Dresden, ON — Donnie Rankin was king of Canada Day (Thursday, July 1) at Dresden Raceway as he owned, trained and drove three winners and one second-place finisher.

Dragon Teen led a Canada Day hat trick for owner-trainer-driver Donnie Rankin. Emma Patterson photo.

The veteran horseman hit the winner’s circle with the 3-year-old He’s Watching colt Dragon Teen in 2:03.1, the 4-year-old Captaintreacherous horse A Positive Hanover in 2:01, and the 4-year-old Bettor’s Delight mare See The Delight in 2:02 while also picking up second place with Sports Icon.

Today was the first day with fans since 2019 for the half-mile track dubbed “Ontario’s Little Saratoga.”

Over 300 fans registered and enjoyed the races while following protocols laid out by OLG, AGCO, Ontario Racing and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.

Longtime harness racing fan Jimmy Pelich was thrilled with the day:

“It was so nice to be back at the track,” he said. “I’ve been coming to the races for over 50 years and this grandstand looked great, the employees were all friendly and experienced. All the fans I spoke with said they can’t wait until Sunday.”

Sunday (July 4) features the $15,900 final of the Mark Austin Pacing Series.

The total handle at Dresden was $42,303.