MILTON, April 12, 2018 – The new era of Standardbred racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park officially began Thursday evening. A 10-race card was contested on the opening night of the 55th season of live racing at the Campbellville oval. The evening began with a group of horsepeople gathering on the edge of the track to form a circle and participate in a moment of silence to honour the lives lost in the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Many horsepeople wore their favourite sports jersey around the paddock Thursday to take part in the nationwide “Jersey Day” supporting the Broncos. The opening race saw three-year-old pacing filly Aspecial Presence strike for a 10-1 upset to kickstart the meet. A daughter of Mach Three, Aspecial Presence was steered to the maiden-breaking victory by Jonathan Drury and stopped the clocked in 1:58.3. The Carmen Auciello trainee was making her seventh start of the year and 12th overall. A $2-win ticket on Aspecial Presence returned $22.90. Pepsi North America Cup eligible Beachin Lindy carried his momentum over to Woodbine Mohawk Park for a strong victory on opening night. The gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere did all the heavy lifting on the front end, including battling through a stiff headwind in the lane, to win in 1:54 for driver Louis Philippe Roy and trainer Steve Charlton. Beachin Lindy has now won three in a row and four of six in this season. The Charlton trainee has had an interesting path starting from selling for $120,000 as a yearling to a stop in Truro, Nova Scotia and now standing out at Woodbine. Beachin Lindy is one of 75 sophomores still eligible for this year’s Pepsi North America Cup. Driver Roy finished the evening with a total of four-wins to lead all reinsmen. Roy and trainer Richard Moreau will be recognized Saturday evening for leading the final meet at Woodbine. Live racing continues Friday and Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Woodbine Mohawk Park’s “Kids Eat Free” Italian Buffet returns Friday with a special price of $17.95. Special food and drink offers at the concession stands and restuarants are in effect throughout the entire opening weekend. Post time each night is 7:30 p.m. Share This:Share
