The two-year-old gelding Malevolent (Malicious) continued his remarkable streak by winning his fifth straight harness racing stakes event at the Phil Pinkney Memorial, held at Northside Downs on Saturday, October 19.
Starting off in a trailing fifth position at the quarter mark in a swift 27.4 seconds, driver Paul Langille guided Malevolent to catch the pack and initiate a first-over movement as the field approached the half in 58.2 seconds. He surged ahead on the third panel, opening a significant four-length advantage by the three-quarter mark, clocking in at 1:27.3. Malevolent’s dominance only grew in the final stretch, as he crossed the finish line a staggering six-and-a-half lengths clear at 1:56.4. Income Approach (Adam Merner) trailed in second, with One Can Dan (Redmond Doucet) taking third.
With eight wins in nine starts this year, Malevolent has already amassed $73,007 for his owners, Debbie Francis and Rosanne Langille. His victories include the Atlantic Breeders Crown and several legs of prominent stakes.
In the filly division of the Phil Pinkney Memorial, Lady Hess (Heston Blue Chip) secured her fourth stakes win. With Adam Merner at the reins, she pulled ahead from a pocket position on the final turn, finishing strong with a length-and-three-quarters lead in 1:57.3.
Hugh Heff experienced a remarkable turn of events in the Winners-Over, initially finishing second but being promoted to first following a disqualification. Trained by Dana Getto, he now boasts nine consecutive victories this season. Northside Downs will host its next event on Saturday, October 26.