by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — At the age of 69 Russell Sutherland knows a thing or two about going the extra mile. It’s a six hour, one-way trek to Woodbine Racetrack from his hometown of Morenci, Mich., but for Sutherland, it’s a road worth traveling. The reason? A 4-year-old daughter of Cheyenne Rei that goes by the name Do Me Honor.

Lisa photo

Do Me Honor was a 1:55 winner in the opening leg of the HorsePlayer Interactive Series.

Sutherland was trackside at the Toronto oval to watch her impressive victory in the $20,200 opening leg of the HorsePlayer Interactive Series, her most recent outing. Do Me Honor came from off the pace for driver Doug McNair to win in 1:55, with a final quarter of :26.4.

“We got home at 3 a.m. that night and we were in the fourth race, that’s how long of a trip it is, but it was worth it,” Sutherland laughed. “It was a pretty incredible feeling because of the way she came home. Doug is a nice, young man and he really seems to get along with her.”

Looking ahead to the C$30,000 second leg of the HPI Series on Friday, Sutherland is optimistic about Do Me Honor’s chances.

“I know she can go with them,” he said. “She’s not very big, but she’s all heart. She tries every week and I don’t think she’s ever been tired at the end of the mile.”

Purchased for a mere $1,600 at the Michigan Lansing Yearling Sale, Sutherland has plenty of reasons to take pride in the horse that has seven lifetime scores and $76,434 in career earnings.

“You could fit her in the trunk of your car she was so small,” he chuckled. “She hasn’t given us any trouble since day one and she’s a pleasure to have in the barn. I think she will get better with age, too.”

Sutherland, who is retired from the construction business, has been involved in harness racing for decades. He currently trains six horses.

“My wife says it’s five too many, but I just enjoy it so much,” Sutherland offered. “I’m sure she won’t mind me leaving once again on Friday.”

A winning trip in the HPI Series would make the return trip to Michigan that much sweeter.

The series is for 4-year-old and older mares, non-winners of C$50,000 (3-year-olds C$75,000) in 2011.