Owned by Larry Thomas and Rod Starkewski, All Canadian Mjjz - affectionately known as 'Ham' - had an on track stumble during his last race on New Year’s Eve at Northlands and was placed on the 'disabled list' by sharp trainer Starkewski. The time off looks to have done the trick and we'll look forward to seeing if 'Ham' can pull off another huge win in the Champion Aged Horse category this coming Saturday evening at the annual ASHA Awards. Neal Diamonique and Trust The Artist are also vying for that title.
Jeff Stone would drive for the grand-slam on Saturday evening with wins aboard Kim Baxter trainees Jafeica Again 1:56.4 (Ontime Xpress Feature) and Baby You Save Me 1:57.2. Stone would also strike with All Canadian Mjjz 1:55.4 and Steveofdestruction 1:58.1 (tr. R. Schneider).
Gerry Hudon would post a training/driving double with Baja Beach 1:59.2 and Kg Art Dreamer 1:55.
Barona Josie (Bill Tainsh Jr.) was all systems go in Friday evening's top class event for mares. Owned by Barry and Mona Hill's Barona Yearlings and trainer Doug Stout the four-year-old Brandons Cowboy-Vanessa Hall miss would absolutely fly home, from mid-pack, to win in 1:56.1 over an even faster closing Shoplifter Hanover (Jamie Gray) who would come from last to finish a length back in second. Even-money favorite River Lass (Kelly Hoerdt) would settle for third after going three-for-three in 2012.
Ace catch-driver John Chappell would pilot home three winners on the Friday night card with victories aboard Cenalta Magic 1:58.4 (tr. D. Shaw), 27-1 long-shot maiden Acesndeuces 2:00.1 (Sam Johnson) and Keystone Vanyla 1:59 (tr. G. Lutz).
Drivers Jeff Stone - Major Ziggy 1:59.3 (tr. R. Starkewski) and Brandon Bey V 1:56 (tr. K. Baxter) - along with Jamie Gray - Outlaw I See Red 1:59.1 (tr. J. Ratchford) and Rossridge Divine 1:57.4 (J. Gray) - would pick up doubles on the night.
O'Brien Awards: What a time...
It would be my first ever trip to the O'Brien Awards, in Ontario, and what a time... Kathy Wade Vlaar, of Standardbred Canada, would invite me just over a month ago to co-host the event along with WEG's Ken Middleton. A first-class event all the way with some very familiar faces to me on hand and many people that I've gotten to know in the business over the years, but just never had the chance to meet in person. The whole weekend was truly one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in racing.
I'd start the weekend off on a bus ride with a group of Standardbred Canada Directors, to Woodbine Racetrack, where we'd take in a great meal at 'Favourites' - a venue much like our 'Colours' Restaurant here at Northlands. Sitting at a table with Breeder Directors' Diane Bertrand (Alberta) and Carole Dunbar (Saskatchewan), we'd be cheering on Jersey Joe in Race 2 - he'd be racing under former Alberta trainer Travis Umphrey. Driver Randy Waples would have the son of former Nat Christie winner Matts Scooter getting up in the final strides to score by a head and that would send both Bertrand and myself hustling to the winner's circle to meet up with Travis for the photo opportunity - a definite highlight on the evening for sure. Always a true professional... Umphrey would greet us with a smile and introduce us to the winning connections before returning to the paddock to race one more on the night.
Former Alberta starters Victory Creed, Blended Whiskey, A Special Lady and Goodbadanddeugly N just happened to be racing on the Friday night card as well, but could not find the winner's circle.
The O'Brien Awards would get under way Saturday night shortly after 9 pm. Monkey On My Wheel would pick up the three-year-old pacing filly award for owners Mac Nichol and Travis Umphrey. Bred by Nichol and foaled at the farm of Sam Johnson, right here in Alberta, the Mach Three miss would be a $5500 buy-back as a yearling and go on to win over $816,000 last season. Her richest win came in the Breeders Crown Championship, at Woodbine, in a life best time of 1:49.3 with driver of the year Jody Jamieson on board. Click here to view that race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfrjnVo4X_8
Keith Clark, who would lead all trainers at Alberta Downs, Northlands Park and Fraser Downs through 2011, picked up the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship. The Hall of Famer also led all drivers in Alberta last season and would pick up over a million dollars in purse money, for the seventh straight year, while sitting in the sulky.
Dr. Maurice Stewart, an Active Director with Standardbred Canada was also in attendance throughout the weekend. He's looking forward to the ASHA Awards, this Saturday, as Wrangler Betonme appears to be a lock for two-year-old Alberta-bred colt of the year for 2011. The As Promised-Ja El Shamrock colt is owned by breeders Dr. Maurice Stewart and Maureen Stewart and partners Lyle and Sandy Reid.
Ibey Scores First Driving Win
Third generation horseman Lee Ibey celebrated his first career win in the sulky after a perfect gate-to-wire steer aboard his father's trotter during Kawartha Downs' Saturday night program.
Click here for more... http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/1-29-12/ibey-scores-first-career-driving-win.html
This weekend
A reminder that live racing continues this weekend, at Northlands, with start times at 6 pm on Friday evening and please note the 'special' 1 pm afternoon start for Saturday to accomodate the ASHA Awards.
*With files from Standardbred Canada
Gallery Photos
- SC Director Diane Bertrand makes the presentation for Outstanding Written Work to Lauren Lee, Assistant Editor of The Canadian Sportsman
- SC Director Richard Veilleux presents Keith Clark with the O’Brien trophy
- O'Brien trophy presentation to Monkey On My Wheel owners Mac & Carol Nichol, trainer-owner Travis Umphrey
