Amateurs are not novices as has been perceived by many sports fans as well as numerous sports writers
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They participate with professionals in many sports including harness racing where amateur driving has consumed a substantial part of the industry especially when one considers the success of C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series and the North American Amateur Driving Association’s local and international trotting events. And add to that equation the vast amount of local amateur clubs that have sprung- up at racetracks throughout North America.
And it’s not unusual that amateur driving clubs in the states often host, or are hosted by, amateur driving clubs in Europe, Australia and New Zealand
On Thursday, the North American Amateur Drivers Association’s trotting Series got underway at Monticello Raceway for the first of three legs and a consolation final that will be raced during the month. Competitions in this series are also slated at Yonkers Raceway where the $12,000 Series Final will be raced.
Talented amateur reinsmen comprised the field of eight and when the dust had settled Joe Faraldo hustled Winning Prince to a gate to wire triumph in a time of 2:03:1. CSI Mrs Lavec , driven by 17-year-old Cory Stratton - Jordan’s younger brother - finished second while Dave Yarock and Patsy B Happy got up for the show dough in the well-contested event.
“I had the best horse but the best driver was right behind me,” a gracious Faraldo said referring to young Cory Stratton who finished second after stalking him the entire mile. “I know that Cory, like his brother Jordan, will be an outstanding driver in time, also.”
Next week Faraldo, along with Mike Strada and Alan Schwartz, will be traveling to northern Italy to compete in a three-country Friendship Competition against the host Italians and the invited Swedes.
“There are many international amateur driving competitions each year and this one will be the first of many,” said Faraldo who is the president of NAADA. “And amateur drivers from clubs all over the world will convene in France later this year to contest the World Cup of Amateur Racing.”
(Monticello Raceway)