Friday (May 27) at Northville Downs was rainy as storms dumped a copious amount of liquid sunshine on the Michigan oval in a just a few hours’ time, but that did not stop fans from turning out in droves to catch 11 exciting dashes and to hear, see and meet Hall of Fame announcer ‘The Voice’ Roger Huston.
Huston, 79, took the microphone from the start for the calls of races one through four and sounded phenomenal. Following the finish of race four, Huston was ushered down to the winner’s circle where he was met by Northville Downs track announcer Ken Terpenning, Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association secretary Teresa Marotta, and Northville Downs Operations Manager Mike Carlo who presented Roger with a framed certificate of achievement designating him as ‘Michigan Harness Racing’s Ambassador for the Day’ by the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association and Northville Downs.
Following the presentation, Huston took to the clubhouse where he was met by a multitude of fans already lined up to meet the Hall of Famer, have programs autographed, take photos with the announcer and listen to stories from races past. Several lucky fans won prize drawings for a Roger Huston bobblehead, hardcover and paperback copies of ‘The Voice: The Unparalleled Life of Roger Huston’ by Victoria M. Howard and Northville Downs t-shirts.
With the four races announced on the night by Huston, it marked the 153rd racetrack he has announced at over his 62-year career and it also marked race calls totaling 181,741.
Eyes Dont Lie (Roll With Joe - Michelles Ideal), who is owned, trained and driven by Winter Asher-Stalbaum, went the distance in race seven, the $10,800 Fillies and Mares Open.
Under a confident drive by Asher-Stalbaum, the winner opened up by three lengths going to the half in :56.1 over the rain-soaked track. Eyes Dont Lie managed to stave off a late charge by Skateboard Chic (Marc St. Louis Jr.) in the lane to win by a neck in 1:55.2.
Omyheart (Dontyouforgetit - Peg O My Heart) and driver Skip DeMull captured race nine, the $10,800 Open Trot, for owners Jason Hanna (who also trains) and Kim Haver in 1:59.1 by 3-3/4 lengths.
Getting away fourth behind early pacesetter Empire Earl N (Asher-Stalbaum), DeMull guided his charge to the outside for the first over grind before grabbing command by the three-quarters and drawing away in the stretch. The win marked Omyheart’s 16th career victory in his 30th career start.
Northville Downs continues racing Saturday (May 28) with a first race post time of 7:30 p.m.
(Northville)