Hugh Heff (Betterthancheddar), Canada's leading harness racing winner of 2024, continued his dominant form with a third consecutive victory at Northside Downs on Monday (Sept. 9).
Starting last after a :28.4 first quarter, driver Randy Getto wasted no time, guiding the gelding into a first-over move down the backstretch. Hugh Heff surged forward, reaching the leader, Thunder Alley (John Kennedy), at the half in :59.3.
The two battled fiercely through the final turn and along the backstretch, but Hugh Heff gained the upper hand, taking control at the three-quarters in 1:29.1. He then extended his lead and pulled away for a commanding four-and-a-half-length victory, clocking in at 1:59.3.
Rockinforreal (Jason MacNeil) closed strong to secure second, passing Southfield Patrick (Kevin Bailey), who settled for third after sitting in the pocket.
This win marks Hugh Heff's 17th triumph of the season, tying him with Need Ur Opinion, who races in the northeastern United States. Trained by Dana Getto, Hugh Heff is owned by Randy Getto of New Waterford, Susan Macsween of River Ryan, and Wayne Hardy of Sydney. The four-year-old gelding has now won 25 of 65 lifetime starts and has earned $99,581.
Northside Downs will host its next race card on Saturday, Sept. 14.