Elora, ON — The only truly American international amateur driving program, the CKG Billings harness driving series, moved north of the border to Canada on Friday night (Aug 16), for a pacing event at Grand River Raceway and it turned into a laugher when Dabunka romped to an incredible 15-1/4 length triumph with Chris Long at the controls.

Sent off as the odds-on favorite in the odds-on favorite in the eight-horse field Dabunka navigated the mile distance in a stunning 1:55.3.

When the starter said “go” Long hustled his charge to the lead from the two-hole and played catch me if you can. And nobody could.

The veteran pacer zipped through the first two stanzas in 28 and :57 with only a one-length lead over Eas Ideal (Frederick Bourgault). But when Dabunka headed up the backside he was in high gear and opened up seven lengths on the field as he passed the three quarters in 1:26.1. But as the 8-year old Mattnamaras Band gelding rounded the final turn he had 10 lengths on his competition which was opened to 15-1/4 lengths at the wire.

Lautner Seelster rallied to finish second for Julie Walker while Issac Waxman took home the show dough with Remus Blue Chip.

Dabunka notched his fifth seasonal victory and paid $3.80 for win.