Hugh Heff, a four-year-old gelding by Betterthancheddar and the winningest harness racing horse in North America for 2024, secured his fifth consecutive victory in the Winners-Over race at Northside Downs on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Driven by Randy Getto, Hugh Heff started from the back of the pack, trailing after a :28.2 opening quarter set by Revenant (Mark Pezzarello). Getto quickly guided the gelding to the outside, picking up second-over cover behind Q Ts Charlie (Jeremy Baker) as they reached the half in :58.2 and three-quarters in 1:27.4.
Coming around the final turn, Hugh Heff launched a powerful three-wide move, outpacing Q Ts Charlie and surging to a one-and-a-quarter length win, clocking in at 1:58.2. Q Ts Charlie finished a determined second, overtaking Revenant in the closing strides.
Hugh Heff has now notched 19 wins this season across six different tracks. Trained by Dana Getto, the gelding is owned by Randy Getto of New Waterford, Susan Macsween of River Ryan, and Wayne Hardy of Sydney. His career tally stands at 27 wins and $101,021 in earnings from 67 starts.
With this latest victory, Hugh Heff extends his lead in the North American standings, now holding a two-win advantage over Lloyd’s Loves and Need Ur Opinion, both of whom have 17 wins.
Northside Downs will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 28.