Garrett Rooney, the leading driver of the season at Hiawatha Horse Park, teamed up with four-year-old mare Global News to win the Preferred Trot in the season finale held in Sarnia, Ontario on September 23rd.

Rooney guided Global News from the inside post in the $5,000 top trot, but had to settle for a pocket trip as the favorite, Wrap And A Hooey driven by Nick Steward, took the lead with a blazing first quarter of 28.1 seconds. Wrap And A Hooey then slowed the pace down in the second quarter, reaching the half-mile mark in a leisurely one minute. Meanwhile, Jooner driven by Dennis Duford made a move to challenge the leader.

As the race approached the three-quarter mark in a time of 1:29.1, Global News made a strong rally between the leaders. In a thrilling homestretch battle, Global News emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:59 flat, 1-1/4 lengths ahead of the rest of the field. Monteverdi driven by Natasha Day closed from the back to take second place, followed by Jooner. Workinitonbroadway, with Donald Rankin in the sulky, managed to edge out Wrap And A Hooey for fourth place.

Global News, a consistent performer throughout the Hiawatha meet, was the third betting choice at odds of 5-2 and paid $7 to win. The mare is owned and trained by Angie Carroll. This victory marked her ninth career win, bringing her total earnings to $75,702.

Rooney ended the meet on a high note, securing a driving hat trick on the 10-race card. With a total of 44 wins, he finished as the leading driver of the season. The race for the runner-up honors featured a tight competition between Andy Moore, Dan Clements, and Natasha Day. Moore secured one victory in the Saturday opener, maintaining his position ahead of Clements and Day, who both also recorded wins during the season-closing card. Moore ended the meet with 23 wins, while Clements and Day each notched 22 wins at the Hiawatha winner’s circle.

In the trainer’s standings, Jason Libby emerged as the top trainer with 13 victories. Cassidy Schneider, Cameron McQueen, and Darryl Laver all tied for second place with nine wins each.

For a comprehensive look at the results from Saturday’s harness racing card, please click on the following link: [Saturday Results – Hiawatha Horse Park].