Shepherd records 4,000th win

Harness racing horseman Robert Shepherd swept the early double to reach 4,000 driving wins on Thursday (Jun. 22) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Starting the day on 3,998, Shepherd guided Blockbuster Trade (Sportswriter) to a 1:53.2 victory in the opener. The gelding fought off a challenge around the final turn and held Squadron Seelster (Stephane Pouliot) at bay for the win. Isabel Darveau owns and trains four-year-old Blockbuster Trade.

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE REPLAY

In the second race, Shepherd made two moves with Kinnder Motown (Muscle Mass) to secure command down the backstretch. The colt opened up his lead turning for home and romped to a four-length victory to give Shepherd his 4,000th win. Another Darveau trainee, Kinnder Motown completed his mile in 1:57.4 for owner Rejean Lemieux.

KINNDER MOTOWN / ROBERT SHEPHERD MILESTONE REPLAY

Shepherd achieved 4,000 wins in his 29,890th drive. After five more drives on the day, his earnings now total $28,541,286. His first parimutuel drive was at Charlottetown in 1999. His first win came one start later on Nov. 13. He also has 144 training wins from 1,111 starts.

There was some rain on Shepherd’s parade: Black Tie Bash and he lost a Preferred Handicap for the first time this season later on the card. Raising Rusty (Kadabra, Pouliot) captured the feature, taking over down the lane and holding off Getting Serious for the 1:54.4 win. Black Tie Bash closed but had to settle for third, ending a three-race streak of perfection at the top trotting level.

RAISING RUSTY REPLAY

Rideau Carleton Raceway is set to continue racing at 6:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Jun. 25.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink