As the thunder roared, birthday boy Alex Lilley soared through the rain and lighting on his way to two muddy victories at Leamington Raceway on Sunday afternoon (August 28).
It was Lilley celebrating his 33rd birthday in the backstretch after the races with his lady and baby.
“I knew when I got up this morning, it was going to be a good day, but winning two, with the family watching was extra special!” he said.
Lilley started his day in the second race coming first up before the half with four-year-old pacing mare Sportsonthebeach ($17.80), and wearing down front-runner Ginger, to win in 2:02 for owner Tom Knight of South Woodslee, Ont. The victory kicked off a training triple of the card for Gord McDonnell.
He came back in the seventh race to record back-to-back wins with the four-time starter, two-year-old Camluck colt, Evil Cam Evil ($4.40) in 2:06.1 over a sloppy track, that was off six seconds, for trainer Bill Brown and owners Doug & Dennis Belan of Oil Springs, Ont., and Brian Fitzgerald of Dresden Ont.
The races had to be stopped after five when dark skies and a blast of rain, thunder and lightning descended on the track, causing an assessment by the horsemen, judges, and officials as to whether or not to continue. Finally, after a delay of 45 minutes and a clearing of the skies, the decision to continue was made, with no problem.
Next week is kids week, and there will be lots of giveaways, clown face painting, and more. Post time 1:30 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(With files from Leamington Raceway)