The first of 87 live programs, comprising the 10th season of racing at Miami Valley Raceway in southwest Ohio, was greeted with great anticipation and enthusiasm on Monday afternoon (Jan. 2). A total of 11 drivers and 13 trainers reached the winner's circle during the 14-race card on an unseasonably warm day with temperatures in the 50s.
Trainer Billy Farmer notched the lone training double by capturing the first two races of the season. Mild favourites Pedros Dream ($5.40) and Whatutalkinbout ($5.80) combined for a $13.40 daily double. Each of the final 12 races was won by a different trainer with a mix of win mutuel returns from $2.80 to $30.80.
On the driving side, Brett Miller dominated the first day action with a grand slam. His four triumphs came with Whatutalkinbout (1:51.4, $5.80), Savemedasportspage (1:55.1, $2.80), Vroom N Vonnie (1:57.3, $3.20) and JJ Tanner (1:53.4, $6.20). Other drivers with single first day successes were Trevor Smith, Austin Hanners, Ricky Macomber Jr., Tony Hall, Tyler Smith, Brady Galliers, Mitch Cushing, Trace Tetrick, Josh Sutton and Sam Widger. For Cushing, the victory was the 999th of his career as he closes in on the coveted 1,000-win plateau.
The fastest mile of the day was 1:51 by Gamblin Mo (Tetrick) in a $19,000 conditioned claiming pace for non-winners of 10 races. Each of the 10 horses carried a $50,000 claiming tag. Kings Cruiser and Twig completed the trifecta.
Racing will continue on Tuesday afternoon with the track's normal 4 p.m. post time. Live racing will be conducted on a Sunday through Thursday, five-day-a-week schedule through the first Saturday in May.
(Miami Valley Raceway)