Track On 2 season kicks off

Outlawstormywether circled the opening day feature field at The Track On 2 on Saturday as the Lacombe County, Alberta track saw racing for the first time since August 2020.

He trailed his four rivals through the first quarter mile in :28.2 and half in :57 but exploded in the third quarter and flew to the front as they entered the stretch. He reported home a one-and-three-quarter-length winner in 1:55.4.

Shales Storm (Michael Hennessy) finished second; Gray Zee (Paul Giesbrecht) was third.

Outlawstormywether, a six-year-old Blue Burner mare, has now won seven races and earned $61,626 for owner and trainer Joe Ratchford of Rockyview County.

The Shining (John Vukelich) overcame a break behind the gate to become the meet’s first winner in 1:58.2. Vukelich trains the sophomore colt by Custard The Dragon for Paul Tolmazoff of Surrey.

Kelly was the afternoon’s most successful driver with three victories at the lines. Two of his winning mounts are his trainees – Risin Horizon (2:04), who was making his debut for Kelly, and Whiskey Throttle (1:57.2).

Opening day handle for The Track On 2 was $25,240. The oval will return to action on Saturday, Jul. 10 at 3:10 p.m. MDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink