by Tom White, publicity director, the Little Brown Jug

Delaware, OH — Dan Noble was the leading driver during last year’s Delaware Grand Circuit with eight victories, but his greatest thrill will come Thursday afternoon when he will guide Doc’s Yankee in the second elimination of the Little Brown Jug.

“That was great, winning the driving title, but it certainly doesn’t compare to getting the chance to drive in the Little Brown Jug,” said Noble. “I’ve known for about a week that I was going to drive Doc’s Yankee. I heard that (trainer) Ron Potter was going to enter Doc’s Yankee, but he didn’t call me until a few days ago. I was getting pretty nervous.”

Dan is a son of noted Ohio harness trainer-driver Sam (Chip) Noble III. He has driven the son of Yankee Cruiser all season. The Delaware-owned gelding has seven firsts, four seconds and one third for earnings of $82,432.

“He’s a very mellow colt, nice to be around and he will do whatever you ask of him. He can race from behind or in front, and he can leave.”

Dan began driving at the age of 12 in matinees and qualifiers and got his USTA license at age 16, also the first year he drove at the Delaware Fair.

Dan said he has not talked to his father about driving in the Jug, but he will before Thursday.

“I’ve always dreamed of driving in the Jug. The race is something special, like the Kentucky Derby for Thoroughbreds. I’ve been here for all 27 years of my life and now I am going to be in a sulky on Jug Day.”