from Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc.

Cannon Falls, MN — Two weeks ago the Cannon Valley Fair racetrack was covered in 17 inches of snow from an unusually large May snow storm. This past Saturday, heavy dangerous rainstorms threatened the first race meet of the Minnesota season, but the heavy rain came down in every town surrounding Cannon Falls, but just enough fell on the half-mile oval so the water truck was not needed.

Susan Schroeder photo

A happy Ken Stauffer returned to the winner’s circle with Lady At Bat.

Five 2-year-olds from the Nick and Will Roland stable went to the gate for the first time and Jessica Johnson piloting Indy Heatoftheday was also making her maiden start. Johnson showed the boys she wasn’t taking a back seat by pulling first up at the half and winning by a length in 2:11.1.

Ken Stauffer also made his first lifetime start a winning one with the 8-year-old Minnesota sired Art Exposed in 2:01.3.

Stauffer then followed that win with his second lifetime start and win with the recently purchased Lady At Bat. Dr. Kenneth and Jana Rucker purchased Lady At Bat at the Blooded Horse Sale on May 13 for $15,000 and brought the beautifully gaited 4-year-old mare to the Cannon Falls track.

A total of 63 horses from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and South Dakota answered the call to the post in 13 races. After the day was done, many of the horses made the one hour trip north to Running Aces where the backside is now open in anticipation of the June 1 opener. Qualifiers will be held at Running Aces on Saturday (May 25).