Shine All The Way was crowned champion of the annual Howard Beissinger Memorial Medley on Tuesday (March 15), trotting 1-1/4 miles in 2:24.3 to earn the distinction.
The five-year-old son of Dontyouforgetit got away third behind Shake It Mary and Outofbait, tipped to the outside at the one-mile mark, then pushed a nose in front at the head of stretch. From there, Shine All The Way took control under mild urging from driver Brett Miller and beat a late-closing Riverdancing Diva by 3-1/4 lengths. Shake It Mary hung on for third.
With Tetrick setting moderate uncontested fractions of :28.1, :58 and 1:27.3 there was never a threat to Homicide Hunters’ 2:22.2 World Record, but trainer Victor Gray Sr. was elated nonetheless. “We bought this horse for $18,500 at the Blooded Horse sale in Springfield, Ohio two years ago and he’s done very well for us. He made almost $100,000 in 2021 ($96,331) and has started 2022 with four wins in his first seven starts. I’ve been in the game a long time and this is my biggest win!”
For his part, Brett Miller said “That’s a real nice horse. He did it mostly on his own. Given the right trip, I think he could go with the Open trotters.”
The Beissinger honors the memory of the late Hall Of Fame trainer-driver Howard Beissinger, who was born and maintained a base of operations in nearby Hamilton, Ohio, throughout his illustrious career that included three Hambletonian triumphs.
Miami Valley will race Wednesday (March 16) and Thursday (March 17) with 4:05 p.m. (EDT) post times each day.
(Miami Valley Raceway)