Right on the heels of two regional mid-season finales the CKG Billings amateur driving series returned to its roots for a competition over the double oval at Livingston County Family Fair in Fowlerville, Michigan.
The fair, which has been thrilling locals since 1887, once again offered a full card of 17 harness races on Monday afternoon despite the reproachful racing climate in the Wolverine State. And to the delight of local amateur drivers, one was for Billings members in the Midwest region.
Of course where ever there’s a chance to drive a spirited Standardbred it’s a good bet that Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford will avail himself an opportunity to compete. Joining Oldford in a quest for a victory were Jerome “Call me Jerry” Mihelich, “ Lightning Larry” Steenbergen, Patricia “the Write Stuff” Miller and Kelly “Sky” Walker.
In that contest Oldford was up behind Gespacho, a trotter trained locally by June Du Russel. When the starter said go, Oldford sent his charge to the front and made every pole a winning one en route to an easy 2:05.4 victory over Beauty Chip and driver Jerry Mihelich. Hay Look Out finished third for Pat Miller.
“I can’t say enough good things about June Du Russell,” Oldford said after the race. “She’s always helped the amateurs by supplying horses for us to drive. She’s just a great gal. And there’s no secret about the state of racing in Michigan but we’re hopeful that things will get better in the future.”
It was the third seasonal triumph for Gespacho, a seven-year-old altered son of Holy Guacamolie and his 21st in 87 career outings. For Oldford it marked his 11th seasonal driving victory and the 108th of his amateur career.
The next Midwest region Billings action will be at the Summit Fair at Northfield Park on Saturday, August 1. That same night there will also be a Billings trot at Vernon Downs in the series east region.
(CKG Billings Series)