In 2023, the dynamic duo of driver Mike and trainer Rod Hennessy dominated the Preferred pacing events at Century Downs, largely due to their standout performer, Shark Week, who earned the title of Horse of the Year. Even with Shark Week absent from the current meet, Team Hennessy maintains a strong presence in the track's top classes.
During the snowy Saturday session on March 23, Century Downs hosted a pair of Preferred events where Rod and Mike Hennessy showcased their talents. Rod secured three victories as a trainer, while Mike notched four wins for the second consecutive week.
In the $12,500 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace, the 10-1 longshot Goodbye Ceia Later made her first win of the year. Under Mike Hennessy's guidance, the five-year-old mare rallied from fourth position to clinch victory in a time of 1:58, with Outlaw Allie Oops and If Only Id Known trailing behind in second and third places, respectively.
Trained by Rod Hennessy, Goodbye Ceia Later, a daughter of Vertical Horizon - Ba Bye Ceia Later, is owned by Bryan Brook of Leduc and Diane Hennessy of Strathmore, Alta. With this win, she secured her 12th career victory out of 70 starts, increasing her lifetime earnings to $107,287.
In the $11,000 Preferred 2 Pace, Wine Thirty, also trained by Rod Hennessy, emerged victorious. Guided by Mike Hennessy, Wine Thirty surged past his competitors in a time of 1:57, with Carro B Bunsen and Outlaw Gunsablazin finishing in second and third places, respectively.
Bred and owned by Lorne Duffield, Wine Thirty, a son of Vertical Horizon - Marilyn Merlot, has now accumulated 13 career wins and earnings exceeding $96,000.