The Midwest region of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series moved back to harness racing roots on July 24 when five members ventured to the double oval at the Fowlerville Family Fair in Michigan for a trotting contest and when the judges hung the official Steve 'You’re Never Too' Oldford was victorious with The Budster in a time of 2:03.3.
The 12-year-old altered son of Broadway Hall notched his fourth seasonal victory and the 46th of the veteran trotter’s illustrious career.
The Budster pretty much had things his own way after leaving from the two hole. Oldford used the front-end en route to victory over Gespacho and driver “Jerry the Jet” Mihelic while third place went to Truth In Action with Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel at the controls.
It was a reunion of sorts for Oldford and The Budster who are together again after a long hiatus.
“During his three-year old season we (Oldford Racing) had owned The Budster and we won the Old Oaken Bucket with him at Delaware, Ohio that year.,” Oldford related. "He had raced real well for us and we sold him after his three-year-old season.
"Jessica Schroeder, now with the USTA, used to rub The Budster when Pete Foley was training him for us back then. Late last year Jessica called and told me that The Budster was headed to the Amish and since the old guy was so good to us way back when I decided to buy him and race him in the amateur series in Florida this past winter,” Oldford explained “And we even won a few races together at Pompano (Park) earlier this year.”
Oldford was excited to tell The Budster story and even more excited about the way the old fellow trotted to victory Monday night at the Fowlerville Fair.
“Although his recent form hasn’t been real good he was super tonight at Fowlerville. So much so that I may even drive him in some future Billings races,” Oldford said jubilantly.
(C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series)