In the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway, Aladdin emerged as the unexpected winner with a strong performance that highlighted the evening's racing action. The race featured a competitive field where early leaders Full Horse and The Light Speed set the pace, with Aladdin, under the guidance of driver Stephane Brosseau, strategically positioned in fifth place through the initial fractions of :26.4 and :55.1.
As the race progressed, Aladdin followed Jet Rock's move after the half, staying close behind through three-quarters, timed in 1:23.2. Entering the stretch, the field widened as contenders vied for the win. With a burst of speed and perhaps a touch of magic, Aladdin surged ahead to clinch victory by a neck, crossing the finish line in 1:52.1. The Light Speed, the favourite, settled for second place, while Jet Rock secured third.
Trained by Maxime Velaye and owned by Guy Corbeil, Aladdin is a five-year-old gelding sired by Shadow Play out of Eloge. This victory marked his 16th win in 40 career starts, bringing his lifetime earnings to $143,375. It was his first win in five starts this year, and he paid $14.30 for a winning ticket at odds of 6-1.
In addition to Aladdin's triumph, the evening at Rideau Carleton Raceway featured retirement ceremonies for two esteemed horses. Pantheon Seelster, a 14-year-old gelding trained by Michael Armstrong for owner Rachel Burns, concluded his illustrious career with 337 starts, boasting a record of 26 wins, 53 second-place finishes, and 53 third-place finishes, earning $262,840 in lifetime earnings. Cheque The Magic, a twelve-year-old under the care of trainer Ted McDonald for owners Julia Ferguson and Lloyd Stone, retired with 332 starts, recording 41 wins, 43 second-place finishes, and 45 third-place finishes, amassing a bankroll of $291,020.
These retirements added an emotional touch to the evening's festivities, celebrating the achievements and contributions of these remarkable horses to the sport of harness racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway.