Ohio horseman Ammon Hershberger won three of the four heats on the Tuesday card held over the fairgrounds oval of this city in the southeastern part of the State, within the four-day meet conducted during the annual State Fair of West Virginia.
Hershberger swept the two $1800 features of the day, one on each gait, including winning for the second straight day with the Royal Palm gelding War Chief, whom he also trains and owns. On Tuesday War Chief made the lead at the quarter and set an even pace en route to his 2:03.3 triumph.
Hershberger’s victory in the featured pace came with the Stand Forever gelding Stand Your Ground, who lived up to his name by setting the pace under pressure and still going on to a 2:02.3 victory for trainer Darrell Moore and owner Katina Mauldin. Hershberger also trains his third sulky success of the day, the Camluck gelding Red Carpet Dude, home first in 2:03.2 for owner Jamie Coffy of Pathian fame.
Trainer Darrell Moore and owner Katina Mauldin also combined for the other winner of the day, the Artiscape gelding Carnoustie. Coming off a 1:55 qualifying victory at Lexington, Carnoustie opened a big lead and coasted home in 2:04.
Communicators Hall of Fame announcer Roger Huston takes over the microphone for the final two days of the SFOWV meet, with five hears scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and then a getaway card Thursday, with free-for-alls on both gait, first going to post at 1 p.m.