Big Sir was awarded the victory in The Raceway at Western Fair‘s harness racing feature on Tuesday, Mar. 30 after Shadow Tail drifted into his path and stopped his late charge.
Driver Doug McNair slotted the heavily favoured Big Sir into the pocket through the first turn, quickly abandoning his bid for leadership. Shadow Tail (Austin Sorrie) led the way through opening splits of 27.1 and 57.3. Podium Seelster advanced first up going through the third panel timed in 1:26.2, and Big Sir swung around him coming into the final turn.
McNair lunged his gelding to the outside, and the horse took off with the newfound racetrack, bearing down on the leader. Shadow Tail drifted out in the stretch and hooked wheels with the oncoming challenger, causing the two to maintain position crossing the finish line.
Shadow Tail went over the wire first, but officials ruled he caused interference to Big Sir and placed him second. Big Sir received the victory. Heza Handy Man came up the rail for show. The winner paid $2.70.
BIG SIR REPLAY
Big Sir is now 11-for-30 lifetime with more than $65,000 in earnings. Tony Montini trains the four-year-old by Big Jim for Albina Montini of Acton, Kwong Sum Low of Etobicoke, William Rogers of Aurora, and Rick Rier of Hanover.
Also on the card, the three-year-old State Treasurer colt Hollys Treasure broke his maiden despite being parked for the entire mile and was a 25-1 longshot. Driver Bruce Richardson sent him out quickly and battled with Hes A Littleterror (George Ketros) throughout the contest, eventually pacing him into submission and surviving a late move from Sunseeker (Lorne House).
HOLLYS TREASURE REPLAY
Colonel Schneider of Arthur owns, and Cassidy Schneider trains.
Trainer Ashley Duford took her first win of the year with Jooner (2:02) in the fifth. Madalyn Henry accomplished the same feat with Windemere McSeek (1:59) in the sixth, as did Otis Hall in the 10th with Sauble Attack (1:57).
For full race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink