Power And Grace makes it three straight for half-century

Power And Grace (Holiday Road) won her third straight harness racing contest and the 50th of her career as she stepped up to the Preferred-2 at Grand River Raceway on Monday (Jul. 17).

The mare, driven by Brett MacDonald, held a comfortable lead through the first three quarters timed in :27.4, :57.3, and 1:26. Pocket-sitter Arrakis (Jean Rene Plante) put pressure to her down the lane, but Power And Grace had him well in check and crossed the line with a length-and-three-quarters to spare in 1:55.1. Arrakis finished second. Arcanum (Paul Mackenzie) finished third.

POWER AND GRACE REPLAY

Power And Grace’s 50th victory comes in her 161st start. Ronald MacDonald trains the mare, who has earned $446,044 lifetime. Brett MacDonald co-owns the eight-year-old with Hartel Maintenance of Guelph, Lormer McClure of Hanover, and Reg Higgs of Strathroy.

Also on the card, North America Cup and Ontario Sires Stakes champion Desperate Man (Shadow Play) took his first win of the season. Dropping from the Mohawk ranks, the gelding moved for the lead in the third quarter and cruised to a three-and-a-half length victory. Garrett Rooney steered the gelding, now a nine-time winner in 43 career starts for trainer Kathy Cecchin. The five-year-old has now earned $1,161,981 for owners Kathy Cecchin, John Cecchin, Nicole Davies, and Paul Davies.

DESPERATE MAN REPLAY

Grand River Raceway will resume action on Wednesday, Jul. 19 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink