CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — After a few tense moments in the first turn, Sir Pugsley found clear sailing straight to the winner’s circle Monday evening in The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer Trial 2 at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Jason Hughes earned his first Gold Cup and Saucer trial victory in the race as he steered Sir Pugsley to a 1:52.4 victory for trainer Patrick Shepherd and owner Robert Woodburn of St. Thomas, Ont.
The fractions were hot from the start as Rock Diamonds N (Ron Cushing) guarded the rail and parked out Brave World (Anthony MacDonald) while Dreamfair BJ (Travis Cullen) left well to sit second then made a break in the first turn. Sir Pugsley was sitting behind the breaking horse and driver Hughes was forced to stop the horse up hard to avoid an accident.
“I got a little nervous, but Jason did such a great job,” Shepherd said about the first turn incident. “Sir Pugsley was getting down there, but Jason saw it and didn’t panic. He waited until the last second to make sure he knew which way Travis was going.”
Sir Pugsley then got himself back into contention and watched from the three-hole as Rock Diamonds N continued to park out Brave World through splits of 55.1 and 1:24.4. Brave World faded in the final quarter giving Sir Pugsley an opening to tip out and engage the leader for a neck decision in 1:52.4.
Rock Diamonds N was second, Bet On Brett (Phil Hudon) finished third and Lisburn (Kenny Arsenault) received the final spot in Saturday’s final. Those four will join Midway Island, Somewhere Fancy, Bettors Fire N and National Debt in the $60,000 final.
Final
A look at outcome of Monday’s The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer Trial 2.
Horse Driver Time
1. Sir Pugsley Jason Hughes 1:52.4
2. Rock Diamonds N Ron Cushing 1:52.43. Bet On Brett Phil Hudon 1:53.14. Lisburn Kenny Arsenault 1:53.1
5. Avatar J Gilles Barrieau 1:53.2
6. Rose Run Quest Marc Campbell 1:53.47. Dreamfair B J Travis Cullen 1:558. Brave World Anthony MacDonald 1:55.1
The post-position draw went Tuesday night.
While the break by Dreamfair BJ in the first turn was tense for the spectators, Hughes said he remained cool through the incident.
“It means a lot especially with your family here,” Hughes said of the win. “I kind of floated over, got in the three-hole then bang – Travis stopped in front of me and I pretty well took my horse to a standstill. Then we kept covered up the whole way and around the last turn I saw an opening and I kicked the plugs and that was it. This horse can pace an eighth of a mile pretty fast.”
The trial was the first Gold Cup and Saucer series win for first cousins and fellow Stratford natives Hughes and Shepherd. Hughes was in the prestigious final once before with Do Over Hanover in 2017, finishing fifth, while Shepherd made an appearance in the final with Fool Me Once in 2018.
“It’s pretty cool to be here,” the 27-year-old Shepherd said after the race. “They put such a great show on. To know you’re going into it with one of the better ones means a bit more. It was the toughest division. When the draw came out, I was just happy he drew in on Monday because he was late shipping in (from Massachusetts) and it was better that way. If we draw a good post (for the final), my horse can scat the gate, so we’ll just hope everything works out.”
Nicholas Oakes is covering harness racing at Old Home Week for The Guardian, culminating with the Gold Cup and Saucer on Saturday. This is his 10th year covering Old Home Week for the news outlet.
CDP Results
Harness racing results from Monday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Evening
Race 1 – Bold N Bad (J. Hughes) 5.90 4.70 2.70; W C Marys Buddy (A. Merner) 4.50 2.80; Rockyroad Slimjim (K. Murphy) 3.60.
Times: 28.2, 58.3, 128.4, 158.2. Also ran: Southern Heart, Whiskeys Fine. Winning horse owned by Deanna Clow, New Haven. Exactor 5-2 $32.60; Triactor 5-2-3 $58.90; Superfecta 5-2-3-1 $71.70.
Race 2 – Better Be In Love (G. Barrieau) 6.00 3.00 2.10; My Mickey Lucy (D. Spence) 7.80 2.10; Face The Challenge (N. Rogers) 2.30.
Times: 29.1, 58.3, 129.2, 201.1. Also ran: Godro Get Lucky, I Can Do It, Mini Snort. Winning horse owned by Victory Puddy, Mountain, Ont. Exactor 1-4 $85.60; Triactor 1-4-2 $223.20; Superfecta 1-4-2-3 $102.25; DD 5-1 $18.40.
Race 3 – Evening Maelstrom (K. Murphy) 17.50 9.90 3.40; March Magic (J. Hughes) 7.20 2.60; Medici Hanover (D. Dowling) 2.10.
Times: 29.1, 59.3, 129.3, 159. Also ran: Kant Katch Kaiden, Clare Hall Hanover. Winning horse owned by Mary McNiven, Nine Mile Creek. Exactor 4-1 $72.20; Triactor 4-1-3 $368.90; Superfecta 4-1-3-2 $222.35.
