2023 O'Brien nominee Emmetts Buddy (In The Irons) returned to winning ways after a streak of five consecutive losses, capturing a conditioned harness racing victory on Saturday, June 22, at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Emmetts Buddy, now three-for-nine this season, clocked his first sub-1:50 mile of the year in this win. The five-year-old gelding, who was bred, sired, and trained in Manitoba, made history last year as the fastest horse from his province. Trained by Mike Kwietniowski, Emmetts Buddy has accumulated 22 wins in 61 starts, amassing earnings of $331,039 for owner and breeder Arthur Rey.
In another highlight of the evening, Blue Hunt (Huntsville) secured its first victory after three losses against high-calibre competitors. With Ed Hensley in the sulky, Blue Hunt took control just past the midway point, attempted to outpace the field around the final turn, and held on by three-quarters of a length to win in 1:48.4. American History (Dale Spence) finished second, followed by Control Heaven (Tyler Borth).
This win marked the third of 2024 for Blue Hunt, who has been competitive in prestigious events such as the Charles Juravinski Memorial Cup, Camluck Classic, and Mohawk Gold Cup this season. The four-year-old gelding, conditioned by Jodie Cullen for Daguet Racing, Donald MacRae, and Stephen Klunowski, has nine wins in 46 lifetime starts, earning a total of $363,779.