Driver Tyler Smith stole the show on Friday (Oct.14) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. Not only did the 29-year-old win multiple races, but his sweetest victory came aboard one his father, Jeff, trains. The father-son duo teamed up to upset in the $24,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace with 11-1 pocket-popper Penpaperpaige.
Protecting position leaving from the inside post, Penpaperpaige rocketed off the gate to ultimately settle into a pocket trip. The five-year-old mare by Pet Rock sat patiently along the pylons while the field reached the opening quarter in :26.4. After relief from the :56.2 half, Penpaperpaige was flushed out heading into the final turn. Despite reaching the three-quarter pole in 1:23.1, the mare cruised across the finish line with ease in 1:51.1. Velocity Lady (Brady Galliers) was second after leading most of the way, with 1-9 favourite Grace Hill (Tony Hall) finishing third.
The victory marked the 18th lifetime win for Penpaperpaige. As a staple contender on any southern Ohio racetrack, the mare has banked more than $530,000 in her career. Jeff Smith conditions Penpaperpaige for owner-breeder Shirley LeVin.
Live harness racing will resume Saturday (Oct. 15) at Dayton Raceway. First post of the 14-race card is 4 p.m.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)