Race 4 – Anzula (A. Sorrie) 7.30 4.20 2.70; C L La Rousse (G. Barrieau) 3.20 2.80; Mia Lotta (R. DesRoche) 4.80.
Times: 30, 59.3, 129.3, 200.4. Also ran: Mach Believe, Ritas X Ample, A Fiesty X Ample, Lady Lou Dream, Caught me Speeding. Winning horse owned by Carson Wilkie, Stratford. Exactor 3-6 $27.80; Triactor 3-6-2 $502.10; Superfecta 3-6-2-7 $351.27.
Race 5 – Distinctiv Rusty (G. Barrieau) 4.20 3.00 2.10; Bonnys Mac (R. Doucet) 3.40 2.70; Zack The Men (D. Dowling) 2.30.
Times: 29.1, 59.2, 128.4, 157.4. Also ran: Chase N Madi, Kwiky Kwanzaa, Jetta FLys. Winning horse owned by Andrea Rennison and Ryder Matthews Rennison, Truro, N.S. Exactor 3-4 $26.10; Triactor 3-4-1 $70.70; Superfecta 3-4-1-5 $100.75.
Race 6 – Buttons (Ma. Campbell) 3.80 3.00 2.20; Dilans Mustang (G. Barrieau) 4.10 2.30; Unstoppable Speed (J. Poirier) 2.20.
Times: 29.1, 58.3, 128.4, 157.4. Also ran: Political Crisis, R Es Aiden, All Out. Winning horse owned by Anthony Beaton, Inverness, N.S. Exactor 2-1 $15.20; Triactor 2-1-3 $48.10; Superfecta 2-1-3-4 $49.05.
Race 7 – Bettim Vicky (G. Barrieau) 6.20 4.30 2.70; Good Luck Kathy (P. MacKenzie) 2.80 2.30; Larjon Lachlan (Ma. Campbell) 2.30.
Times: 28.2, 58.2, 128.2, 158. Also ran: Minor Wisdom, Jays Little Spark, Sandhill Star, My Blue Eyed Angel, Bad Silver. Winning horse owned by Danny Purcell, Nova Scotia; Greg Goldberg, B.C.; Jeffrey Lilley and Blair MacLauchlan, P.E.I. Exactor 8-1 $23; Triactor 8-1-6 $42.70; Superfecta 8-1-6-4 $106.55.
Race 8 – White Fish Flash (N. Rogers) 8.30 3.90 3.00; Silverhill Buddy (D. Dowling) 3.10 2.60; Adventure Luck (C. MacPherson) 5.50.
Times: 27.4, 57.4, 127.4, 157.4. Also ran: Makes Me Stupid, Confident Fella, Docs Ronhenry. Winning horse owned by Edward Harvey, P.E.I.; and Ralph Harvey, New Brunswick. Exactor 4-6 $36.80; Triactor 4-6-3 $235.60; Superfecta 4-6-3-5 $286.50.
Race 9 – Hp Rubis Joyce (G. Barrieau) 18.10 5.80 4.40; This Old Millie (R. Doucet) 11.30 4.80; Elm Grove Maddy (D. Spence) 2.40.
Times: 28.4, 57.4, 127.4, 158. Also ran: Goodmorning Ky, Bugtown Superstar, Cougar Gal, Windemereimalright, Scoot Out Of Here. Winning horse owned by Blaine Baglole, P.E.I.; and Shane Baglole, Ontario. Exactor 6-7 $140.70; Triactor 6-7-3 $1332.40.
Race 10 – Miss Sangria (A. Merner) 3.60 2.80 2.40; Badlands Giovanna (T. Cullen) 3.50 2.70; Modern Best (R. Doucet) 2.80.
Times: 28.3, 58.4, 128.1, 157.2. Also ran: What A Babe, Sendmeasign, Elektra Express. Winning horse owned by Alex MacPhee, Clyde River. Exactor 1-5 $15.90; Triactor 1-5-6 $39.10; Superfecta 1-5-6-3 $54.20.
Race 11 – Dangle Ona Dime (C. MacPherson) 3.60 2.50 2.10; Rusty Riley (P. Langille) 2.90 2.50; Forever Paradise (Ma. Campbell) 3.10.
Times: 27.4, 56.4, 125.4, 155.4. Also ran: One Hot Camshaft, Midnight Matt, Smart Official. Winning horse owned by Darla MacEachern, Summerside. Exactor 3-2 $18.10; Triactor 3-2-4 $70.90; Superfecta 3-2-4-5 $159.12.
Race 12 – Sir Pugsley (J. Hughes) 32.20 5.60 4.10; Rock Diamonds N (R. Cushing) 2.40 2.20; Bet On Brett (P. Hudon) 4.30.
