10th career win of JD Magic Moon

JD Magic Moon pulled off an 11-1 upset victory at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday, June 19, in the featured $8,800 conditioned trot. Trained and driven by Jason Ryan, the gelding triumphed in a thrilling photo finish, marking a successful day for Ryan, who secured his second training win of the event.

Starting from post six, Ryan tactically placed JD Magic Moon in fifth position early on, allowing the initial leaders to set the pace. The quarter was reached in :27.4 and the half in :57.1. At the halfway mark, Ryan made his move, pulling JD Magic Moon to the outside while maintaining fifth place as they hit three-quarters in 1:26.4.

Wolinak, driven by Tyler Moore, led for most of the race and fiercely contested the finish. However, JD Magic Moon surged ahead in the final strides to clinch the win by a head, finishing in 1:56.4. Wolinak settled for second place, with Royal Champane, driven by Paul MacKenzie, taking third.

JD Magic Moon, a four-year-old gelding by Donato Hanover out of Cr Ms American Pie, is owned by William Beacham and Gavin Christie. This victory marks his 10th career win from 51 starts. In 2023 alone, he won six of his 19 starts and placed in the top three 11 times. Despite his consistent performance, JD Magic Moon was an 11-1 underdog, rewarding his supporters with a $23.40 payout.