CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The top harness racing driver in Warren Grove strutted his stuff Saturday afternoon as he captured the top class as well as the top distaff at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Adkins Hanover returned to the East Coast and cruised to victory in the $2,400 featured event on a frosty day at the capital oval. Time of the mile was 1:59.1 with Dowling in the bike for trainer Trevor Hicken and owner Perry Burke of Grosse-Ile., Que. The 10-year-old Western Ideal pacer was on a front end mission as he stole every fraction and handily won by four-and-half lengths over Intended Royalty (Driven by Mike McGuigan) while Tempo Seelster (Ken Murphy) was third.
Dowling and trainer Myles Heffernan Jr., teamed up to win the $1,800 mare’s pace with Dustlanemissmolly in 1:59.1. Heffernan’s father, Myles Heffernan Sr., was scheduled to drive but was called to work in the United States working on power lines, leaving Dowling to pick up the drive during last minute program changes. The daughter of Brandons Cowboy also was on top for every split as she was part of a rarity with her sister, Dustylane Zendaya, finished second in the compact field of five. Jackie Heffernan of Summerville, P.E.I., holds the ownership papers of Dustlanemissmolly.
Heffernan had two training wins on the program with Pictonian Sareta winning earlier on the card as part of a four win day for leading driver Marc Campbell. Campbell scored victories with Navy Pilot Hanover from his own barn, Charlottes Western for trainer Jeff Lilley of Milton and Noudidnt Blue Chip for trainer Neal Moase of Warren Grove.
The next card of Saturday Jan. 26 will be the final program on the season before the winter break.
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By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores