by T.J. Burkett, managing editor, Hoof Beats

Sarnia, ON — Driver Brad Forward led the Canadian drivers to a victory over their U.S. counterparts, the colts beat the fillies in the Battle of the Sexes, and The Ripe Oranges won the Ultimate Band Challenge on the second night of the 2009 Adrenaline Festival, held at Hiawatha Horse Park Friday night (Aug. 21).

Driver Brad Forward had a rainbow over his shoulder all night, as he won the U.S. vs. Canada drivers’ challenge.

A light rain threatened the planned activities before the first race, but the clouds cleared and a rainbow welcomed the drivers for the first race, which was the opening round of a five-race drivers’ challenge between drivers of Canadian descent and those from the United States. Brad Forward scored two wins and a second to lead all drivers. The Canadian team, consisting of Forward, Donnie Rankin Jr., Nick Steward, Kevin Wallis and Terry Kerr beat the U.S. team of Art McIlmurray Jr., Brad Kramer, Darrell Wright and Eric Carlson.

“It’s my home track, I guess you could say, so I have much better luck here,” said Forward, who also represented Canada in the recently completed World Driving Championship. “We’re all willing to do whatever to help out, like maybe doing a dunk tank, because I’m sure there are some people in the stands who would like to see us take a dunk.”

The Battle of the Sexes pitted colts versus fillies over four races, while teams of cheerleaders in the stands waved blue towels for the colts, or pink towels for the fillies. The colts dominated this day, winning three of the contests, although an inquiry and a placing led to a win for Amigo Jill in race six. According to race secretary and announcer, Dave Walls, the horsemen were helpful in putting the races together.

USTA/T.J. Burkett photos

The “girls team” cheers the fillies and mares on to victory during one of the races in the Battle of the Sexes series.

“We basically just set the preference dates for the boys and then for the girls,” he said. “I think in the four races half were boys and half were girls so there was no complaint there. I think the horsemen were on board because I think they have to be because harness racing isn’t what it was 20 years ago and we’re trying to make some sort of brand with Adrenaline.”

Racing fans new to wagering were able to get in the game much easier with the introduction of the “Superpack,” which, for $10, $20 or $50, patrons could purchase an envelope containing a randomly selected wager for the next five races. This new product helped those who were at the track to see the bands also get involved with the 10-race card on track.

“One of the goals (of Adrenaline Fest) is to bring the younger demographic, 19-40-year-olds,” said festival organizer Mark Hetherman. “A lot of activities are meant to grab that group of people, to bring them to the racetrack for the first time.

“I’ve talked to probably 15 people tonight who are here at the racetrack for the first time. The Wanna Bet people are here to help them learn how to bet and place bets.”

Adrenaline continues through the weekend. Saturday’s attractions include a bartenders competition, McCann Dog Stars, beach volleyball, the Ms. Adrenaline bikini competition, stand-up comedy and live music all day. Gates open at noon.