Fan Of Terror cops Dayton Open for 17th win of season

Dayton, OH — Fan Of Terror has been on a tear throughout the 2019 season.  The 7-year-old son of Western Terror won the $17,500 Billy Hamm Memorial Open Pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday (Dec. 14) for his 17th triumph of the year and 27th on-the-board finish in 37 trips to post.

Fan Of Terror wore down I’m A Big Deal to win his 17th of the season Saturday night. Conrad Photo.

Driver John DeLong, leaving from the rail, chose to let even money favorite I’m A Big Deal (Brett Miller) clear to the pylons in front as the field sped through a speedy :26.1 opening quarter.  Getting a pocket ride the rest of the way, DeLong and Fan Of Terror were boxed in through the middle two quarters as third choice My Hero Ron (Mike Oosting) was parked out and pressing the leader at the :54.1 and 1:22 half-mile and three-quarter-mile stations.

Finding clearance midway down the stretch, Fan Of Terror ground down I’m A Big Deal in the final strides to notch a ‘head’ decision in 1:50.4.  Dispatched at 5-2 odds upon his return to the Open ranks after winning two top-level condition events, Fan Of Terror has now earned $210,955 on the year racing exclusively in overnight races in Ohio and Indiana.

Trained for the past seven months by the brother combo of Ricky and Peter Redder, following brief successful stops in numerous stables early in the year as a top-level claimer, owner Therl Hensley could never have imagined the ride he was about to embark on when he plucked him out of a race at Miami Valley for $30,000 in April.

The race honored the memory of popular local horseman Billy Hamm, who passed away recently, following a lengthy career as a caretaker and second trainer for numerous stables at or near old Lebanon Raceway.  Family and friends of Hamm gathered in the winner’s circle to present the commemorative blanket to Fan Of Terror and his connections.

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