The results of the CKG Billings Series trot at Michigan's Jackson Raceway on Sunday, July 8 probably won't go down in the annuals of harness racing history, for it was a non-wagering affair and just another stop along the road in the sport’s inaugural and enduring national amateur driving program.
Although, on second thought, it may be long remembered, as it was the final race contested over Jackson Raceway, which will soon be levelled.
However, it certainly will be remembered by that race’s victorious driver, Patricia ‘The Write Stuff’ Miller. She has been a longtime member of the Midwest region of the Billings Series and her victory with her own veteran trotter, Keep The Cash, left her completely ecstatic.
“It was a most exciting day and win for me,” Miller said, adding that there was a “huge crowd – a full grandstand bidding Jackson farewell.” She went on to say that there was “much joy and some sadness as well” as the books have closed on yet another harness raceway.
“I had the one-hole, so (I) got away well,” she said, adding that she kept the lead until she passed by driver Steve Oldford, who was aboard Mulligan Bi.
“We were well out in front of the others,” she explained, stating that she stayed on Steve's helmet until just before the last turn.
“Remembering what John Campbell says about when to pull on a half-mile track, I pulled out and ‘Cash’ just cruised around Steve and on to victory,” she said.
“The packed grandstand was roaring and it was a huge thrill for me. Cash raced perfectly, so well trained by veteran Michigan trainer and driver, Keith Crawford.”
Oldford finished second and the show money from the $2,000 purse went to My Country Boy, who was driven by ‘Jerry The Jet’ Mihelich.
“Jackson is and was so special for me,” said Miller, who is a native of Michigan. “After driving endless (qualifying races) at different tracks, I drove in the rain, fog, and mud of a Jackson spring day, and was soaked, muddy and dripping. I stomped into the race office and told them it was time, I wanted my license then, and they gave it to me. So that is a special spot in my heart for sure.”
Miller, who is a professional writer by trade, and her husband ‘Buckboard Bob’ Miller, have been longtime owners and drivers and have competed in many amateur series of which the Billings is the granddaddy of them all.
(With files from the Billings Amateur Driving Series)