CAMPBELLVILLE, July 22 – Mayhem Seelster's first win of the season Friday was not only a big win for the three-year-old filly, but also a milestone victory for her harness racing conditioner.
Trainer Tony O'Sullivan picked up his 1,000th career win Friday evening at Mohawk Racetrack.
The Cambridge, Ontario resident sent out sophomore pacing filly Mayhem Seelster in an $18,000 overnight event and the daughter of Mach Three came through with her first win of the season in a career best 1:51.3. Sylvain Filion steered the winner of $244,000 to victory.
O'Sullivan, 40, has been a top trainer on the WEG Circuit since breaking out on his own in 2004. The New Zealand native has sent out the winners of over $1 million in earnings in 12 of 13 full seasons operating his own barn.
O'Sullivan has topped $3 million in earnings on four occasions, including last season when his stable had 105 victories.
Operating a successful stable on both sides of the border, O'Sullivan's stable earned over $1.1 million in the United States and over $1.8 million in Canada last season.
O'Sullivan has trained many notables over his career, including Breeders Crown winner Susies Magic, Adios winner Alsace Hanover and Ontario star Love Canal.
This season, O'Sullivan has sent out the winners of 56 races and over $1 million. He currently ranks third in the Mohawk meet Trainer Standings with 20 wins.
Mayhem Seelster – Trainer Tony O"Sullivan's 1,000th winner
Also on Friday evening, Sandbetweenurtoes got back to the winner's circle for the first time in six starts with a 1:50.4 score in the $30,000 Mares Preferred.
The Richard Moreau trainee got away fifth with driver Jody Jamieson in the field of five. Bedroomconfessions made a second-quarter move to the lead from third and posted a half-mile time of :54.3. Around the final turn, Jamieson sent his charge towards the front and the even-money favourite held a half-length lead at the third marker in 1:23.
In the stretch, Sandbetweenurtoes was never really challenged and looked comfortable winning in 1:50.4 by 1 ¾ lengths over Ms Mac N Cheese, who got a two-hole trip. Bedroomconfessions finished third.
A five-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, Sandbetweenurtoes now has four wins in 17 outings and $80,850 earned this season. The 17-time winner has over $648,000 in career earnings and is owned by Brad Grant.
Sandbetweenurtoes
Live racing continues Saturday evening at Mohawk. Pepsi North America Cup champion Betting Line highlights the card in one of two $105,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions.
Post time is 7:30 p.m.
Mark McKelvie