Cartoon Daddy beasts Governor’s Plate champ

Defeating the reigning Governor’s Plate champion is no small feat, but Cartoon Daddy prevailed in a hard-fought stretch duel on Canada Day Sunday at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway. Dale Spence supplied the winning steer as part of a driving triple on the 13-dash card, crossing the wire in 1:55.1. Race favourite Fast N Victorious (Adam Merner) set the early tempo of 27.1 and 56. Then Do Over Hanover, winner of the 2017 Governor’s Plate, took over before the three-quarters of 1:25.4 for driver Jason Hughes. Do Over Hanover attempted to fight off Cartoon Daddy, but fell short by a neck to finish second. Mando Fun (Kenny Arsenault) completed the triactor. Cartoon Daddy is trained by Rachel Andrew for owners Brian Andrew of Milton and William Andrew of Calgary. Spence also won with Cyrax in 1:58.1 for trainer Barry Biggar of Summerside and Bet Er All for Ralph Sweet of O’Leary. Old Buck delivered as favourite in the $1,900 Canada Day Pace with a 1:58.1 victory for ownertrainer Alan MacDonald of Summerside and driver Hughes.

First win

The Canada Day program was one 18-year-old driver Drew Neill will never forget as he scored his first lifetime driving win with Celebrate Your Bet. The Winsloe driver and the Nicholas Oakestrainee stopped the clock in 1:59.3 for owner Douglas Matheson of Cornwall. Live racing continues Thursday and Saturday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park while the action heats up Sunday as the eliminations of the 50th edition of the Governor’s Plate will be featured at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway.