Rose Run Quest overpowers foes

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – A late break in stride by Czar Seelster sealed the deal for Rose Run Quest in the Sunday afternoon harness racing feature at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The 13-dash program was originally scheduled for the regular Saturday afternoon slot but impending weather moved the program to Sunday this week. Czar Seelster powered to the front in the $2,400 preferred pace being released by pacesetter Drivingthedragon N at the 28.1 opening quarter. Driver Todd Weatherbee and Czar Seelster then continued the brisk tempo with fractions of 58.3 and 1:28.4 with race favourite Rose Run Quest (Driven by Marc Campbell) moving up from last place in the compact field of five. Rose Run Quest challenged Czar Seelster neck-and-neck in the final quarter then a break in stride just before the wire by Czar Seelster handed the victory to Campbell and Rose Run Quest in 1:58.4. Czar Seelster landed back down pacing to finish second with Woggy Rocks (Gary Chappell) finishing third.

Rose Run Quest is trained by Campbell for owner Blair Hansen of Charlottetown. It was one of three wins by the 'King' of Island racing as a trainer and as a driver.

Campbell also visited the winner's circle with Diduseethat in 2:01.3 from his own barn and teamed up with the Jeff Lilley trained Bettim Vicky to win race 5 in 2:04.4. The other Campbell trained victory was when Adam Merner and Jetster stopped the clock in 2:00.2 in race 11.

Driver Ken Murphy had three winners on the opening program of 2018 including My Lucky Killean in 2:00.1 for trainer and father Clifford Murphy of Brackley, Cougar Gal in 2:03.3 for trainer Drew Neill of Winsloe and Alberta Sky in 2:00.2 for trainer Eric Doucette of South Rustico.

Merner also had a driving double on the program.

The results from the 2017 trainer-driver challenge were announced on the live presentation with Campbell garnering the top prize of $2,000. Jason Hughes was second in the annual challenge for a $1,500 pay day, while $1,000 went to Kenny Arsenault in third place and Gary Chappell received $500 for finishing fourth. The trainer-driver challenge was formed to honour the dedication, time and talent of trainer-drivers in the Island harness racing industry.

Live racing continues Saturday afternoon (Jan. 20) at 12:30 P.M at Red Shores Charlottetown. For more information including race replays check out www.Redshores.ca.

By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores