The world of harness racing witnessed an exhilarating evening at the Summerside Raceway on July 18, 2026, as Get Wings soared to victory in the 58th Governor's Plate, presented by Summerside Chrysler Dodge. This East Coast Classic was a thrilling display of speed and strategy, and I, as an avid follower of these events, am excited to delve into the details and offer my insights.
The Front-End Mastery of Get Wings
Get Wings, under the skilled guidance of driver Paul Langille and trainer Vaughan Doyle, delivered an exceptional performance. Protecting the rail position, they led from the front, setting early fractions of :26.4 and :55.4. The defending champion, Miki Shan N, challenged, but Get Wings held strong, engaging in a thrilling battle with Ammo and Jmr Speak Away. In a tightly contested finish, Get Wings prevailed by a neck, clocking an impressive time of 1:52.1. This victory not only secured the $50,000 prize but also marked the first Governor's Plate win for both Langille and Doyle.
A Winning Streak and Rising Star
Get Wings, a four-year-old stallion owned by Gary Ford and Janet Kinney, has been on a remarkable journey. With a current winning streak of five races and an impressive 10-for-24 record this season, he has accumulated career earnings of $215,390. What makes this particularly fascinating is the horse's recent move to P.E.I. from Ontario, showcasing his adaptability and potential for further success.
Dominance in the Mares Division
Lady Cafe Au Lait continued her reign as the dominant force in the aged pacing mare ranks. Trained by Earl Watts and driven by Marc Campbell, she set a blistering pace, controlling the tempo and breaking her own track record for the second consecutive week. With an 11-for-14 record this season and a career mark of 18-for-51, Lady Cafe Au Lait has established herself as a true champion. Her recent arrival in the Maritimes has only added to her impressive resume.
Consolation Victory and Veteran Success
In the Bob Dewar Memorial Governor's Plate Consolation, Mappos Lion, a nine-year-old gelding, showcased his experience and class. Driven by Ryan Campbell and trained by Taylor Doyle, he powered to the front and opened up a commanding lead, winning by five lengths in 1:52.2. With a remarkable 39 career wins and earnings of $333,727, Mappos Lion is a testament to the longevity and skill of veteran horses.
Youngsters Making Their Mark
The $20,000 P.E.I. Colt Stakes Gold divisions saw some promising young pacers in action. Cattle Call, owned by Friends And Family Stable, dominated the first division, leading all the way and vanquishing his rival, Kapueno, in the stretch. Shanghai Whiskey, trained and owned by Wade Myers, captured the second division, while Windemere Britt, representing Dads Without Abs, dominated the third. These three-year-old colts and geldings are shaping up to be future stars, with perfect or near-perfect records this season.
Grassroots and Preferred Races
The Grassroots divisions of the P.E.I. Colt Stakes saw exciting finishes, with Tobins April Fool and Blazing Cays taking the first and second splits, respectively. Elm Grove Untamed captured the final contest. In the Preferred 2 Pace, Merigo Magic, owned by Mike May, Herman McQuaid, and Derrick Cameron, converted a pocket trip into a 1:53.1 victory, ending a streak of seconds and showcasing his consistency.
Record-Breaking Wagering
The 15-dash Governor's Plate Night program generated an incredible $254,239 in wagering, setting a new record for a single-card handle in the 150-year history of racing in Summerside. This not only highlights the popularity of these events but also the economic impact they bring to the community.
Final Thoughts
The 58th Governor's Plate was a showcase of talent, strategy, and the depth of harness racing in the region. From the front-end mastery of Get Wings to the dominance of Lady Cafe Au Lait and the success of veteran horses like Mappos Lion, this event offered a glimpse into the exciting world of harness racing. As an observer, I find it fascinating how these horses and their connections dedicate their lives to this sport, and the rewards they reap are well-deserved. The future looks bright, with young stars emerging and setting the stage for even more thrilling competitions. Personally, I can't wait to see what the next Governor's Plate brings!
