It didn't take long for "Hurricane" Hannah Miller to get back in the winner's circle.

On Saturday (May 11) the former two-time National Amateur Driver of the Year scored her first seasonal triumph when she guided Jacks To Open to a four-length victory in an Eastern Region leg of the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series at Freehold Raceway.

Now a sales rep for an equine pharmaceutical company it was only her third time in the sulky this year.

“It felt good to be back in the winner's circle again. I miss driving and as time allows I hope to do more of it again this season,” she said.

Sent off as the favourite from the six hole in the eight-horse contest, Miller settled in the two-hole when the field rounded the first turn as Annie “Get Your Gun” Stoebe showed the way with Uriel to the first stanza in :29.1.

The ladies were one-two past the half in :59.3 but when they straightened up the backside the second time around “Hurricane Hannah” decided it was time to move.

“My horse felt strong but I waited to move and when I did 'ole Jack' put it in another gear and we had command as we passed the three quarters,” Miller said. “He was really super today.”

“Yankee Joe” Lee was gaping Hannah's moves after the half and followed her up the backside with Talkaholic but after they both cleared Uriel it was apparent that Jacks To Open was the stronger horse. The veteran nine-year-old Conway Hall gelding opened daylight in the lane and cruised home an easy winner. Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff got up for the show dough in the $9,000 contest.

“I've been pursuing a professional career and it felt good to be back driving,” the talented Miller said after her victory, which was her 98th from only 341 trips behind the starting gate.

Co-owned by Miller and Nick Surick, Jacks To Open notched his 42nd career victory and returned a $3.00 win payoff,

On Monday, May 13, a Billings trot in the Midwest region will contested at Northfield Park.

(with files from the Billings Series)