In a picture finish on Monday, April 15, Royal Regatta (Mcardle) won his sixth straight harness racing race at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
He went above and beyond, following James MacDonald's instructions to dictate the fractions :27.2, :57.3, and 1:26.4. Before losing when Lets Get Rocked (Tyler Borth) roared up the pylons from the pocket, Mach Art In Motion (Louis-Philippe Roy) had a first-over lead into the mid-stretch. Lets Get Rocked gained ground quickly and led the race to the finish line, but Royal Regatta prevailed in 1:54.3 thanks to a last-second surge. Bob McClure's character Highland Beach Boy moved up from last to third.
With the victory, Royal Regatta achieved his 37th lifetime earnings milestone. He wasn't claimed for the first time in six races, and he will stay with owner and trainer Clifford McGuire until at least next week. After that, the nine-year-old will try to win his ninth consecutive dash.
On the card, Sweet Deisel (Sweet Lou) continued his winning ways, winning six in a row in his 100th career start. With Roy riding, the gelding trained by Brett Lester won by a length and a half in 1:50.1. After winning for the 27th time, Sweet Deisel increased his winnings to $297,825. In the victory over `Mario Villani of North York, he was claimed by Legacy Racing of DE, located in Seaford.
That evening, MacDonald recorded a grand slam.
Racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park resumes on Thursday, April 18 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.