connections in August. Dana Getto conditions the four-year-old for Randy Getto of New Waterford, Susan Macsween of River Ryan, and Wayne Hardy of Sydney. The gelding is now 28-for-68 lifetime with $101,741 in earnings.

Hugh Heff now leads his nearest rivals, Lloyd’s Loves and Need Ur Opinion, by three wins.

Ardon Mofford recorded a driving and training triple on the card, steering three of his trainees to victory.

The next program at Northside Downs is set for Saturday, Oct. 5.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink