Stage set for Conroy Memorial
One of Truro Raceway’s popular signature events, the $7,500 Johnny Conroy Invitational, is set for Race 11 on tomorrow afternoon’s 12-dash card.
The legendary son of Prince Edward Island blacksmith, Peter Conroy, Johnny Conroy was rst noticed as a talented and skillful horseman by Nova Scotians in 1928.
Conroy set several track and Maritime records, as well as notching driving championships, establishing dash winning records and edging out the renowned Joe O’Brien for top driving honours in 1944.
Conroy retired at the end of the 1962 racing season, was inducted into the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1968 and the Canadian Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1983 for his outstanding achievements.
Sunday, along with members of the Conroy Family, friends and race fans alike will join together to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Johnny Conroy.
Meet the eld
1. Junebugs Baby — One of two eight-year-old competitors in
eld; winner of this year’s Milton Downey Memorial, Cecil Ladner Memorial and Walter Dale.
2. Adkins Hanover — Second eight-year-old in the Conroy covered the ground in 1:52.4 over Rideau Carleton in 2017.
3. Caracci Hanover — Son of Somebeachsomewhere; quickest mile for 2017 1:50.4 over Woodbine; fastest last quarter of the group 27.1 in January, showing most lifetime and 2017 purse earnings in the lineup.
4. Intended Royalty — Recorded his personal best of 1:55.1 this year over Charlottetown. Last quarter of 27.3 in Inverness June 18
5. His Boy Elroy — Hometown Entry out of Bernard “Pooker” McCallum stable; winner of Govenors Plate Consolation Summerside 2017 (1:55.2).
6. Weather Hanover — Local entry for Dr R James Shive; son of Somebeachsomewhere; 2017 win of 1:53.1 over Plains ridge; in line to Truro’s leading teamster Todd Trites.
7. Heart And Soul — Youngest challenger (4) in the eld with Clare MacDonald between the wheels; fastest last quarter for 2017 – 27.2 over Charlottetown
Post time is set for 1 p.m. Qualifying rounds are on tap for 11:30 a.m.
Top of the Turn Sunday special
Roast pork dinner including tea/co ee and dessert for $15.95.
Rapid re with Dave Carey Teamster Dave Carey is the author of many textbook drives, accumulating 3,030 wins to date, earning $2,585.310 in purses.
1. Other than Truro, favourite track to drive at: Sackville Downs
2. Favourite food: Ribs or pork chops
3. Least favourite barn chore: Like them all
4. Favourite non-horsey activity: Enjoying a special meal
5. Favourite movie or TV show: Game Of rones
Newest horse player statistics
The Standardbred Canada website is an extremely informative site, including the track statistics which reveals:
Post 1 wins 17.7 per cent, Post 3 served up winners to the tune of 18.9 per cent of the time and Post 5 17.6 per cent.
e the favourite or co-favourite nishes rst 47 per cent of the time (both stats based on 212 races at Truro Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, 2017).
Chase the Ace
Sept. 8 winner: Sandy Shearer, Brook eld ($97)
Jackpot: $3,690.50
Upcoming events
Sept. 24 — Donnie and George Turner Memorial stake for threeyear-old colts and fillies; Nova Scotia stake for two-and-threeyear-old trotters.