The Indianapolis Star has run an article which profiles horseman Verlin Yoder, who recently captured Yonkers Raceway’s $250,000 International Trot Preview Invitational with Natural Herbie.
The article is written with the angle that Yoder is a ‘classic Indiana underdog story.’ It explains how the horseman came from humble beginnings to defeat some of the biggest racing outfits in the harness racing industry.
In the piece, author Gregg Doyel explains how Yoder was in a bit of awe when he and his four-year-old gelding were invited to contest the $75,000 Vincennes Trot on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, which they ended up winning.
"It's one of those things you always dream of, but when the moment comes you're kind of lost for words," Yoder said. "They call you – 'This is an official invitation' – and you're kind of star-struck."
(With files from the The Indianapolis Star)