Won The West Wins
Thrilling Molson Pace Final

Horse: Won the West – 1:52   Purse $312,000
Driver: Dave Miller, Trainer: Ron Burke  Owners: Strolin Stable Marion–William Robinson & James Koehler

Last year’s Molson Pace was a nightmare for the Burke Racing Stable, but tonight, in the richest edition of Western Fair’s signature race worth $312,000, it was a dream come true as their entrants, Won The West and Foiled Again, finished first and second respectively.

The start of the race, the 38th edition, was delayed slightly by a recall caused by Won The West who charged the starting gate. Once the eight horses regrouped behind the gate it was Won The West’s stablemate from the Ron Burke barn Foiled Again who charged aggressively to the front for Yannick Gingras and had control by the completion of the first turn. Lucky Man, who finished second in last year’s Molson Pace final, was battling for the lead but made a break which took him out of the race.

Foiled Again paced by the opening quarter in :26.2 and was at the half in :55.3. With lots of action behind them, David Miller pulled Won The West out from the two hole just before the 1:23.3 three-quarters and was neck and neck with Foiled Again around the final turn.

Foiled Again was not going down without a fight though and the two pacers from the Burke barn battled for the front with Stonebridge Terror coming into the fray in the late going as well. It provided a thrilling finish for the large crowd on hand and at the wire it was Won The West in 1:52 followed by Foiled Again and a very game Stonebridge Terror...

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