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From the Backstretch: A change of scenery pays off

Three of Sunday's harness racing winners at Fraser Downs were racing for new trainers.
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Owner/trainer Bill Young (84 years young) just keeps churning out the winners at Fraser Downs.

Bill won with both of his horses on Friday (Jan. 9). The interesting spin on this happening is one horse, Double Terror, was getting to the winners circle for the first time in his life and the other horse, Prairie Illusion, won for the 24th time when she beat the best fillies and mares at Fraser Downs.

Sunday afternoon was very interesting. Delite Debettor paid $74.20 to win and $154.10 to place while Thedeadliestcatch paid $49.90 to win. When handicapping and trying to pick winners there are some who play an angle and they probably made some money.

Three winners on Sunday were racing for new trainers: Thedeadliestcatch, Cowboy Caper and Whiteliesnpromises, which can mean maybe some horses get bored or tired of the same surroundings and routine and just a change of scenery can make a difference. Keep an eye out for this angle, as it is noted in the program.

Congratulations to Nicholas McLean on scoring his first training victory with Marlin Hanover. Nicholas owns Marlin with friend Don Ross.

I would like to thank editor Jennifer Lang for allowing me to contribute articles to the Cloverdale Reporter and the great support she has given to Standardbred racing.

I am leaving B.C., as I have taken a position at a new track just north of Calgary.

Over the past few months I have tried to shed some light on the great sport of harness racing and draw your attention to the hard-working people of the backstretch and in particular the smaller stables.

I am saddened when I hear stories like the Cloverdale IGA closing. Racing, too, is a big part of Cloverdale. It must survive! Thanks, Jennifer.

– Jackson Wittup is executive director of Harness Racing B.C., the organization representing Standardbred breeders, owners, trainers and drivers.