Times: 26.4, 55.1, 124.4, 152.4. Also ran: Lisburn, Avatar J, Rose Run Quest, Dreamfair B J, Brave World. Winning horse owned by Robert Woodburn, St. Thomas, Ont. Exactor 4-1 $55.50; Triactor 4-1-3 $203.85; Superfecta 4-1-3-6 $1152; DD 3-4 $55.60.
Wager – $113,728.
***
Afternoon
Race 1 – Feelin Haggard (Ma. Campbell) 7.00 2.90 2.50; Bobjohnski (D. Romo) 2.10 2.10; Selkirk Echo (G. Barrieau) 2.10.
Times: 29.2, 59.3, 129.4, 159.1. Also ran: Knockout Punch, Oceanview Helios. Winning horse owned by Ernest Laffin, MacPhees Corner, N.S. Exactor 5-1 $12.70; Triactor 5-1-4 $34.80; Superfecta 5-1-4-3 $30.35.
Race 2 – Nabber Again (G. MacDonald) 8.30 2.50 2.10; Phil Dorleans (J. Hughes) 2.20 2.10; Windemere Johny (D. Dowling) 2.40.
Times: 28.3, 58.4, 128.4, 158.3. Also ran: Sharks Play, C J Bluefin, Cyrax. Winning horse owned by Sandra Lee Stead, Montague. Exactor 5-3 $10.60; Triactor 5-3-6 $52; Superfecta 5-3-6-4 $2.40; DD 5-5 $22.80.
Race 3 – R Es Daz (D. Dowling) 4.80 2.80 2.10; Flowersonthebeach (K. Murphy) 4.90 2.20; Dusty Lane Daytona (R. MacDonald) 2.10.
Times: 28.4, 100, 129.3, 158.3.Also ran: Mall Peen Hammer, Dynamo Wind, Silverhilllightnin. Winning horse owned by Debbie Denney, Nova Scotia; Windemere Farms and Hollis Newson, P.E.I. Exactor 4-1 $23.30; Triactor 4-1-3 $38.80; Superfecta 4-1-3-5 $117.30.
Race 4 – Laughing Terror (G. MacDonald) 5.90 3.80 2.80; Howmac Blaze (N. Myers) 6.50 3.60; Mr Pogge (D. Sweet) 10.80.
Times: 29.1, 100.2, 131.2, 201.1. Also ran: Royal Native, Business Time, Prettylitljimstone, Miramichi Gouch, Gerries Beach. Winning horse owned by Garry MacDonald, Ontario; and Carrie Privet, Nova Scotia. Exactor 4-3 $14.10; Triactor 4-3-1 $194.60; Superfecta 4-3-1-7 $197.16.
Race 5 – Spack Jarrow (C. MacPherson) 6.00 6.20 3.10; Paddy Murphy (D. Dowling) 15.70 3.70; Whipple Effect (Ma. Campbell) 4.60.
Times: 29.3, 100.3, 130.2, 159.2. Also ran: Fern Hill Dynamic, Southfield Sandy, Lets Get Pickled. Wining horse owned by Mike Slana, Belfast. Exactor 2-3 $33.90; Triactor 2-3-6 $119; Superfecta 2-3-6-5 $167.75.
Race 6 – Red Dirt Boomer (G. Barrieau) 6.20 4.90 2.80; Howmac Magic (Ma. Campbell) 25.70 7.20; Red Dirt Rocknroll 3.10
Times: 28.1, 57.4, 127, 156.4. Also ran: Dusty Lane Cortez, Purple Poet, Mre Browns Boy. Winning horse owned by Daniel Ross, Belfast. Exactor 4-3 $156.90; Triactor 4-3-5 $658.20; Superfecta 4-3-5-6 $495.55.
Race 7 – Saulsbrook Quick (Ma. Campbell) 6.90 4.40 2.40; Your Raider Boy (R. Gillis) 3.50 2.30; Silverhill King (G. Barrieau) 2.10.
Times: 29, 59.1, 129.1, 158.4. Also ran: Western Bandit, Kennairn Fame, Quick Mad. Winning horse owned by Cindy and Joseph Greene, Truro, N.S. Exactor 5-3 $36.70; Triactor 5-3-1 $56.70; Superfecta 5-3-1-6 $97.
Race 8 – A Grand Terror (G. Barrieau) 32.30 12.30 3.50; Notorious (Ma. Campbell) 4.40 3.40; Don’t Be A Hero (P. Hudon) 2.10.
Times: 28.1, 58.1, 128.1, 158.3. Also ran: Mr Nixon, Saulsbrook Lassie, J Ks Boy, Pineapple Express. Winning horse owned by Wayne MacRae, Nova Scotia; and Robert Tilley and Gary Mott, New Brunswick. Exactor 1-7 $90.20; Triactor 1-7-4 $434.70; Superfecta 1-7-4-5 $228.16; DD 5-1 $131.90.
Wager – $42,629.
