Harness racing's greatest traveling road show, the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series, moved to the Cradle of the Trotter on Saturday afternoon for a trotting contest, and despite the pouring rain the series vice president, Steve “You're Never Too” Oldford, took advantage of a two-hole trip and rallied Santini to a head victory in 2:00.2.
“It was an exciting race and three of us battled all the way to the wire,” Oldford said as he wiped the mud from his face. ”My horse hung tough and we eked out a victory, but it was close.
"A funny thing about this race is that last year I drove a winner for Dave (Russo),” Oldford added.
Tropical Trice (“Mighty Matt” Zuccarello) was next best in the contest, and third place went to Osprey Vision, driven by Billings newcomer and talented trainer, “King David” Russo.
A long-time proponent of amateur racing Oldford notched his 154th driving victory but perhaps more impressive is that Steve will receive the Hall of Fame Amateur Driver of the Year Award tomorrow night, which will be the sixth time he has received that honour.
(CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series)