2010 02 20 Pompano Park Race01 2nd Leg 1st Division MWIWDS

Though it was a long way from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Ann Larsen and Gro Formia made sure their home country of Norway had lots to be proud of on the Saturday evening, February 20 program at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

They went out and swept both divisions of the Mildred Williams International Womens' Driving Series event.

"My horse went a great trip, I saw early that I was likely going to be outside the whole way so I didn't panic," said former Series champion Ann Larsen after a 1:56.3 score with claiming pace mare Hoosier GB Diamond. "I have to give most of the credit to the trainer, Ryan Bellamy, he said this mare is really good right now and he was absolutely right."

The race featured a nose-to-nose duel for much of the final half as Indianridge Sophia with Jamie Rucker in tow took the lead early and held it into the stretch. Hoosier GB Diamond was out for the route and edged up onto level terms when they straightened out for the wire and gradually edged by. Tara Bow, with Colonial Downs ship-in Stacey McLenaghan in tow, brushed up for third.

The win for Larsen is part of a whirlwind weekend. She resides in Ontario with trainer Per Henriksen near Peterborough.

"I flew to Florida for just this one driver because I'm committed to the Series but I'll only have slightly more than a day here," she said. "I'm scheduled to drive in the 14th race on Sunday evening at Rideau Carleton Raceway and fortunately I have a direct flight on Sunday to Ottawa," Larsen added. ©2010 StandardbredCanada / Isle Pompano Park / Roberts Communications LLC

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