After 10 gruelling legs of the North American Amateur Drivers Association's Spring Trotting Series the $15,000 final was presented on the betting card at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday evening and when the judges hung the official sign, series founder and its president Joe Faraldo was victorious after guiding Tough Get Going to a 1:59. 4 triumph in wire to wire fashion.

“When the gate sprung I kept my eyes on the rail horse (Figi-Dave Offenberg) but he got away slowly so I hustled my horse to the front and we had command on the first turn,” Faraldo said via telephone after the race. “But as soon as I had the lead Joe Lee, with the odds-on favourite, Soul Train, came calling on the outside and we passed the first quarter in :28.3. I knew at that point I couldn't let him go so we locked horns by the half in :57.4.”

After the swift early fractions Joe Lee found room behind Faraldo as they headed for the three quarters and they were one-two past that stanza in 1:27.4. Not being able to gain any ground on Tough Get Going Lee had little choice but to follow the leader and on the final turn they were joined by Bob Krivelin with Permanent Joy. But there was no catching Faraldo as his trotter cruised home a 2-1/2 length winner. Soul Train finished second and Permanent Joy was a half length farther back in third place.

Tough Get Going is co-owned by Faraldo and trainer, Richie Banca. He paid $15.00.

It was Faraldo's 148th driving victory in the States to go along with a handful in Europe.

Currently Faraldo, Alan Schwartz and a NAADA member to be named, will be winging their way to Italy in July for an international driving competition.

(NAADA)