by Scott Waddell, publicity director, Exhibition Park

St. John, NB — P H Breakaway, owned by Jim Shive and handled by Todd Trites, set a track record on Saturday (September 3) at Exhibition Park Raceway as the colt cruised to a 1:56.1 standard for the three-year olds.

Clinton Debriefed had owned the fastest mark by a three-year-old on the half-mile track of 1:56.2.

Despite leaving from the outside post eight, Trites had the son of Jenna’s Beach Boy on top by the opening eighth pole and held off a fast closing Dunachton Gale. This years ANE Invitational was in honor of the late Brian Moore and carried a purse of C$5,000.

Basin View Albert, last year’s winner of the event, made a first over move that kept the fractions moving at :27.3, :57 and 1:26.4, with the historic mile of 1:56.1. Longshot First Quick was third for trainer/driver Mike Downey.

It was an emotional time for all involved as a video tribute, including a number of Brian’s victories at EPR, accompanied by the Garth Brooks classic “The Dance” was played on the in house monitors. Winning driver Todd Trites was full of emotion and a huge gathering took place in the winner’s circle which included members of the Saint John Fire Department, who took part to honor their fallen comrade.

Brian’s racing silks will be inducted into the local Fire Fighters Hall of Fame.

In stakes action, make it 11 of 12 on the year for the sensational Flaming Moe as he had the fans cheering him on to a ten length win in 1:57.3 for owners Sandy Baird and Harold Russell. Gilles Barrieau handled the driving duties and the win put the colt’s seasonal earnings at over $33,000. Camco Kyle was parked every step of the way and still held on for second, while third went to J Gs Hangman, who led the race until the half-mile, when Barrieau and Moe made their move. Next test for Flaming Moe will be next Saturday in the Bill Quigg in Fredericton.

Gilles Barrieau took the other divison of the Atlantic Sires “A” Stake as War Banner scored a hard fought win as he scored in 1:58.1 over Woodmere Sonicboom and PH Jimmy. Dr. Dan Belliveau of Halifax owns the colt, a son of Happy Paysak.

Now Whos Laughing scored the fastest of two divisions as Vince Poulton guided him to a 2:00.3 win for owners Gary Poulton and Gail MacDonald. Terry Gallant took the other “B” stake as Youre The Curler went a gate-to-wire trip in 2:02.2. Walter Simmons of Summerside owns the three-year-old son of Lisryan.

Saturday also saw the Ingham Palmer New Faces Series with eight of the young stars on the Maritime driving circuit going head-to-head in a one race drivers challenge. When the dust had settled it was Saint John’s own Doug Folkins, Jr. who scored with TB Denied in 2:01.4, equaling the mares lifetime record. Craig Carey was second with Anderoff Bluegrass with Stef “The Ref” DeCourcey from Fredericton grabbing third.

Other winners on the second card included a big performance from Shang Hi Clyde as Mike Stevenson drove him to a new life’s mark of 1:59.4 for owner Abel Arsenault. Mike also had another win on the program as Friendly Fred drove away for a four length win in 2:01.2 for owners James Cluff and Clark Bustard.

Kiss Me Cookie with new trainer Charlie Price was at her best as the three-year-old filly stepped to a new lifetime best of 2:04.1 for owner Mel Land.

Gilles Barriieau was named top driver in both wins and percentage for ANE week, while Earl Fram took top training honors.

EPR now will now be dark until Saturday, September 17 as the racing spotlight will shine on Fredericton Raceway starting this coming Monday with a doubleheader that will feature the Williamson Stakes for two-year olds.