Dan Ater is a former driving champ at Scioto Downs, but these days he leaves the driving to his son Kyle, also a Scioto driving champ. But the senior Ater climbed into the sulky on Saturday and showed that he still knows how to find the winner’s circle
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Ater won the night’s Ohio Lottery Race of the Night with Whythehellnot N, a New Zealand-bred seven-year-old stallion trained by Mary Dawson for owner Herman Hageman of Virginia.
Whythehellnot N capitalized on a two-hole trip behind the 27-1 longshot Sunny New Day to score by a half-length in 1:54. Spartan Pride picked up the third place check. Favourite Sammy Storm, who started from the second tier, was parked most of the mile and finished well back in eighth.
It was the third win in nine starts this season for the son of Christian Cullen, who was driven to victory last week at Scioto by Kyle Ater.
Prior to Saturday night’s victorious drive, Dan Ater had only won one race in the past three years as he has concentrated on training his powerful stable. Ater, who celebrated his 57th birthday in late June, drove in three other races on the Saturday program, finishing second once and third in two races. He now has a .347 Udrs in his eight starts this season.
Ater will appear in the Ohio Driving Legends race at Scioto next Saturday, July 16.
(Scioto Downs)