Semper Fi Hall posts swiftest mile at Western Fair

LONDON, OCT. 13, 2001 – Semper Fi Hall and Don McElroy posted the fastest of four Grass Roots divisions for the two-year-old trotting colts on Saturday evening at Western Fair Raceway.

After sitting second throughout the mile the duo overtook pacesetter Armbro Whiplash down the stretch and then pulled away to a one half length victory in 2:04. The Balanced Image son, trained by Doug McIntosh for owner-breeders Walnut Hall Limited of Lexington, KY, boosted his record to two wins, one third and one fourth with the effort. Armbro Whiplash held on for second while Jetset Matt rounded out the top three.

Y Chance It posted an impressive nine and a half length victory in the second division, stopping the clock in 2:05.3. The Yentls Image son and driver Randy Fritz sat second through opening fractions of :30.2 and 1:03 before taking control heading for the 1:34.2 three-quarters and drawing away to the impressive victory over Royal Hope and Kimmirut.

Trainer Ron O’Neill of Cambridge, Fred Petersen of Mossley and Lynda Franklin of Ingersoll own the talented youngster who jumped into second spot in the standings with a trio of wins and one second in five Grass Roots outings.

“Mr. OSS” Dave Wall and Armbro Warden posted a 2:04.3 victory in the final division. The veteran reinsman sent Armbro Warden after the lead as the starting gate folded and the duo never had cause to glance over their shoulders en route to the two and one half length win over division leacder J Ls Sunny Boy and longshot Lukes McChamp.

Wall drives the Balanced Image son for trainer John Bax of Peterborough and his partners Brian Parkinson of Sharon, Kenneth James of Acton and Aline James of Lindsay.

The other division went to Valleymeister son Creigmeister, who stopped the clock at 2:05 for Robert Silliphant of Brantford, Gary Silliphant of Simcoe and Ruth McCallum of Manitou, MB. The win was the gelding’s third straight and puts him an excellent position for the Semifinal.

Ontario Sires Stakes action returns to Western Fair Raceway when the three-year-old pacing colts and two-year-old pacing fillies arrive in town for Grass Roots competition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT SANDRA SNYDER AT 519-656-2017 (TEL./FAX) OR smsnyder@sentex.net.

RESULTS (Including Head No., Horse, (Sire), Driver/Trainer, Pay Outs, Race Fractions):

RACE 3 $21,338

2 – Semper Fi Hall (Balanced Image) D. McElroy/D. McIntosh $4.20 $2.70 $2.40,
1 – Armbro Whiplash (Mr Lavec) S. Brousseau/M. Steacy $2.90 $2.90
6 – Jetset Matt (Earl) R. Battin/B. Thorne $3.80

Exactor 2 – 1: $9.80
Triactor 2 – 1 – 6: $21.20

Race Fractions: :30.3, 1:02.1, 1:33.3 and 2:04

RACE 6 $21,708

5 – Y Chance It (Yentls Image) R. Fritz/R. O’Neill $4.40 $3.80 $2.20
Owned by Ron O’Neill, Cambridge, Fred Petersen, Mossley and Lynda Franklin, Ingersoll.
7 – Royal Hope (Royal Ballad) J. Hudon/J. Hudon $6.70 $3.40
1 – Kimmirut (Royal Strength) W. Henry/R. Henry $2.80

Armbro Wellknown, owned by Ray McLean, Jr., Port Elgin and Wayne Bloomfield, Kerwood, finished eighth.

Exactor 5 – 7: $53.30
Triactor 5 – 7 – 1: $142.90

Race Fractions: :30.2, 1:03, 1:34.2 and 2:05.3

RACE 7 $21,708

4 – Creigmeister (Valleymeister) K. MacDonald/K. MacDonald $4.20 $3.40 $2.80
5 – Royal King Pin (Royal Strength) G. Zirnis/G. Zirnis $15.50 $6.60
6 – M Rene Lavec (Mr Lavec) R. McLean, Jr/R. McNair $4.00
Owned by Leonard Gamble, Etobicoke, Gregg McNair, Guelph, Garry Bowen, London and Barry Miller, Exeter.

Exactor 4 – 5: $61.80
Triactor 4 – 5 – 6: $246.80

Race Fractions: :31.2, 1:04.2, 1:34 and 2:05

RACE 11 $21,338

1 – Armbro Warden (Balanced Image) D. Wall/J. Bax $3.40 $2.30 $2.30
2 – J Ls Sunny Boy (Must B Sunny) W. Henry/R. Henry $4.00 $2.50
5 – Lukes McChamp (Mr Lavec) R. McLean, Jr./S. McEneny $2.90

Exactor 1 – 2: $10.90
Triactor 1 – 2 – 5: $50.50

Race Fractions: :29.3, 1:01.2, 1:32 and 2:04.3