Dresden, ON — Natasha Day claimed the crown in the inaugural OLG Ontario Women’s Driving Championship, held July 17-18 at Hanover Raceway and Dresden Raceway.

“It’s an honor just to be part of such a great event, but to win it is pretty awesome,” said Day. “It made it extra special knowing what (driver) Maggie (Jones) is going through to help earn money for two great charities.”

Natasha Day, pictured driving Dreaming Out Loud to victory on Sunday at Dresden Raceway, won the inaugural Ontario Women’s Driving Championship. Emma Patterson photo.

Day notched two wins on the final day to win the event with 58 points, while Marie Claude Auger was second with 53 points and Julie Walker was third with 50 points. Marielle Enberg and Pam Forgie tied for fourth with 46, Brittany Kennedy was sixth with 37, Maggie Jones one back with 36, and Andrea Leon finished with 34 points.

The proceeds of Saturday’s event at Hanover went to cervical cancer while Dresden’s returns went to Harness The Hope for breast cancer survivors.

Competitor Maggie Jones was recently diagnosed with cancer, but delayed her first chemo treatment to drive in the event.

“Maggie wanted to make sure she took part, especially knowing what the proceeds were going to and everything she is going through,” Day added. “We have so much respect for her and she understands that we are here to support her through it.”

Kristy Dustin of Harness The Hope was pleased with the day:

“We are so thankful that these ladies and these tracks put this event on. It was such an amazing day.”

Lady Katie B and Brydown Better Bea were the winners of the Ontario Sires Stakes Prospect Series for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

Lady Katie B won the first division in 1:59.4 for Garrett Rooney. The Bettor’s Delight filly is owned and trained by Paul Cameron while Jayne Cameron and TJS Stables share ownership.

Brydown Better Bea, a Betterthancheddar filly, is owned by Brydown Farms and trained by Kendall Rahn. Scott Wray was in the sulky for the win in 2:01.4.

Bigmachwithcheese won his third in a row at Dresden Raceway for owner-trainer MacKenzie MacInnis. The 5-year-old Betterthancheddar gelding cruised to the win in 1:59 for driver Dale Spence.

Dresden Raceway hit a season high handle of C$47,395, with just over C$16,000 bet live at the track.