Driver Kyle Cummings found the winner's circle for the first time in his fledgling career as he guided Jude Hall to a gate-to-wire victory in a Class D pacing event at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (April 3).
With a mere 36 pari-mutuel starts under his belt, the 18-year-old Cummings has flirted in getting his initial lifetime win this year with three second-place finishes and five shows. But he put it all together in the third race, as nine-year-old gelding Jude Hall ($4.60) scampered to an early lead and showed him the way home for the first time with a length victory in 1:59.2 over a fast track.
Owned and trained by Tammy Cummings, Kyle's mother, it was the first victory of the season for Jude Hall (Southwind Lynx-Jus Chillin).
In the $8,400 Class B event for pacing fillies and mares, Rock My World ($10.60) used a wicked late charge down the stretch and nipped Sportsmuffler by a nose in 1:56.4.
Sitting fourth, Rock My World (Shawn McDonough) didn't seem like a dangerous threat until getting uncorked midway down the lane to nip the surprised Sportsmuffler (Billy Davis Jr.). A :28.3 final panel from Rock My World helped secure the win. Good Lookin Woman (Kevin Cummings) took third-place honours.
Owned by Henry Conradt and trained by Mike Ohol, it was the second victory in eight tries this season for the seven-year-old mare Rock My World (Rock N Roll Heaven-Love The Game). The win upped her season earnings to $10,815 and $184,134 lifetime.
Drivers Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti each doubled on the night.
The first Friday night card of the season takes place this week with an eight-race program slated for 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race replays, results, entries, upcoming promotions and simulcast schedule, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)