CAMPBELLVILLE, ON — Guelph resident Gregg McNair gave his bid for a second Johnston Cup title a sizeable boost at Mohawk Racetrack on Thursday, June 27.
Last year’s leading Ontario Sires Stakes trainer harnessed four two-year-old pacing colts on Thursday night and went home with two Grassroots trophies, one second and one third.
The victories were scored by sons of first crop sire Mister Big; Crafty Master, who paced around the Mohawk oval in 1:54.2 in the second $15,000 division, and On The Big Swing, whose 1:55.4 mile earned him the win in the fourth split. Robert Hamather of Exeter owns Crafty Master, while On The Big Swing is owned by Suheil Ashkar of New York.
McNair’s son Doug, who also makes his home in Guelph, piloted both winners and was also aboard for Zorro’s runner-up finish in the first division and Three Of Clubs’ third-place effort in the fifth. The trainer was slated to start five colts, but Regal Babe was scratched out of the third division due to sickness.
Guelph resident Paul MacDonell also scored the Grassroots driving double on Thursday, guiding Western Fella to the fastest mile of the six divisions, a 1:54 clocking in Race 4, and Reasonable Force to a 1:54.4 result in Race 8.
The two-year-old pacing colts make their second Grassroots start on July 6 at Georgian Downs. Ontario Sires Stakes excitement continues at Mohawk Racetrack on Friday evening with Gold Series action for the two-year-old pacing colts and three-year-old trotting colts.
For complete results please go to Mohawk Racetrack Results – Thursday, June 27, 2013