by Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Communications

Milton, ON — Bill Budd trainee Nirvana Seelster grinded out a third place finish in Saturday’s (Sept. 8) C$34,000 Preferred Pace to become harness racing’s newest millionaire. The 7-year-old gelding entered Saturday’s card just a little over C$300 away from C$1 million in career earnings.

New Image Media photo

Nirvana Seelster breaks C$1 million in earnings on Saturday evening.

Nirvana Seelster and driver Trevor Henry did the heavy-lifting in the Preferred and despite surrendering the lead early in the lane, the Budd trainee battled hard to the line for a third place finish, beaten only three-quarters of a length.

American Wiggle, driven by Louis-Philippe Roy for trainer Richard Moreau, captured the C$34,000 top-class in 1:49.4.

Owned by Bruce Davy, Nirvana Seelster is a 39-time winner with a mark of 1:48 taken last season at Mohawk Park. The Budd trainee has made 176 of his 178 career starts at either Woodbine Racetrack or Mohawk Park.

Nirvana Seelster recently competed in his fourth consecutive Canadian Pacing Derby. The fan favorite has seven wins, 20 top-three finishes and C$191,170 earned in 27 starts this season.