In years past, 'Trader Bud' Hatfield has always been among the point leaders in the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship Series. He has won trophies for accumulating the most points in the Midwest Region many times, and has also won the overall points categories several times.

But Hatfield has only driven in three races this season. On Saturday, August 21, the super car baron from Columbus, Ohio returned to the winner's circle when he guided his veteran trotter Done Dreamen to a 2:05:2 triumph at the Lake County Fair in Painesville, Ohio.

Hatfield, a bonafide member of the former feuding Hatfields, who tangled relentlessly with the McCoys, sat patiently of the pace while Bob 'Lumberman' Troyer and Candacraigh cut the fractions over the early going. However, Hatfield moved Done Dreamen from fourth position at the three quarters and followed 'Tar Heel Tom' Williams’ first- up move with Double A. When the field headed for paydirt, Done Dreamen rallied and drew off to a two-length victory.

Celebrity Yank, in rein to 'Mighty Milton' Smith, who never moved until the top of the stretch, charged home second best. Double A and Williams faded and finished third.

For Hatfield, a former National Amateur Driver of the Year, it marked his 214th career triumph.

Billings action in the Midwest Region will continue at the Darke Country Fair in Greenville, Ohio on Thursday, August 26, while the Eastern Region action will be at Vernon Downs on Saturday, August 28.

(Billings)