by Kelly Spencer, marketing & communications manager, Grand River Raceway
Elora, ON — Machapelo became the 14th victor in Grand River Raceway’s C$300,000 Battle of Waterloo and scored the biggest upset in the history of the race during the track’s Industry Day Celebration on Monday (August 1).
Machapelo won the Battle of Waterloo on Monday for Scott Zeron in a time of 1:54.4.
Leaving from post four, driver Scott Zeron sent the Mach Three homebred first-over at the half-mile marker to score a three length victory in 1:54.4 over Two Guys, driven by his father, Rick Zeron. Heavy favorite Warrawee Needy finished third with trainer Carl Jamieson in the bike. It was Warrawee Needy’s first defeat in six career starts.
This was Machapelo’s maiden win in five starts. He finished fourth in last week’s elimination division. Owned by Enviro Stables, he’s trained by Mike Keeling.
For Zeron, 22, this was the largest stakes win of his career. He won the inaugural Battle of the Belles in 2009 with Fbs Terror. Machapelo returned $56.40 for the upset.
Local trainer Mark Austin won the C$30,000 Battle of Waterloo Consolation with Jettison in a mild 5-1 upset with driver Paul MacDonell in the bike. It was the colt’s second win from five starts, in a new career best of 1:57.1.
Iron Horse Photo
Your Beautiful won the Battle of the Belles in a 1:56.1 mile.
Driver Stuart Sowerby guided the homebred filly Your Beautiful to victory in the C$150,000 Battle of the Belles. Her 1:56.1 victory was by three lengths over the field of 2-year-old pacing fillies. Eat Me Up, race favorite Mindsweeper, and Classy Lane Rose rounded out the top four.
Stephen Gillard trains and shares ownership of Your Beautiful with his wife Marilyn Gillard.
Sauble Claire and driver Trevor Henry wired the field to win the C$20,000 Battle of the Belles Consolation. The L H Stryker filly is owned by breeder Sauble Hill Farms and trained by Otis Hall. She’s a winner in two of seven this year.
On-track fans wagered C$90,000 on the 11-dash card. The total wager was C$225,000.