ELORA, ON — Celsius Hanover kicked off an exciting evening of Grassroots action at Grand River Raceway on Friday with an impressive gate-to-wire triumph in the first of seven $15,000 divisions.
Owned by William Bryden of Orangeville, Glengate Farms of Campbellville and driver Stephen Byron of Thornton, the two-year-old trotting filly took quick command of the race from Post 1 and sailed around the half-mile oval to a five length victory in 2:04.2.
Warzone and Fin De Maye rounded out the top three in the mile, the fastest of Friday’s Grassroots divisions.
Aaron Byron trains Balanced Image daughter Celsius Hanover, who improved her freshman record to one win and two seconds through six starts with the effort.
C H Meadow Miss and Nick Henry opted for come-from-behind tactics in the second division, but delivered almost identical results, cruising home two and a half lengths on top in 2:04.4. Mount Forest resident Henry shares ownership on the talented CR Renegade daughter with fellow breeder Ronald Corbett of St. Jacobs. Through seven starts C H Meadow Miss has posted three wins and one second for earnings of $29,577.
Sandra’s Pleasure and Fair Yankee picked up the second and third-place cheques in the fourth race.
First time starter Oaklea Oaks delivered an impressive performance in the seventh race, trotting around the outside of the Elora oval to a five length victory in 2:05.3 for trainer Dave Tingley of Guelph and Hans Mueller of Barrie. The Angus Hall daughter bested fan favourite Image Lane, owned by Sarah McCoy of Rockwood and driver Karen Hudon of Acton, and Natasha’s San, owned by the Henry Stable of Arthur.
The Henry Stable picked up a Grassroots trophy in the last division when Luke’s Danielle out sprinted three rivals to claim a half length victory in 2:08.1. Wayne Henry piloted the Berndt Hanover daughter to her first lifetime victory for his father, and trainer, Ross Henry and brother Trevor Henry.
Wowohwowohwowohwow earned the second-place finisher’s share and Spare Time Rozie nudged out favourite Promise To Win for the third spot.
The other Grassroots divisions went to Orillia Seelster in 2:06.4, Bernice Daniece in 2:06 and Icy Welcome in 2:06.2.
The two-year-old trotting fillies wrap up their regular season schedule Saturday, Oct. 1 at Hiawatha Horse Park, while Grand River Raceway completes its 2005 Ontario Sires Stakes schedule next Friday, Sept. 30 with Grassroots action for the two-year-old pacing fillies.
For complete results please go to:
http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/results/data/rgrvrfr.html