More than five months after his most recent victory at the highest level of harness racing, Ideal Perception (American Ideal) won the Preferred Pace title at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Monday, May 13.
For Anthony Haughan, the horse defeated his male competitors handily, holding off pocket-tripper Docsphillycheese (Alfie Carroll) down the lane to win in 1:54. Second place went to Docsphillycheese, a half-length short. Jason Ryan from Pembrook Legacy N finished the ticket.
The seven-year-old Ideal Perception, trained by Tony Beaton, has amassed $378,960 in earnings from 29 of his 137 career starts. The reliable stallion has scored in 12 of his 15 starts this season and has earned a check in each of his appearances since November 2023. On New Year's Day, he last prevailed in the London Preferred. He belongs to Lisa Lefort of Waterdown.
Scene Daylon Magician emerged victorious in the co-featured Preferred Trot. After winning his first race of the year, the gelding surged ahead for Garrett Rooney as the third quarter approached, defeating Marvin Hagler (Brett MacDonald) in 1:57. A valiant second was Marvin Hagler. Travis Henry's Takeapeak At Me woke up late for third.
Scene A magician has made $395,104 and is currently 33-for-149 in their lifetime. The 10-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Mount Brydges resident Jennifer Pinkerton.
Rooney added four more victories to his impressive season on Monday's card. With 115 wins in 584 starts in 2024, the reinsman is winning at a 19.7% clip after a career-high year. With a total of 104, 29 more than Tyler Borth, he leads the London drivers' standings.
On Tuesday, May 14, at 5:50 p.m. EDT, racing returns to The Raceway at the Western Fair District with a 10-dash program.