SUMMERSIDE – Adam Merner has been presented with a rare opportunity.
It’s not too often the same driver draws the rail for the Governor’s Plate in back-to-back years.
In 2017, Merner finished seventh with Forever Paradise in Prince County’s most prestigious standardbred race. A year later, Merner finds himself back on the coveted rail with Euchred in the 50th anniversary of the $25,000 race at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway on Saturday night.
“This year, I’m a little more confident in my horse,” said Merner. “He’s been a great horse ever since I started driving him.
“Week in and week out he shows up. I’m going to drive him like he’s one of the best.”
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Gallant trains
Terry Gallant, who drove Outlawpostivcharg to back-to-back Governor’s Plate wins in 2008 and 2009, trains Euchred, a six-year-old brown gelding by Shadow Play-Tipsy Taters-Camluck.
“I have a lot of faith in Terry,” said Merner, who has been driving Euchred for two-and-a-half months.
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“We’ve had nothing but luck. The worst I have been with him was fourth, and they went in 53.1 that night. You can’t really blame him for that.”
With Merner originally from Port Morien, N.S., and owner Kayla Habicht Walker from Inverness, N.S., he confirmed there is strong interest in Cape Breton in this year’s Governor’s Plate, presented by Township Chevrolet.
“It’s kind of a big deal, and I know everyone back home will be watching the horse and cheering,” said Merner. “I’m hoping we have a lot of luck for everybody back home.”
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Merner is very honest in what winning the Governor’s Plate would mean.
“It would be a dream come true,” he said. “It will be by far the biggest race I’ve ever won.
“The biggest one I have won was the Breeders Crown three-year-old colts. That’s my highlight so far.”
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