by Scott Waddell, public relations director, Exhibition Park
Saint John, NB — Stoney B, a 14-year-old veteran by Big Towner, made his final trip around the oval on Wednesday (December 29) at Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John and went out with a gutsy effort and a second place finish — beaten just a head. Mike Clinton and Joe Mott own the veteran pacer who was the winner of $139,089 lifetime and was one of the most popular horses on the grounds for the past few years.
Stoney B now faces mandatory retirement and will make his new home at a farm in Oromocto, New Brunswick.
Meanwhile, Mike Stevenson and Steve Mahar closed out the 2004 racing season on a high note as both teamsters recorded driving triples.
Stevenson, last year’s driving champion, scored with Birdton Ernie as he closed out his three-year-old campaign on a winning note for owners Doug and Ron Hildebrand of Fredericton. Time of the mile was 2:08.
Mike’s next win came with Free Stone Lexy as she had a nice covered up trip to get up for the win in a photo in 2:04.4. Owners are Don Bishop and Joann Thomas. Naughtenoughfunds held on gamely for second while Woodmere Domino grabbed third.
Stevenson completed the driving triple with The Banker N, who has now made it five in row at EPR, winning in 2:03.3 over a track rated a couple of seconds off. Stablemate Cams Man NZ was second, ahead of Eyes On You, who rounded out the top trio.
Steve Mahar also had a driving triple to close out another successful season here at EPR along with his wins in Maine.
Steve scored in the first of the day with John Dempsey and Dale Orr’s Bordertown Armour in a gate-to-wire effort of 2:07.4. Chip In The Pocket rode the pocket trip for second while Precious Catera was third.
Jigtime Silencer made his owners proud as he scored his first win on NB soil as he wired the field in 2:04.2 for an easy win. Owners of the three-year-old promising Largo colt are Blaine and Donna Hannay.
Mahar completed the triple as he guided Twin B Casino to his second straight for owner Kim Beaton of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Western Gentleman was second with Raw Deal grabbing third. Time of the win was 2:05 off a quick half of 1:00.3.
Other winners on Wednesday included Woodmere Penelope, who scored a maiden record of 2:09.2, including a final quarter of :30.2. The David Bishop owned mare won by three lengths over PH Laughter, who is still looking for her first win, with Weekend Run completing the triactor.
Rapid Cane, another promising pacer who will turn four on January 1, had an impressive win as he scored from off the pace in 2:06.2, coming from fifth at the head of the lane. John Davidson got the catch drive for owners Jennifer Murray and Mike O’Neill. Power Pirate was second, with Cross Creek Cookie third.
Fastascamb scored an upset win for driver Doug Folkins, Jr. and owner Fred Ganong of Saint John. He drew away in the lane to win by four lengths as he bested Millimetre and Gaze Upon A Star. Time was 2:07.2.
One of the top horses in Saint John all year has been Katahdin Country and he won another one Wednesday for Mark Haig as the five-year-old Night Country gelding got up in a photo to win over Landfair Anna and Big V. Time of the mile was 2:05.1 for the horse who is owned by Joanne Davies, Allie Carr and Mike Doyle.
Next card of racing at EPR will go on Saturday, January 1, 2005, which will see the racing meet come to an end until early March. Post time is 1:00 p.m.
Barrieau wins Frank Daniels Award
Fresh off his nomination for an O’Brien Award for Horsmanship for this past season, along with being the top percentage driver in Canada, Gilles Barrieau added another Frank Daniels Award to his trophy case as the Maritimes’ leading dash winner.
Barrieau, now stabled in Ontario, finished the Maritime campaign with 124 wins despite only racing in the region for about eight months of the season.
Kenny Arsenault had a chance on the Boxing Day card at Summerside on December 27 to catch Barrieau, as he was behind by just three wins at 121, but the card was cancelled due to a storm.
This year’s Frank Daniels Award will be presented at the Atlantic Canada Symposium coming up in Fredericton in late January.