by Karen Briggs, WEG media

Toronto, ON — In the world of harness racing, the likes of Abbey Road C are becoming a bit thin on the ground.

The bay trotting gelding, now 8-years-old, has gone to the starting gate a staggering 173 times in his career, has racked up 51 wins and $1.32 million, and shows no sign of slowing down.

He’ll be making it 174 on Monday night (November 5) at Woodbine Racetrack, when he goes to the starting gate in a C$45,000 Open Trot contest against six other seasoned horses, including favorite Armbro Continental (with Steve Condren at the lines) and the improving Digital Image (Mike Saftic).

Trainer/driver Keith Jones has nothing but praise for the son of Incredible Abe, out of the Balanced Image mare Jayport Whimsey, who has been in his barn since Jones and the late George Charlton picked him out as a yearling.

“He’s been a great horse his whole life,” he says. “He’s still at the top of his game. Every time you think he might be slowing down, he bounces back.

“He’s maybe been unlucky with his (post position) draws in his big races, but he nearly always brings home a check, and you won’t find a horse with a bigger heart anywhere.”

Jones says Abbey Road C was headstrong as a youngster, and although the years have mellowed him somewhat, he still has his opinions.

“He just loves to race, and he prefers to be on the front. He leaves so quick you really can’t do it any other way,” he says.

Time off also doesn’t agree with the bay gelding.

“We’ll probably give him a week off after this, but I’ve found if I leave him on a break too long, he gets hurting himself. He seems to do better with just a week off here and there.”

On Monday night, Abbey Road C will be leaving from post four in the field of seven, and as the action unfolds he’ll no doubt be on the front end as he prefers. Catch this veteran campaigner in the third race, post time 8:02 p.m.