Connell Park in Woodstock is set to host its most lucrative harness racing event to date on Friday night, featuring the final of the Barrieau-McIsaac stake, boasting a generous purse of $50,000.
The evening will feature over $60,000 in total purse money available across a seven-race card. Last week’s elimination winner, Jackies Boy (Tobago Cays), driven by Myles Heffernan Sr., will start strong from the coveted rail position. He secured a mild upset over Tobins Chester (Shanghai Phil) in an impressive elimination run, setting a track record for three-year-old colts and geldings with a time of 1:56. Tobins Chester, owned by Donald MacRae, will come from post two.
Prior to last week, Tobins Chester had claimed victory in seven consecutive races this season, with Jason Hughes set to drive for trainer Ashley Gamester. The horse has earned over $67,000 this year.
Jackies Boy is owned by Myles Heffernan from Montague, Prince Edward Island. Following his recent win, he has surpassed $100,000 in lifetime earnings and will be aiming to increase that total on Friday evening.
Check Your Chip (Arthur Blue Chip), who placed fifth in the elimination, will start from post three with Greg Bailey at the reins. Bailey co-owns the horse with his son Lucas Heffernan-Bailey, who is making a name for himself on the mini-horse circuit in Atlantic Canada.
Merigo Magic (Tobago Cays), who has over $100,000 in lifetime earnings, will be guided by his regular driver Adam Merner for trainer Melissa Rennie. He is owned by a group consisting of Mike May, Herman McQuaid, Derrick Cameron, and Ian Walker, and finished fourth in the elimination.
Majestic Mason (Arthur Blue Chip), owned by Saint John businessman Stephen Downey of Quispamsis, N.B., will be driven by Mike Downey from post five in this six-horse field. This horse has earned over $16,000 this season and has a record of 1:57.2 at Connell Park.
Finally, rounding out the competitive final is Allaboutthecash (All Bets Off), driven by Brady Sweet and trained by high-percentage trainer Jeff Holmes (.491). He aims for a surprise victory in collaboration with co-owners Trevor & David MacDonald and Leonard Doyle.
The night will consist of seven races, with the Barrieau-McIsaac stake final taking place as race six. Post time is set for 6:00 P.M. on Friday. Fans can enjoy live-streaming and wagering through H.P.I. where available.
Horse Racing New Brunswick extends its gratitude to all horsemen and women for their participation and wishes the best of luck to all competitors, marking the richest night of racing in Connell Park’s history.