by Greg Blanchard, WEG media

Toronto, ON — After playing the role of bridesmaid in the first two preliminary legs, Giddy Up Delight elevated his game in the C$64,100 final of the Snowshoe Pacing Series on Friday night (Jan. 15) at Woodbine and scored in a stakes record time of 1:52.2.

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Giddy Up Delight was the 1:52.2 winner in the Snowshoe Pacing Series final.

With regular driver Paul MacDonell at the controls, the 4-year-old gelded son of Bettor’s Delight-Mollin Hanover shot to early command from post five and hung up an opening quarter in :27.1.

At that point, race favorite Cane Ridge attempted a quarter-pole move to the lead but was rebuffed by Giddy Up Delight who kept him parked out through an opening half in :55.1. The top pair continued their battle past the third marker in a spirited 1:22.4.

Cane Ridge continued to hang in on the outside while Brusiers Brother attempted a three-wide rally off cover as the field turned for home. In the meantime, Giddy Up Delight had more left and opened up some insurance lengths on his nine rivals.

Giddy Up Delight got to the wire with 1-1/2 lengths to spare over a hard-charging Shiftin Geartogear who picked up the place spot. Brusiers Brother finished third with Cane Ridge salvaging the fourth spot. The winner returned $7.90.

It was just the third career victory for Giddy Up Delight who recently returned to action after suffering a leg injury early last season. David Shea owns the pacer who is trained by his cousin Joey. The lion’s share of the purse boosted his career total to just over C$85,000.

Zeron reaches 7,000 wins

A victory behind It’s On My Tab in Friday’s second race at Woodbine gave driver Rick Zeron his 7,000th career victory.

It’s On My Tab scored wire-to-wire as the slight wagering favorite to give the veteran reinsman the milestone win.

Friends and family were on hand to help Zeron celebrate following the win. He is off to another good start on the WEG circuit, currently sitting third in the standings.